Marc Zvi Brettler

Marc Zvi Brettler is the Bernice and Morton Lerner Distinguished Professor of Judaic Studies at Duke University's Department of Religious Studies, affiliated with Trinity College of Arts & Sciences. He holds a Ph.D. (1987) and B.A. (1978) from Brandeis University. Previously, he served as the Dora Golding Professor of Biblical Studies Emeritus and Chair of Near Eastern and Judaic Studies at Brandeis, and taught at Yale, Brown, Wellesley, and Middlebury.

His research focuses on the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament, exploring its literary dimensions, political themes, intersections with science, law, and evolution. He emphasizes the Bible's evolving interpretations across traditions. Notable recent work includes analyzing historical-critical methodologies (2024).

Awarded recognition by the American Academy for Jewish Research and the Society of Biblical Literature, Brettler has engaged in high-profile dialogues, including a Vatican meeting with Pope Francis. He teaches courses on Scripture in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, and co-authored widely read commentaries. His external collaborations include Oxford University Press and the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.