The Self Interpreting Family Bible - Illustrated - Containing The Old and New Testaments
By The Late Rev John Brown
With Numerous Illustrations
Publisher: James Semple: Glasgow c1880 (undated)
"John Brown of Haddington (1722 - 19 June 1787) was a Scottish minister and author. He was born at Carpow, in Perthshire. He was almost entirely self-educated, having acquired a knowledge of ancient languages while employed as a shepherd. By his own intense application to study, before he was twenty years of age, he had obtained an intimate knowledge of the Latin, Greek, and Hebrew languages, with the last of which he was critically conversant. He was also acquainted with the French, Italian, German, Arabic, Persian, Syriac, and Ethiopic. His early career was varied, and he was in succession a travelling merchant, a soldier in the Edinburgh garrison in 1745, and a school-master. He was, from 1750 till his death, minister of the Burgher branch of the Secession Church in Haddington. From 1768 he was professor of divinity for his denomination, and was mainly responsible for the training of its ministers. He gained a just reputation for learning and piety. The best of his many works are his
Self-Interpreting Bible
and Dictionary of the Bible, works that were long very popular. The former was translated into Welsh. He also wrote an Explication of the Westminster Confession, and a number of biographical and historical sketches.
Rev. John Brown's The Self-Interpreting Family Bible, published by James Semple in Glasgow, is a richly annotated edition of the King James Bible designed to make Scripture accessible to everyday readers. First compiled in the late 18th century, Brown's work includes extensive marginal notes, chapter summaries, and explanatory reflections that guide readers through both the Old and New Testaments. His goal was to provide a "self-interpreting" experience—where the Bible could be understood without clerical mediation—by integrating historical context, theological insights, and practical applications. This edition also features numerous black-and-white illustrations that visually enrich the biblical narrative, making it suitable for devotional use and family study.
Beyond its scriptural content, the volume includes a memoir of Rev. Brown, an introduction to understanding the "Oracles of God," and a variety of supplementary materials such as a concise dictionary, indexes, and paraphrased Psalms. It often served as a centerpiece in Presbyterian households, comparable in cultural significance to Pilgrim's Progress. The inclusion of genealogical pages and family registers further cemented its role as a treasured heirloom. Brown's scholarly yet pastoral approach—rooted in his self-taught mastery of ancient languages—transformed this Bible into a comprehensive spiritual and educational resource for generations."
General wear with minor peeling to covers and spine. Covers are firmly attached and the binding in general is in excellent condition. There are no loose pages and there are 25 full page plates present. The Family Register is all but blank with just one name appearing being "Ronis Beatrice Dinwoodie". A stunning bible in very good condition overall. Please study photos to further understand condition.
