About Brent A. Strawn

Brent Strawn at a speaking event, gesturing.

Brent is a leading scholar of the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament and a widely respected teacher, author, and interpreter of Scripture. His research spans biblical poetry, biblical law, the Psalms, ancient Near Eastern iconography, and Old Testament theology. He currently teaches at Duke University, with previous positions at Asbury Theological Seminary and Emory University. Brent has contributed to major translations of the Bible (Common English Bible, New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition), and speaks regularly in academic and church contexts. First ordained in the Church of the Nazarene, he is presently an Elder in The United Methodist Church.

And fam!

Brent has been married to his wife Holly (aka Sweetie) for 35 years and they have three grown children, Caleb (married to Julia), Annie, and Micah. Brent and Holly will be proud grandparents come October 2026! While loving his work, Brent loves his family most of all and enjoys spending time with them and watching TV with Sweetie every night on the couch, preferably with cookies. Avocations include exercise, reading, and poetry.

Brent A. Strawn, Old Testament scholar, with his family, smiling at the camera.
Brent Strawn walking down the hall of Duke Chapel with his wife Holly.