On the Reception History of the Various Textual Forms of Psalm 22 (Vg 21)

Abstract

The Vulgate Psalms in the Psalterium Gallicanum (the version translated by Jerome from Origen’s Hexapla between 386 and 390) had an inestimable influence on the spirituality and theology of the Latin Church from late antiquity to the twentieth century. Shortly later, Jerome translated the Psalms from Hebrew into Latin in order to be able to engage more effectively in theological and spiritual dialogue with contemporary Jewish scholars. The same psalms in their Hebrew version have had a lasting influence on Jewish spirituality, liturgy and theology. Using Psalm 22 (Vg 21) as an example, this article presents the spiritual dynamics and overall theological reception history of the same psalm in Jewish and Christian contexts. In doing so, it brings into sharp focus the importance of textual development and textual tradition for understanding the psalm’s theology and spirituality. Psalm 22 (21) is particularly well suited for such an approach as it continues to play an important role in Jewish and Christian worship to this day.