Glossa Ordinaria: The Formation of the Standard Biblical Exegetical Tradition in Medieval Theology

Year 2025, Volume: 22 Issue: 1, 55 - 74, 30.06.2025

Yasin Güzeldal

https://doi.org/10.17131/milel.1653181

Abstract

The Glossa Ordinaria is regarded as one of the most significant biblical commentaries of the medieval Christian world. Developed in the 12th century, this work played a central role in both monastic education and scholastic theology by compiling exegetical traditions derived from patristic authorities. This study examines the historical development, structural features, sources, and theological authority of the Glossa Ordinaria. In particular, it explores the role of the Cistercian Order in the dissemination of the text and its use in biblical education at medieval universities. Furthermore, it addresses the critiques of the Glossa Ordinaria during the Reformation and its relevance in modern academic research. Beyond being a mere exegetical tradition, the Glossa Ordinaria serves as a fundamental resource for understanding the development of medieval theological thought. However, the absence of a critical edition presents significant challenges for scholarly engagement with the text. In this context, this study underscores the theological and historical significance of the Glossa Ordinaria, discussing both the opportunities and limitations it presents for contemporary research.

Keywords

Christianity , Glossa Ordinaria , Medieval Theology , Biblical Exegesis , Cistercians.

Glossa Ordinaria: Orta Çağ İlahiyatında Standart Kutsal Kitap Tefsir Geleneğinin Oluşumu

Abstract

Glossa Ordinaria, Orta Çağ Hristiyan dünyasında Kutsal Kitap’ın yorumlanmasında kullanılan en önemli şerhlerden biri olarak kabul edilmektedir. 12. yüzyılda şekillenen bu eser, patristik otoritelerden derlenen yorumları bir araya getirerek hem manastır eğitiminde hem de skolastik teoloji içinde merkezi bir rol oynamıştır. Bu çalışma, Glossa Ordinaria’nın tarihsel gelişimini, yapısal özelliklerini, kaynaklarını ve teolojik otoritesini incelemektedir. Özellikle Sistersiyen Tarikatı’nın eserin yayılmasındaki etkisi ve üniversitelerde Kutsal Kitap eğitimi alanındaki kullanımı ele alınmaktadır. Ayrıca, Reform hareketi sırasında esere yönelik eleştiriler ve modern akademik çalışmalardaki yeri de değerlendirilmiştir. Glossa Ordinaria, yalnızca bir tefsir geleneği olarak değil, aynı zamanda Orta Çağ ilahiyat düşüncesinin gelişimini anlamak açısından da temel bir kaynak niteliği taşımaktadır. Ancak, eleştirel bir baskısının eksikliği, metnin akademik araştırmalar açısından bazı zorluklar barındırmasına neden olmaktadır. Bu bağlamda çalışma, Glossa Ordinaria’nın teolojik ve tarihsel önemini vurgulayarak, modern araştırmalar açısından sunduğu imkânlar ve karşılaşılan sınırlamaları tartışmaktadır.

Keywords

Hıristiyanlık , Glossa Ordinaria , Orta Çağ Teolojisi , Kutsal Kitap Şerhi , Sistersiyenler.

Ethical Statement

Bu çalışmanın hazırlanma sürecinde etik ilkelere uyulmuştur. / Ethical principles were followed during the preparation of this study.

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