Benjamin G. Wright III

Benjamin G. Wright III serves as University Distinguished Professor in the Department of Religion Studies at Lehigh University in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. His academic career focuses on ancient Jewish literature and early Christian origins, with particular expertise in the Septuagint and Wisdom literature.

His educational background includes:

• M.Div. from Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary
• Ph.D. in Christian Origins from the University of Pennsylvania

Wright's research centers on Hellenistic Jewish literature, particularly the Letter of Aristeas and the Wisdom of Ben Sira. His scholarly approach combines textual analysis with historical context to explore how Jewish communities interacted with Greek culture during the Hellenistic period. He has made significant contributions to understanding the relationship between Hebrew and Greek versions of biblical texts, examining translation techniques and theological adaptations.

His recent publications demonstrate a consistent focus on the Letter of Aristeas and Ben Sira, revealing patterns in how Jewish wisdom literature was transmitted and transformed in the Greek-speaking world. His work often examines the intersection of Jewish religious thought with Hellenistic rhetorical traditions, highlighting how ancient Jewish authors engaged with Greek literary forms while maintaining distinct theological perspectives.

Wright currently serves as editor for major translation projects and is completing a commentary on the Wisdom of Ben Sira, continuing his decades-long engagement with this important wisdom text. His editorial work on A New English Translation of the Septuagint represents a significant contribution to the field, providing scholars with an authoritative English version of these critical ancient texts.