John Harmar facts for kids

John Harmar was an important English scholar who lived a long time ago (from about 1555 to 1613). He was an expert in ancient Greek and Roman studies. He also held a very important job as the head of Winchester College.

Life and Education

Early Studies

John Harmar went to school at Winchester College. Later, he studied at New College, Oxford. He was a very good student. A powerful person named Robert Dudley, 1st Earl of Leicester helped him with his studies.

He even traveled to a city called Geneva. There, he learned from a famous teacher named Theodore Beza. John Harmar said that Beza was like a father to him.

A Professor of Greek

From 1585 to 1590, John Harmar was a special professor at Oxford University. His job was to teach Greek. This important role was called the Regius Professor of Greek (Oxford). Years later, his nephew, who was also named John Harmar, held the same job!

In 1586, John Harmar helped print a Greek book. It contained six sermons by a famous ancient speaker named John Chrysostom. This was the very first Greek book ever printed at Oxford.

Leading Winchester College

John Harmar became the Headmaster of Winchester College in 1588. He held this position until 1595. After that, he became the Warden of Winchester College in 1596. He stayed in this important leadership role until he passed away.

Helping Translate the Bible

In 1605, John Harmar received special university degrees. These were given to him because of his big role in translating the Bible. He was one of the scholars who worked on the 1611 Authorized Version of the Bible. This version is also known as the King James Version.

He was part of a group called the Second Oxford Company. This group was given the task of translating specific parts of the Bible. They worked on the Gospels, the Acts of the Apostles, and the Book of Revelation.

John Harmar passed away on October 11, 1613. He was buried in the chapel of New College, Oxford.