What role did St. Jerome play in the development of biblical texts?

St. Jerome is primarily known for his significant contribution to biblical texts through his translation of the Bible into Latin, an endeavor that culminated in the Vulgate. This translation became one of the most influential and widely used versions of the Bible in the Western Christian church. Jerome undertook this work in the late 4th century, translating the Scriptures from Hebrew and Greek into Latin in order to make the texts accessible to a broader audience, particularly since Latin was the vernacular language of many Christians at that time.

His translation efforts were notable for their rigor and scholarly approach, which included consultations with Hebrew texts and a deep understanding of the original languages. The Vulgate ultimately played a crucial role in shaping Christian doctrine and has influenced countless translations and interpretations of the Bible since its completion. Jerome's work established a standard for biblical scholarship and translation that resonated throughout the Middle Ages and beyond.

The other options refer to various aspects of Jerome's life and work but do not capture his most recognized achievement. His authorship of theological texts and role as a church historian, while significant, do not have the same lasting impact as his translation work. The notion of compiling the first complete Christian Bible is also misleading, as there were earlier compilations of Christian texts