Postillae perpetuae in universam S. Scripturam

work by Nicholas of Lyra

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July 1, 2026

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Postillae perpetuae in universam S. Scripturam was a monumental 50-volume commentary on the entire Bible written by Nicholas of Lyra, a Franciscan theologian and exegete of the Middle Ages. This work became a leading manual for biblical interpretation. Its significance lies in its emphasis on a literal understanding of scripture, moving away from purely mystical or allegorical readings. Nicholas of Lyra's approach to exegesis, focusing on the literal sense as the basis for proof, was highly influential and is noted to have impacted Martin Luther.12

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Nicholas Of Lyra
…work is his monumental 50-volume Postillae perpetuae in universam S. Scripturam (“Commentary Notes to the Universal Holy Scripture”), a commentary on the whole Bible that became a leading manual of exegesis. The importance of the Postillae lies in its emphasis on a literal, rather than a mystical or an allegorical,…
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…work is his monumental 50-volume Postillae perpetuae in universam S. Scripturam (“Commentary Notes to the Universal Holy Scripture”), a commentary on the whole Bible that became a leading manual of exegesis. The importance of the Postillae lies in its emphasis on a literal, rather than a mystical or an allegorical,…
Read More