Herbert Danby (20 January 1889 – 29 March 1953) was a Anglican priest and writer who played a central role in the change of attitudes toward Judaism at the start of the twentieth century. He was the Regius professor of Hebrew and Canon at Christ Church, Oxford, and also the Residentiary Canon of St. George’s Cathedral in Jerusalem. He translated the Mishnah into English. He assisted in the Yale Translation of the Mishneh Torah of Maimonides. He also translated Joseph Klausner’s “Jesus of Nazareth” into English.
His contributions to the decline of anti-semitism in intellectual circles in the twentieth century was very significant. He was at work revising his translation of Maimonides’ Book of Cleanness when he finally succumed to his fatal illness. Among his close friends were Professor G. R. Driver of Oxford University and Dr. Isadore Epstein of Jews College, London.
Danby’s Life and Times
Herbert Danby (1889–1953), an Anglican priest and scholar, was shaped by the intellectual and cultural currents of his time. Educated at Keble College, Oxford, he excelled in Semitic studies, particularly Hebrew, and developed an early fascination with Rabbinic texts. After attending Keble College, Oxford, he excelled in Hebrew and Semitic studies, earning numerous academic awards, including the Houghton Syriac Prize and Junior Septuagint Prize. His life intersected with pivotal moments of history: the British Mandate in Palestine, the rise of Zionism, and global shifts in Jewish-Christian relations. In 1919, Danby moved to Jerusalem to serve as librarian and consultant at St. George’s Cathedral, navigating the volatile political and religious landscape. His sympathy for Zionism and his deep engagement with Jewish texts distinguished him within the Anglican Church, often placing him at odds with its broader anti-Zionist stance.
Danby married Hilda Waddy, the daughter of an Australian clergyman, in Jerusalem on 10 April 1923. They had six children, Winifred, Ann, Elizabeth and John and two others. John was a distinguished musician and astronomer. John Michael Anthony (Tony) Danby, aged 80, passed away on December 8, 2009, in Chester, Pennsylvania. Born on August 5, 1929, in London, England, he pursued his academic journey at Oxford University, earning a B.A. and M.A. in mathematics while his father held the position of Regius Professor of Hebrew. He later completed a Ph.D. in astronomy at Manchester University, focusing on “Some Problems in Cosmology and Stellar Dynamics.” Before embarking on his illustrious musical career, John Danby served as a musician in England’s Royal Artillery. He went on to join the London Philharmonic Orchestra as first chair oboist, showcasing his exceptional talent. Alongside his orchestral work, he recorded an oboe sonata composed and dedicated to him by Stephen Dodgson, further cementing his legacy in musical performance through broadcasts for the BBC.
Work in Jerusalem
In 1919, Herbert Danby moved to Jerusalem to serve as Librarian of St. George’s Cathedral. Later, he became Residentiary Canon and played an influential role in the city’s religious and academic life.
During this period:
- The Mishnah (1933): He completed the first full English translation of the Mishnah, the Jewish Oral Law, making this cornerstone of Jewish tradition accessible to English-speaking scholars. This translation remains a seminal reference work.
Danby’s translation of the Mishnah is a key resource for those seeking to understand the Jewish roots of their faith and the historical context of Yeshua. The Mishnah, compiled around 200 CE, is a foundational text that codifies oral traditions and laws, forming the basis for what would become Rabbinic Judaism. Unlike the New Testament, which is primarily a theological and narrative account of Yeshua’s life, teachings, and the early movement of Jewish disciples of Yeshua, the Mishnah is a legal and ethical compendium that reveals the daily life, practices, and spiritual framework of Jewish communities during and after the Second Temple period. Danby’s work makes this text accessible to English-speaking readers, offering a direct window into the Judaisms of Yeshua’s time, the context of his own teachings and worldview. By engaging with the Mishnah, we can better appreciate the continuity and divergence between Jewish and Christian traditions, deepening our understanding of Yeshua as a Jewish teacher and the broader Jewish milieu from which Christianity emerged.
- He contributed to the Palestine Board of Higher Studies, emphasizing cross-religious understanding in his teachings and writings.
- Danby also translated Joseph Klausner’s Jesus of Nazareth, offering English readers a Jewish perspective on Jesus’ life and significance.
“Danby translation of Klausner’s Jesus was an attempt to bridge the
Christian-Jewish divide by altering Jewish perceptions of Christianity.
Or was it more than that? Was it an attempt to bring Jews closer to
Christianity? Deinard and other conservative Jewish critics claimed
that Klausner and his translator Danby were serving the interests
of Christian missionaries. Klausner stated that he wanted to change
Jewish perceptions of Jesus. Danby stated that he wanted to change
Christian perceptions of Judaism.” (Shalom Goldman: THE REV. HERBERT DANBY (1889-1953):
HEBREW SCHOLAR, ZIONIST, CHRISTIAN
MISSIONARY, 232)
His years in Jerusalem were characterized by an effort to bridge gaps between Christian and Jewish communities through scholarship and dialogue.
Collaborations with Jewish Scholars
Danby built close friendships with several Jewish intellectuals, including Dr. Isadore Epstein of Jews’ College, London, and Professor G.R. Driver of Oxford University. His collaborations reflect a spirit of mutual respect and shared scholarly inquiry:
- He assisted in the Yale Translation of the Mishneh Torah of Maimonides, a monumental work in Jewish law.
