Henry Martyn

Date of Birth: February 18, 1781

Zodiac Sign: Aquarius

Date of Death: October 16, 1812

Biography

Henry Martyn was a prominent British clergyman and missionary born on February 18, 1781, in Truro, Cornwall, England. He is best known for his missionary work in India and Persia (modern-day Iran), where he devoted himself to translating the New Testament into local languages. Martyn was deeply influenced by his mentor, Charles Simeon, during his time at St John’s College, Cambridge, where he excelled in mathematics and classics. Ordained as a deacon in 1803 and a priest in 1804, Martyn initially served as a curate but soon felt a calling to missionary work. In 1805, he sailed to India under the auspices of the East India Company, where he served as a chaplain. Despite facing significant health challenges and cultural barriers, Martyn made substantial contributions to Christian literature in India, including translations of the New Testament into Hindi and Persian. Martyn’s health deteriorated due to the harsh climates and demanding nature of his work. He left India to seek recovery in Persia, where he continued his translation efforts. Unfortunately, his health never fully recovered, and he died on October 16, 1812, in Tokat, Ottoman Empire (modern-day Turkey), while traveling back to England.

5 Interesting Facts about Henry Martyn

1. Henry Martyn translated the New Testament into Hindi, Persian, and Arabic.

2. He was awarded the Senior Wrangler title, the highest honor in mathematics at Cambridge University, in 1801.

3. Martyn’s journals and letters, published posthumously, have inspired generations of missionaries.

4. He was deeply influenced by the evangelical movement, particularly by Charles Simeon.

5. Martyn’s translation work laid the foundation for future Bible translations in South Asia and the Middle East.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Henry Martyn

1. “Let me burn out for God.”

2. “The spirit of Christ is the spirit of missions. The nearer we get to Him, the more intensely missionary we become.”

3. “I am borne along by an irresistible tide toward an ocean of infinite magnitude.”

4. “Now let me burn out for God.”

5. “I could not endure existence if Jesus was not glorified; it would be hell to me if He were always to be thus dishonored.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Henry Martyn did not accumulate significant wealth during his lifetime. His highest net worth is unknown, but it is believed to have been modest, as he devoted his life to missionary work and translation projects rather than financial gain.