Biography of William Barclay

William Barclay (1907-1978) was a biblical scholar, writer and broadcaster who was Professor of Divinity and Biblical Criticism from 1963 to 1974.

Born in Wick, the young Barclay moved with his family to Motherwell and graduated from the University with an MA with First Class Honours in Classics (1925) and a BD with distinction (1932). He was minister of Trinity Church in Renfrew from 1933 until 1947, when he was appointed Lecturer in New Testament Language and Literature at the University. He was subsequently appointed Senior Lecturer in New Testament and Hellenistic Greek, before his appointment to the Chair of Divinity and Biblical Criticism.

Barclay wrote more than seventy books, including the million-selling The Daily Study Bible and was a popular broadcaster on television and radio. He was hugely influential in Scotland and his books were also read by millions in the USA. In 1974 he was appointed Visiting Professor of Ethics at the University of Strathclyde. He was awarded a CBE in 1969.

Summary

William Barclay
Biblical Scholar and Broadcaster
Born 5 December 1907, Wick , Scotland.
Died 24 January 1978.
GU Degrees: MA, 1925; BD, 1932;
University Link: Alumnus, Lecturer, Professor
Occupation categories: clergy; theologians
NNAF Reference: GB/NNAF/P134906
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Record last updated: 30th Apr 2010

Country Associations

Scotland
Place of Birth

University Connections

University Roles

• Alumnus
• Lecturer
• Professor

Awards

• William Barclay Memorial Scholarship

Academic Posts

Professorships:

• Divinity and Biblical Criticism

Images

William Barclay