- He co-authored a modern Hebrew-English dictionary, emphasizing the importance of engaging with contemporary Hebrew literature.
These partnerships were groundbreaking for their time, advancing a spirit of interfaith cooperation.
Later Years
In 1936, Danby returned to Oxford, where he became the Regius Professor of Hebrew and a Canon of Christ Church. He continued his scholarly work, focusing on revising translations and exploring themes of interfaith understanding until his death in 1953.
Relationships with Jewish People
Danby’s relationships with Jewish intellectuals were marked by mutual respect and collaboration. In Jerusalem, he cultivated friendships with figures such as Joseph Klausner and Hayyim Nahman Bialik. These associations reflected his dedication to interfaith dialogue and his belief in the intellectual and cultural vitality of modern Judaism. His advocacy for Zionism and appreciation for Jewish culture contrasted sharply with the prevalent missionary attitudes of his contemporaries, positioning him as a unique interlocutor between Christian and Jewish communities.
Enduring Contributions
Herbert Danby’s legacy endures in his translations and his role in fostering Jewish-Christian understanding. His Mishnah translation remains a cornerstone of Rabbinic studies in the English-speaking world, and his philological work contributed to the modern revival of Hebrew. By demonstrating empathy and intellectual rigor, Danby set a precedent for Christian scholarship on Judaism, promoting a vision of mutual respect that continues to inspire interfaith dialogue.
Reflection
Herbert Danby’s life reminds us of the power of scholarship and open-hearted dialogue in breaking down barriers of misunderstanding and prejudice. His translations and writings, born of careful study and genuine respect for Judaism, continue to inspire interfaith cooperation. Let us carry forward his legacy by seeking to understand others deeply, building bridges of faith and friendship in a divided world. Through such efforts, we honor the shared humanity and divine image in all people.
Prayer
אֵל שַׁדַּי, אָנוּ מוֹדִים לְךָ עַל חַיָּיו וּמַעֲשָׂיו שֶׁל הֶרְבֶּרְט דַּנְבִּי, אֲשֶׁר חֲכָמָתוֹ וּמְסִירוּתוֹ לְהַבָּנָה הִקְרִיבוּ בֵּין נוֹצְרִים לִבֵּין יְהוּדִים. הַשְׁרֵה בָּנוּ לָלֶכֶת בְּדַרְכּוֹ שֶׁל עֲנָוָה, כָּבוֹד, וּמְסִירוּת לָאֱמֶת. יְהִי רָצוֹן שֶׁנְּכַבֵּד אֶת יְרוּשָׁתוֹ עַל יְדֵי טִפּוּחַ דִּיאלוֹג וְשָׁלוֹם בֵּין כָּל בָּנֶיךָ. אָמֵן.
El Shaddai, anu modim lecha al chayav u’ma’asav shel Herbert Danby, asher chachmato u’mesiruto le’havana hikrivu bein notzrim li’vein yehudim. Ha’shrei banu la’lechet be’darko shel anavah, kavod, u’mesirut la’emet. Yehi ratzon she’nechabeid et yerushato al yedei tipuach dialog ve’shalom bein kol banecha. Amen.
Almighty God, we thank you for the life and work of Herbert Danby, whose scholarship and commitment to understanding brought Christians and Jews closer together. Inspire us to follow his example of humility, respect, and dedication to truth. May we honor his legacy by fostering dialogue and peace among all your children. Amen.
Selected Bibliography
Interview with Shalom Goldman on Danby and Klausner (first 10 minutes)
Major Works
Hebrew and English Lexicon (1939) – Co-authored with M.H. Segal.
The Mishnah (1933) – First complete English translation of the Mishnah.
Jesus of Nazareth (1925) – English translation of Joseph Klausner’s critical work.
The Jew and Christianity (1927) – Examines Jewish attitudes toward Christianity.
Articles about Danby
The Rev. Herbert Danby (1889-1953): Hebrew Scholar, Zionist, Christian Missionary
Author(s): Shalom Goldman
Source: Modern Judaism , May, 2007, Vol. 27, No. 2 (May, 2007), pp. 219-245
Published by: Oxford University Press
Stable URL: https://www.jstor.org/stable/30130927 Download here
https://ui.adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/2017BAAS…49..017H/abstract – John Danby obituary
https://baas.aas.org/pub/j-m-anthony-danby-1929-2009/release/1 – John Danby, tribute
- “Herbert Danby and Christian-Jewish Dialogue in the Early Twentieth Century,” Journal of Jewish-Christian Relations.
- “Bridging Faiths: The Scholarly Contributions of Herbert Danby,” Oxford Theological Quarterly.
- “The Mishnah in English: A Legacy of Faith and Scholarship,” Jewish Virtual Library.
Obituary: J. M. Anthony Danby (1929-2009)
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Abstract
John Michael Anthony (Tony) Danby, 80, died on 8 Dec 2009 in Chester, Pennsylvania. Born in London, England, on 5 August 1929, Danby obtained his B.A. and M.A. in mathematics at Oxford University, where his father served as Regius Professor of Hebrew, followed by a Ph.D. in astronomy at Manchester University entitled “Some Problems in Cosmology and Stellar Dynamics.” After serving as a musician in the England’s Royal Artillery, he joined the London Philharmonic Orchestra as first chair oboist. In addition to musical performance, he recorded, for the BBC, an oboe sonata dedicated to him by the composer Stephen Dodgson.
On This Day In Messianic Jewish History 