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Bible Commentaries
Alford's Greek Testament Critical Exegetical Commentary Alford's Greek Testament Commentary
Old Testament
Henry Alford
Henry Alford (1810-1871) was a distinguished English clergyman, theologian, and scholar, best remembered for his monumental work, "The Greek Testament." This comprehensive commentary on the New Testament, notable for its exhaustive philological analysis and insightful interpretation of the Greek text, established Alford as a formidable figure in biblical scholarship and a key contributor to nineteenth-century theological studies.
Born in London, Alford demonstrated an early proclivity for languages and scholarly pursuits. His education at Trinity College, Cambridge, honed his talents, leading to a remarkable academic and ecclesiastical career. Alford's intellectual journey was marked by a voracious appetite for knowledge, spanning various disciplines from poetry to theology, which enriched his subsequent writings and sermons.
Alford's tenure as the Dean of Canterbury from 1857 until his death in 1871 was a period of prolific output and theological inquiry. His "The Greek Testament" is a testament to his belief in the importance of understanding Scripture in its original language to grasp its fullest meaning. Alford's commentary was groundbreaking, offering critical notes, grammatical insights, and theological reflection that have influenced New Testament scholarship to this day.
Beyond his scholarly achievements, Alford was also known for his hymnody, contributing several hymns that remain in use. His literary and poetic talents were another avenue through which he expressed his deep faith and theological reflections.
Alford's legacy is that of a renaissance man in the realm of ecclesiastical scholarship-a scholar who combined meticulous academic rigor with a pastor's heart. His work transcends time, continuing to offer valuable insights to theologians, pastors, and lay readers alike, seeking to deepen their understanding of the New Testament. Through his writings, Henry Alford remains a guiding light in the exploration of biblical texts, embodying the synthesis of faith and intellect.
