Matthew Henry was born in Broad Oak, Iscoid, Wales, on October 18, 1662. Matthew Henry converted to Christianity at the age of ten (1672). He studied law and was ordained in 1687; he served as pastor in Chester from that same year until 1712. He began teaching the Old Testament in the mornings and the New Testament in the evenings. This formed the basis for his future Commentary, which was begun in 1704; however, he died in 1714 and thirteen non-conformist theologians were commissioned to complete it. His theology is a faithful witness to evangelical truth, emphasizing the total depravity of man and the sovereign and saving grace of God. His work demonstrates a deep spiritual capacity and a great erudition, the product of his great knowledge of Greek and Hebrew.

Martin Manser has compiled and edited Bible reference material and English-language dictionaries for nearly thirty years. He lives in Aylesbury, England. He and his wife have two children.