Johann Ernst Gerhard

Johann Ernst Gerhard (15 December 1621 - 24 February 1668) was a German Lutheran theologian. There are suggestions, however, that his greater scholarly passion lay in Oriental studies.

Latin language sources identify him as Joannes Ernestus Gerhardus (or Gerhardus, Joannes Ernestus). Gerhard, for his update, built not merely on the Hebrew section, but added a further four parallel columns incorporating equivalent information for Aramaic, Syriac, Arabic, and Ge’ez grammar. Gerhard also took his share of administrative responsibilities. Between 1555 and 1931 Jena University rotated its senior administrative function twice a year. Gerhard served as University Rector during the winter semester of 1661 and again during the winter semester of 1667.

Johann Ernst Gerhard died of a high fever on 14 February 1668. Children of this marriage are known to have included:

Johann Friedrich Gerhard (1654-1705) Sophie Elisabeth Gerhard Maria Elisabeth Gerhard (1659-1722) who married Johann Adrian Slevogt in 1682 Johann Ernst Gerhard (1662-1707)

Published output (selection)

Harmonia linguarum orientalium, scil. Chaldaicae, Syriacae, Arabicae, Aethiopicae cum Ebraica, Jena 1647. Isagogne Epitome Confessionis Catholicae, Jena 1661. Sylloge decadum theologicarum, Jena 1654