Accipies virginem cum timore Domini (Tob 6:22 Vg)

Jerome’s Translation Technique and Ascetic Ideals in the Vulgate of Tobit

Abstract

The Vulgate of Tobit constitutes a singular version of the Tobit story. In it, we find special material (Sondergute) whose ideas reveal notable Christian colorfulness. Among them stands out the so called “Tobiah’s Nights” (Tob 6:16-22 Vg), pericope that concludes in the Vg Tob 6 and in which the angel offers peculiar instructions to Tobiah about how to vanquish the demon. The present study focuses on Tob 6:22 Vg, verse that concludes the “Tobiah’s Nights,” and that appears exemplary of Jerome’s ascetic ideals expressed elsewhere in his writings, particularly in his letters.