«DIVINO AFFLANTE SPIRITU». — Encyclical of Pius XII, dated 30 Sept. 1943 (AAS, 35 [1943], pp. 297-325), on the most opportune manner of promoting biblical studies; an issue always diligently followed, promoted, and defended by the Church throughout the centuries against errors and exaggerations, since Holy Scripture is one of the two sources of Revelation and contains the divine Word with the charism of inspiration and the consequent inerrancy.
In the first part, the encyclical, taking its starting point from *Providentissimus Deus* of Leo XIII, dated 18 Nov. 1893 (Acta Leonis XIII, 13 [1893], pp. 326-64), offers a rapid overview of the salutary effects that ensued and which are manifested in the manifold further institutions and provisions by the popes; in the various initiatives that arose to spread ever more widely among the faithful the reading of the Bible, especially the Gospels; in the numerous scriptural publications that appeared everywhere; in the establishment of “biblical courses,” “biblical weeks,” etc.
Yet since much remains to be done and further progress is possible for the solution of problems either new or not yet fully resolved, the encyclical, in its second part, outlines a program of scientific work converging on ever deeper and more precise study of the original texts. For this, the following is required: deeper study of ancient languages; textual criticism exercised with logical rigor; perfect interpretation of meaning, determining both the literal sense and the theological doctrine contained therein; exact use of the exegetical works of the Holy Fathers and ecclesiastical writers; broad knowledge of profane literature, which can facilitate hermeneutics. In addition, precautionary norms are given regarding the question of literary genres; and words of lively exhortation are addressed to the reading and explanation of the word of God, well prepared and firmly grounded, among