View source for Bibliography:EBC Bibliography 0704

{{EBC Bibliography entries
|Name(s)=Igriczi-Nagy, Margarita
|Title=The commentary of Saint Robert Bellarmine on Psalm 118 in the Explantio in Psalmos
|Year=2007
|Language=eng
|Bibliographic level=Dissertation or thesis
|Catalogue description=http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1187111033
}}
=== Abstract<ref>From the university repository.</ref>===
This thesis examines the commentary of Saint Robert Bellarmine on Psalm 118 in his work, the Explanatio in psalmos, a commentary on the 150 psalms of the Psalter written in Latin. Psalm 118 is the longest psalm consisting of 176 verses, organised into 22 strophes, with eight verses per strophe. The law of God is the subject of this acrostic psalm. The examination is focused on the manner in which Saint Robert Bellarmine delivers his message, in terms of structure, style, language, and the use of sources. In looking at the structural aspects, the relative length of the commentary for the strophes, and the nature of subtitles are scrutinised. In stylistic considerations the overall features and the uses of stylistic devices are examined. In the use of sources we look at how, where, and why Saint Robert Bellarmine uses scriptural quotations, cites other authors, and discusses the Greek and Hebrew equivalents of selected phrases. All instances of use of sources and stylistic devices are listed and commented upon. Comparisons also are made with the methodology of other authors commenting on Psalm 118, namely Saint Augustine, most frequently cited by Saint Robert Bellarmine and Saint Jerome, the author of Gallican Psalter. References are made to the commentary of Callan, a twentieth-century author. To promote better understanding of this work, related matters, such as biographical details about Saint Robert Bellarmine, Saint Augustine and Saint Jerome is also given as well a presentation in the Psalter, its theme, language and liturgical importance. The conclusion focuses on the identity of intended audience and the benefits of studying good Latin texts. Besides greatly benefiting priests and religious who use the Psalter in their daily payers, the intended audience includes Protestants as well, since Saint Robert Bellarmine demonstrates makes such frequent use of Saint Augustine, who is greatly respected by Protestants. Recommendations are made for promoting Latin literacy and methods of commenting on Latin texts are suggested, which would promote this aim.