It is necessary for the Hebrews who understand the Sacred Books not to adhere strictly to their literal meaning, but to take into consideration the prophesies contained therein, which announce the coming of Jesus Christ, the Saviour of the human race. As, however, they, by adopting incorrect interpretations of the Scriptures, have, up to this time, wandered from the true faith, and adduce arguments in their favor, We shall not permit this controversy to continue any longer without being settled. For the reason that they have frequently stated that, being only acquainted with the Hebrew language, they wish to make use of it in the Sacred Books but have not deemed it advisable to translate them into Greek, and, on this account, they have, for a long time, been greatly embarrassed, We have decided that it will be better to permit them to read them, not only in Greek, but in any other language which will make them better understood by the hearers, because of its being more familiar to them.

  Therefore We order that the Hebrews (no matter in what Hebrew district they may be) shall be permitted to read the Sacred Books in Greek, or in the language of the country, before the persons assembled in their synagogues (that is to say, Latin), or in any other language — provided that it is not a different one from that spoken in the place — in order that the reading of the said Books may be understood by all who are present, and that the latter may continue to live in accordance with their precepts. We do not, however, allow the Hebrew translators to corrupt the text, and conceal their fraud because of the ignorance of many persons. Those who read the Sacred Writings in Greek shall make use of the Septuagint, which is considered the most correct, and the best; as the authors, although separated from one another and residing in different localities, nevertheless, all agreed in the version which they made. And, indeed, who would not be surprised to learn that these men, having lived a long time before the beneficent appearance of Our Lord Jesus Christ, predicted the events mentioned in the Sacred Books, just as if they had been witnesses of them, and had been enlightened by the grace of prophesy? Without intending to exclude the other versions, We also permit the Hebrews to make use of that of Aquilea, even though it is foreign, and does not in some points agree with the Septuagint. We, however, absolutely forbid the use of the one which the Hebrews call the second edition, for it does not form a part of the Sacred Books, it was not handed down to Us by the prophets, and is an invention devised by men who only speak of earthly things, and who had in them nothing that was divine. The Hebrews, then, shall read the sacred words; they must reject the versions that have not been approved, and not discard those which are genuine to make use of foreign translations, transmitted orally, and devised for the perdition of weak persons. But, in order that those who translate Greek or other languages may not, in any way, be inconvenienced on account of the power which We grant them, and which no one whosoever shall prevent them from exercising, We forbid those whom the Hebrews call great archipheretitas, or priests or masters, to prevent perinoei or anathematismi from translating the Sacred Writings, unless the former should desire to undergo corporeal penalties, and, in addition, lose their property, for We order and desire what is best and most pleasing to God.

  If, indeed, any persons should presume to have atheistic writings in their possession, or should deny the Resurrection, the Last Judgment, or the birth of God, or should say that angels are creatures, We order that they shall be expelled from every part of the Empire, that they shall be deprived of the power of blasphemy, and that the punishment of death shall remove such false doctrines from the Jewish Nation which does not acknowledge the true God.

  We, however, beseech all who hear the Sacred Books in either Greek or Hebrew to make allowance for the evil disposition of the translators, and not only consider the literal sense of the terms, but also adopt the Divine meaning; so that those who sometimes accept errors, and sin in matters which are most important (We mean with reference to hope in God) may be instructed in the true Faith, and live in peace. For this reason, We permit the Hebrews to make use of all languages for the reading of the Sacred Books, so that in the future they may become familiar with the precepts contained therein, and make more rapid progress in better things.

  Therefore Your Glory, as well as the persons attached to Your court, will see that the matters which it has pleased Us to decree by the present law are observed. The magistrate appointed by you will cause the said law to be executed, and will not permit the Hebrews to violate any of its provisions; he will inflict corporeal penalties upon those who attempt to violate it, and will send them into exile, and deprive them of their property, in order to prevent them from audaciously rising up against God and the Empire; and he must also despatch orders to the Governors of provinces, directing them to execute Our law, and the said Governors, after having had it communicated to them, shall themselves publish it in every city; and they are hereby notified that it must be observed by those who do not desire to suffer the effects of Our indignation.