Henry Owen facts for kids

Henry Owen

Henry Owen (1716–1795) was a smart Welsh scholar. He was a theologian, which means he studied religion and God. He was also a biblical scholar, focusing on the Bible. He especially looked at when the four Gospels were written and how they were put together.

The Life of Henry Owen

Henry Owen was born in Wales, near a mountain called Cadair Idris. His father was William Owen. Henry went to Ruthin School to get his education.

In 1736, he started studying at Jesus College, Oxford, a famous university. He earned degrees in arts, but he also loved studying mathematics. Later, he decided to study medicine and became a doctor.

In 1746, Henry became a priest in the Anglican Church. For three years, he worked as a doctor and also as a curate (a helper priest) in Gloucestershire. He then moved to London and became a rector (the main priest) at a church called St Olave Hart Street. From 1775, he also served as a priest in Edmonton, Middlesex.

From 1769 to 1771, Owen gave special lectures known as the Boyle Lectures. He passed away in Edmonton on October 14, 1795.

Henry Owen's Writings

Henry Owen wrote many important books. His most famous work was Observations on the Four Gospels (published in 1764). In this book, he tried to figure out when the four Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) were published. He also explored how they were written. His ideas influenced later scholars, like Johann Jakob Griesbach.

Here are some of his other books:

• Harmonia Trigonometrica (1748): This was a short book about trigonometry, a branch of mathematics.
• The Intent and Propriety of the Scripture Miracles (1755): This book looked at the meaning of miracles in the Bible.
• An Enquiry into the present State of the Septuagint Version of the Old Testament (1769): This book was about the Septuagint, an ancient Greek translation of the Old Testament.
• Critica Sacra (1774): This was an introduction to studying the Hebrew language of the Bible.
• A brief Account... of the Septuagint Version of the Old Testament (1787): Another book about the Septuagint.
• The Modes of Quotation used by the Evangelical Writers (1789): This book explained how the writers of the Gospels used quotes from older texts.

Owen also helped his friend, William Bowyer, finish some of his books. Bowyer was a printer who published many of Owen's works.

Henry Owen's Family

In 1760, Henry Owen married Mary Butts. Her father was Robert Butts, who was a bishop. Henry and Mary had one son, named Henry Butts Owen. Their son later became the vicar (priest) at St Olave Hart Street, just like his father. They also had five daughters.