Skip to main content

Secondary sourceBook

Regula cum commentariis

Benedict of Nursia (attributed), with later commentators

A Latin edition of Benedict's Rule for monastic life, printed together with later commentaries explaining its meaning.

This is the Rule traditionally written by Benedict for monastic life, shown here together with later scholarly commentary.

Ask Saint Benedict about this sourceView the original(opens in new tab)
Full text (Wikisource)

About this source

What it is

This is a Latin text of the Regula, or Rule, traditionally attributed to Benedict of Nursia, printed alongside later commentaries that explain and interpret it. It appears in the Patrologia Latina, a major collection of early Christian and medieval Latin writings edited by J. P. Migne. The Rule's opening Prologue calls on the reader to listen to the teachings of a spiritual master and return to obedience.

Why it matters

The Rule is the foundational document of Western monasticism, setting out how monks should live, pray, and work together in community. Because this edition includes later commentaries, it also shows how generations of monks and scholars after Benedict studied, debated, and applied his instructions to their own times. It helps students see that influential texts are not frozen in time but are reinterpreted across centuries.

Look closer

  • What tone does the opening Prologue use when addressing the reader?
  • Why might later commentators have felt the need to explain or expand on the original Rule?
  • What values about obedience and community does the text's language suggest?

This book is part of the curated material that grounds the AI version of Saint Benedict on Humy.ai — when students ask about related events, the AI can quote it and cite it.

More Saint Benedict sources

Meet the AI Saint Benedict →
Open pages of a medieval Latin manuscript on aged parchment, with handwritten black text in columns, red initials and rubrics, and a large decorated illuminated initial on the left page. The text appears to be a copy of a monastic rule.Book

Primary source

Rule of Saint Benedict

Benedict of Nursia · c. 600

A large monastery complex with a central dome and bell tower sits on top of a wooded hill under a clear blue sky. Dense green trees cover the hillside below the long pale building.Artifact

Secondary source

Monte Cassino

founded c. 529/530

Detail of a faded fresco showing a hooded, bald monk in a cream-colored robe seated at a white-draped table, holding a small cup. To the left, a woman in a blue blouse and orange skirt pours from a jug. Behind the table, a young man in green holds a tray, and another figure stands in a dark red robe. At the right edge, an older seated man in a light robe is partly visible.Painting

Secondary source

Fresco Cycle of the Life of St Benedict at Monte Oliveto Maggiore

Luca Signorelli and Sodoma · 1497-1505 (fresco cycle); abbey founded 1313

A dim, orange-lit chamber shows a large metal reliquary chest with three decorative hinged straps and studded ornamental fittings, set on a stone plinth. A brass plaque reads 'RELIQUES DE SAINT BENOIT 480-547'.Artifact

Secondary source

Reliquary of Saint Benedict at Fleury

A large, wrinkled parchment spread out on a dark background, with faded reddish and brown ink lines forming architectural plans of buildings, rooms, and circular features. Some handwritten text is visible at the lower left edge.Artifact

Secondary source

Plan of Saint Gall

c. 820-830

Ready when you are

Start chatting with Saint Benedict now.

20 messages free · No credit card · Available in 50+ languages.

Trial Humy for freeGet a quote for institutions