Greek-Latin Synthesis in the Exegesis of Saint Jerome: The Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard (Mt. 20:1–16) as a Model of Patristic Reception

This article examines the exegetical method of St. Jerome of Stridon through his interpretation of the Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard (Mt. 20:1–16) from his Commentary on the Gospel of Matthew (398 AD) as a paradigmatic model of patristic reception. The study analyzes a two-level hermeneutical scheme: tropological interpretation (correlating the “hours” with ages of human life) and historical-typological interpretation (periodization of sacred history from Adam to the apostles). Through detailed comparison of parallel texts, the creative transformation of Origen’s Alexandrian exegesis and its synthesis with the Latin tradition (Fortunatianus of Aquileia, St. Hilary of Poitiers, St. Ambrose of Milan) is demonstrated. Special attention is given to the opposition between works of the Law and evangelical grace, the theme of envy ( invidia ), and the interpretation of the denarius as the restoration of the image of God. The influence of St. Jerome’s commentary on subsequent Western tradition is traced through analysis of its reception by St. Augustine, St. Gregory the Great, and Carolingian exegetes (Rabanus Maurus, Paschasius Radbertus, Christian of Stavelot). Three models of patristic heritage assimilation are identified: compilative-didactic, creative-transformative, and adaptive-pastoral. The study demonstrates that St. Jerome’s exegetical synthesis became the “authoritative paradigm” of Western biblical studies, defining the hermeneutical tradition for centuries to come.

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