Professor Michael A.Knibb

King's is saddened to share news of the passing of Professor Michael A Knibb, from the Department of Theology and Religious Studies, who died on 6 December 2023, aged 84. 

Professor Knibb's time at King's was marked by dedication and achievement. Becoming a Lecturer in 1964, he was promoted to Reader in 1982 and Professor in 1986. His leadership extended his academic appointments. He served as Head of Department and later retired in 2001 as Head of the School of Humanities, making a huge impact in both roles.  

A scholar of distinction 

Professor Knibb was a scholar of distinction, making notable contributions, especially in the realm of Ethiopic literature and the Septuagint, and was a Fellow of the British Academy.   

His primary publications included The Ethiopic Book of Enoch: A New Edition in the Light of the Aramaic Dead Sea Fragments, two volumes (1978); Translating the Bible: The Ethiopic Version of the Old Testament (1999), his Schweich Lectures for the British Academy given in 1995; Essays on the Book of Enoch and other early Jewish Texts and Traditions (2009); The Ethiopic Text of the Book of Ezekiel: A Critical Edition (2015); and (as editor) The Septuagint and Messianism (2006).  

Professor Knibb's influence extended far beyond academia and he held connections with many across the King's community. He will be greatly missed and our thoughts are with his friends and family.  

Details for this obituary have been taken from the King's website.