G. Ernest Wright

George Ernest Wright (September 5, 1909 – August 29, 1974), was a leading Old Testament scholar and biblical archaeologist. An expert in Ancient Near Eastern archaeology, he was especially known for his work in the study and dating of pottery. He was associated with the biblical theology movement.

Biography He was born on September 5, 1909, in Ohio, son of a Presbyterian minister. He received his B.A. from the College of Wooster (Ohio) and his Bachelor of Divinity from McCormick Theological Seminary in 1934. The same year he was ordained in the Presbyterian church.

He studied with William Foxwell Albright at Johns Hopkins University, where he received his M.A. (1936) and PhD. (1937). He taught Old Testament History and Theology at McCormick Seminary from 1939 to 1958. He joined the faculty of Harvard Divinity School in 1958, where he was Parkman Professor and the Curator of the Semitic Museum (the latter beginning in 1961) until his death from a heart attack on August 29, 1974.

Legacy Professor Wright published numerous monographs and articles on subjects ranging from biblical theology to Palestinian archaeology. He was also the founder of the periodical The Biblical Archaeologist, a magazine now known as Near Eastern Archaeology. He was a staunch defender of the relevance of Old Testament study to the Christian faith.

Archaeological expeditions During his teaching career, professor Wright directed three archaeological expeditions: (1956–1974) Drew-McCormick Archaeological Expedition to Shechem; (1964–1965) Hebrew Union College Biblical and Archaeological School Expedition at Gezer; (1971–1974) Joint American Expedition to Idalion, Cyprus (1971–1974).