Bruce Manning Metzger was a prominent American biblical scholar, translator, and historian who spent his entire academic career at Princeton Theological Seminary. Widely regarded as one of the most influential New Testament scholars of the twentieth century, Metzger specialized in textual criticism and the history of Bible translation. His scholarly contributions significantly shaped modern biblical studies and the accessibility of scripture for contemporary readers.
Throughout his career, Metzger played a pivotal role in major Bible translation projects. He chaired the translation committees for both the Revised Standard Version (RSV) and the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV), guiding the editorial process to ensure textual accuracy and readability. His leadership in these projects cemented his reputation as a leading authority on biblical manuscripts and textual transmission.
In addition to his academic and translation work, Metzger was an active contributor to global biblical organizations. He served on the boards of both the American Bible Society and the United Bible Societies, helping to coordinate translation and distribution efforts worldwide. In recognition of his academic achievements and contributions to the humanities, he was elected to the American Philosophical Society in 1986, leaving behind a legacy of rigorous scholarship and ecumenical collaboration.
