Thomas Robinson (orientalist)

Thomas Robinson (1790-1873) was an English clergyman and orientalist, primarily known for his contributions to biblical scholarship and his studies of Eastern languages. He served as Rector of Rokeby and Canon of Rochester Cathedral.

Robinson's academic work focused on the textual criticism of the New Testament and the translation and interpretation of biblical texts. He was particularly interested in the Septuagint, the Greek translation of the Hebrew Bible, and its importance for understanding the New Testament.

He published several significant works, including editions of the Greek New Testament with copious notes and annotations, aiming to provide a more accurate and accessible text for students and scholars. His scholarship emphasized the importance of understanding the historical and linguistic context of the Bible, reflecting an early interest in what would later be defined as critical biblical scholarship. While not directly involved in colonial administration or explicitly advocating for colonial policies, his work contributed to a broader intellectual climate where European perspectives on Eastern cultures and languages held considerable authority. His approach, like many scholars of his time, was influenced by a Western-centric worldview that viewed Eastern cultures and texts through a European lens, thus aligning him within the broad category of "orientalist" as defined by scholars such as Edward Said. However, his contributions were primarily academic and focused on biblical studies rather than political or administrative matters.