Wilhelm Gesenius
Wilhelm Gesenius was a German orientalist and biblical scholar born on February 3, 1786, in Nordhausen, Germany. He is best known for his work in Hebrew lexicography and grammar, which has had a lasting impact on the study of the Hebrew Bible and Semitic languages. Gesenius served as a professor at the University of Halle, where he dedicated his career to the academic study of ancient languages.
Throughout his career, Gesenius published numerous influential works, including his Hebrew Grammar and Hebrew Lexicon. His grammar book, originally published in German, has been translated into multiple languages and remains a fundamental resource in biblical language studies. The lexicon, similarly, has been a critical tool for scholars and students alike, providing detailed definitions and analyses of Hebrew words.
Gesenius passed away on October 23, 1842, in Halle, Germany. Despite his death nearly two centuries ago, his contributions to Hebrew studies continue to be revered and utilized in theological and linguistic education around the world. His methodologies and scholarly works have set a foundation that subsequent generations of scholars have built upon, maintaining his legacy as a pivotal figure in the study of the Hebrew language and Semitic linguistics.