Dei Verbum

Dogmatic Constitution on Divine Revelation

Second Vatican Council; solemnly promulgated by St. Paul VI1965-11-18Current

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Overview

Explains how God reveals himself, how Revelation is handed on through Scripture and Tradition, and how the Church receives and interprets the inspired word of God.

Why This Document Matters

It supplies the basic Catholic framework for understanding the Bible, Apostolic Tradition, inspiration, interpretation, and the teaching office of the Church.

Historical Context

Promulgated during the final session of the Second Vatican Council after extensive conciliar debate about revelation and biblical renewal.

Authority and Status

Genre: Ecumenical Council Constitution
Authority class: Ecumenical council dogmatic constitution
Juridical force: Doctrinal and pastoral
Current status: Current
Promulgated: 1965-11-18

A dogmatic constitution of an ecumenical council, solemnly promulgated by the pope. Its individual propositions must be read according to their wording, subject, and the Church's wider teaching.

Key Points

Divine RevelationScriptureTraditionMagisterium

Major Themes

Divine RevelationScriptureTraditionMagisteriumInspiration

Related CatholicG33k Resources

Official Text

Dei Verbum

The official document text is hosted by the Holy See. CatholicG33k provides contextual and educational material but does not reproduce the complete Vatican text here.

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