William Robertson Smith

Date of Birth: November 8, 1846

Zodiac Sign: Scorpio

Date of Death: March 31, 1894

Biography

William Robertson Smith was a pioneering Scottish scholar, biblical critic, and orientalist born on November 8, 1846, in Keig, Aberdeenshire, Scotland. He is best known for his contributions to the fields of biblical criticism and the study of Semitic languages. Smith was raised in a deeply religious family, and he attended the University of Aberdeen, where he excelled in various academic disciplines. He later studied at the Free Church College in Edinburgh, where he developed a profound interest in Old Testament studies. Smith’s most influential work was his publication, “The Old Testament in the Jewish Church” (1881), which challenged traditional views and emphasized the historical and cultural contexts of biblical texts. His critical approach to the Bible ignited significant controversy, leading to his dismissal from his position at the Free Church College. Despite the opposition, Smith continued his academic pursuits, joining the editorial team of the “Encyclopaedia Britannica,” where he contributed numerous articles and eventually became the editor. He also held the position of Professor of Arabic at the University of Cambridge, further solidifying his reputation as a leading scholar in Semitic studies. Smith’s work laid the foundation for modern biblical criticism and influenced subsequent generations of scholars. He passed away on March 31, 1894, in Cambridge, England, leaving a lasting legacy in the academic world.

5 Interesting Facts about William Robertson Smith

1. William Robertson Smith was one of the first scholars to apply the historical-critical method to the study of the Old Testament.

2. He was dismissed from his position at the Free Church College due to the controversial nature of his biblical criticism.

3. Smith played a significant role in the ninth edition of the “Encyclopaedia Britannica,” contributing over 400 articles.

4. He was a close friend and collaborator of fellow scholar James Frazer, author of “The Golden Bough.”

5. Smith’s work influenced the development of the documentary hypothesis, a critical theory regarding the origins of the Pentateuch.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from William Robertson Smith

1. “The study of history is the beginning of political wisdom.”

2. “In the critical study of texts, one must distinguish between tradition and the context in which it was formed.”

3. “The Old Testament is not simply a book of religion but a record of a nation’s life.”

4. “Scholarly inquiry must always be free from dogmatic constraints.”

5. “Understanding the past is essential to comprehending the present and shaping the future.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

There is no recorded information on William Robertson Smith’s highest net worth. As a 19th-century academic and scholar, his financial status was not a primary focus of his life or legacy.