Matthew Henry (c. 1662 – 22 June 1714) was an English Nonconformist minister and biblical commentator, best known for his extensive exegesis, Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole Bible. His works have had a lasting influence on Protestant devotional literature and biblical study.
Early Life and Education
Henry was born in Flintshire, Wales, around 1662 to a puritan family; his father, John Henry, was a nonconformist minister. After the death of his mother, he was raised largely by his aunt, Katherine Bowles, who ensured his early education. He attended the University of Cambridge, matriculating at Emmanuel College in 1685 but left without taking a degree, partly due to his nonconformist convictions, which barred him from holding an Anglican benefice.
Ministry
Ordained as a dissenting minister in 1688, Henry first served congregations in London and later in Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk (1690–1700). In 1700 he succeeded John Hodge as pastor of the Newington Green congregation in north‑London, where he remained until his death. His preaching was noted for its evangelical fervor, practical application, and thorough scriptural grounding.
Commentary on the Whole Bible
In 1704 Henry began publishing his Commentary on the Whole Bible in folio, a project that continued until his death. The work, completed posthumously by a committee of ministers, comprises verse‑by‑verse exegesis for the entire canonical scriptures, combining historical background, theological reflection, and moral instruction. It became a standard reference among English‑speaking Protestants and has been reprinted in numerous editions.
Other Writings
Among Henry’s other publications are:
- Sermons on Various Subjects (1693), a collection of his preaching.
- A Course of Lectures on the Confession of Faith (1704), addressing doctrinal issues within the dissenting tradition.
- Moria: A Collection of Meditations and Prayers (1701), a devotional work.
Legacy and Influence
Henry’s commentary has been praised for its accessible language and pastoral tone. It was widely used in the 18th and 19th centuries for both private study and public teaching. Contemporary scholars regard his exegesis as reflective of the Puritan‐Calvinist tradition, emphasizing covenant theology and personal piety.
Personal Life
Henry married Margaret Thompson in 1692; the couple had several children, though many died young. He suffered from recurrent health problems, which ultimately contributed to his death in 1714 at the age of fifty‑two.
Death and Posthumous Publication
After Henry’s death, the collaborative effort to complete the biblical commentary was overseen by fellow ministers John Mant, Philip Henry (his son), and others. The final volumes were published between 1718 and 1723, cementing his reputation as a principal figure in English biblical exegesis.
Bibliography
- Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole Bible, various editions.
- Sermons on Various Subjects, 1693.
- Moria: A Collection of Meditations and Prayers, 1701.
References
- Oxford Dictionary of National Biography, entry on Matthew Henry (rev. 2023).
- The Cambridge History of English and American Literature, vol. 12, “Religious Literature”, 2004.
- Burns, William E. The Political Thought of Matthew Henry. Journal of Ecclesiastical History, 1991.