David Wilkins (orientalist)

David Wilkins (1685 – 1745) was a Prussian-born orientalist, librarian, and Anglican clergyman who spent most of his career in England. He is best known for his contributions to the study of Coptic language and literature, as well as his editions of Arabic and other Semitic texts.

Born in Prussia, Wilkins emigrated to England, where he became a naturalized citizen. He was ordained into the Church of England and served as chaplain to the Prince of Wales (later George II) and as rector of Hadleigh, Suffolk.

Wilkins's major scholarly achievement was his edition of the Coptic New Testament, titled Novum Testamentum Aegyptium, vulgo Copticum. Published in 1716, it was a significant milestone in Coptic studies, providing a critical text of the New Testament in the Coptic language, along with a Latin translation. This work was crucial for scholars to gain access to primary source Coptic Christian literature and remains an important text for the field.

Beyond his work on Coptic texts, Wilkins also edited and published Arabic and other Semitic materials. He served as the librarian of Lambeth Palace Library, giving him access to a wealth of manuscripts. His dedication to preserving and translating these ancient texts greatly contributed to the development of oriental studies in the 18th century.