About John Dobie
Lived 1859 – 1894 (aged 34–35). John Dobie was a linguist.
John Dobie (1859–1892) was a Church of Scotland minister skilled in Hebrew and closely associated with India. A polyglot he could speak English, French, German, Persian, Hebrew, Hindustani and Arabic. His career was cut short when he was killed in a railway accident.
Life
Dobie was born in Musselburgh on 10 January 1859 the son of William Dobie, minister of Ladykirk. He studied at the University of Edinburgh graduating with an MA in 1878, then doing further studies in divinity graduating with a BD in 1882. He was licensed to preach as a Church of Scotland minister by the Presbytery of Chirnside.
His first role was as assistant at Park Church, Glasgow. He became Secretary to the Committee on Christian Life and Work. He then took a year off to do "oriental research" in Paris and Leipzig (this appears to have focussed upon India).
Memorials
A stained glass window was erected to his memory in Ladykirk church.
Publications His translation of the New Testament into Ethiopic remains with the University of Edinburgh.
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Important facts
People in John Dobie's life
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Contemporaries
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Frequently asked questions
Who was John Dobie?
Church of Scotland minister skilled in Hebrew
When was John Dobie born?
John Dobie was born in 1859.
When did John Dobie die?
John Dobie died in 1894.
What was John Dobie's occupation?
John Dobie was a linguist.
Sources & further reading
· DBpedia: John Dobie (linguist)
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). John Dobie. https://biography.guide/john-dobie-linguist/
MLA: "John Dobie." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/john-dobie-linguist/.
Chicago: "John Dobie." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/john-dobie-linguist/.
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