Geert W. Lorein

Prof. Dr. Geert W. Lorein is a Professor of Old Testament at the Evangelical Theological Faculty Leuven (ETF Leuven) since 2012, having previously served as Associate Professor (2005-2012), Assistant Professor (2004-2005), and Lecturer (2003-2004) at the same institution. He also teaches Latin at Atheneum D'Hek in Landen since 2022. His academic career spans several decades with significant contributions to Old Testament studies, particularly in the areas of Ezra-Nehemiah, the Intertestamental period, and Targum studies.

His educational background includes:

• 1997: Doctorate in Theology (Dr. theol. / Ph.D.), Rijksuniversiteit Groningen
• 1986-1988: Certificates in Avestan and Akkadian I, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven
• 1985-1986: Diplôme d'études approfondies (DEA), Faculté Libre de Théologie Evangélique, Vaux-sur-Seine
• 1983-1985: Aggregation in Protestant Religious Education, Bijbelinstituut-België Heverlee
• 1982-1983: Candidacy in Biblical Philology, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven
• 1977-1982: Candidacy, License, and Aggregation in Classical Philology, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven

Prof. Lorein's research focuses on Old Testament studies, with particular expertise in the Intertestamental period, Ezra-Nehemiah, Targum literature, and Biblical interpretation history. His scholarly work demonstrates a strong interest in how biblical texts were understood across different historical periods, especially examining the theological developments between the Old and New Testaments. He has made significant contributions to understanding the Antichrist theme in intertestamental literature and has engaged deeply with the historical context of post-exilic Jewish communities.

His recent publications show a consistent focus on Old Testament interpretation, with increasing attention to the relationship between biblical texts and their historical contexts. Lorein has produced substantial commentary work, particularly on Ezra-Nehemiah, and has explored how early interpreters understood the relationship between believers and society. His scholarship bridges traditional biblical studies with contemporary applications, examining issues like religious freedom, church-state relations, and the role of religious education in modern society.

Prof. Lorein serves as editor-in-chief of "De Brug," a commentary series on the Old Testament, since 2001. He is actively involved in several academic organizations including NOSTER (since 2022), Oudtestamentisch Werkgezelschap (since 2020), Ex Oriente Lux (since 2017), Fellowship of European Evangelical Theologians (since 2008), and Tyndale Fellowship (since 2006).

Outside academia, Prof. Lorein has significant church ministry involvement, serving as founding member of אמונה since 2019, deputy-chairman of Evadoc since 2012, and previously as president of the Federal Synod of Protestant and Evangelical Churches in Belgium (2012-2022). He has been actively engaged with Evangelical student groups since 1983 as a founding member of Vriendenkring Evangelische Studentengroepen / Ichtus Vlaanderen.