Who was Michael Heiser?

Dr. Michael Steven Heiser (1963—2023) was an American scholar, author, and speaker recognized for his significant contributions to the fields of biblical interpretation and ancient languages. His work greatly influenced the contemporary understanding of ancient texts, particularly those related to the Hebrew Bible. Heiser emphasized the importance of rigorous Bible study and active engagement to understand the text’s true meaning, distinguishing these from mere reading or seeking a “spiritual buzz.” Michael Heiser was a scholar-in-residence and editor for Faithlife Corporation, the creators of Logos Bible Software. He also founded the Awakening School of Theology and Ministry.

Michael Heiser was born and raised in the small town of Lebanon, Pennsylvania. He grew up with six siblings in a non-religious home environment marked by alcoholism and little to no direction. When he accepted Christ as Savior at age 16, Heiser immediately became a passionate student of the Bible.

After high school, Heiser attended Bob Jones University, graduating in 1986. The following year, he married Drenna, a fellow student at Bob Jones. The couple remained together for life and had four children: three girls and a boy.

An intense fascination with languages and history influenced Michael Heiser’s rigorous academic journey. He obtained two master’s degrees: ancient history from the University of Pennsylvania and Hebrew studies from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He also earned a Ph.D. in Hebrew Bible and Semitic languages from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. His educational background provided a solid foundation for his endeavors in research and teaching. Throughout his education, Michael upheld his responsibility to provide for his growing family by holding down full-time jobs.

From 1992 to 2018, Michael Heiser taught university-level courses at various institutions, including Taylor University (online), Western Washington University, Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (online), and Liberty Theological Seminary (online). Course topics spanned a variety of subjects, including Old Testament Introduction and Survey, Hebrew Exegesis, Wisdom Literature, Angelology, Christian Ethics, History of Israel, Theological Systems, Hermeneutics, and more.

Through various internet platforms, podcasts, blogs, and speaking conferences, Heiser also reached the broader Christian community. His true passion was taking complex, scholarly concepts and making them accessible to everyday people and diverse audiences. He sought to foster a greater appreciation for the richness of the ancient biblical texts and communicate their relevance to present-day life.

Michael Heiser served as the academic editor and scholar for Logos Bible Software for 15 years. During this time, He oversaw scholarly projects on the Dead Sea Scrolls, the Septuagint, and other biblical inscriptions. Heiser was coeditor of Old Testament Greek Pseudepigrapha with Morphology and Semitic Inscriptions: Analyzed Texts and English Translations. He did translation work in roughly a dozen ancient languages, including Biblical Hebrew, Greek, Aramaic, Egyptian hieroglyphs, and Ugaritic cuneiform.

In 2020, Dr. Michael Heiser launched the Awakening School of Theology and Ministry (AWKNG). As founder and executive director, Heiser sought to create a ministry “to awaken people to a deeper understanding of the Bible” (https://awkng.com/about-us/, accessed 3/26/25). The ministry offers in-depth Bible study courses, reading plans, and many other theological resources at no cost, thanks to its partner-based sponsorship.

Over the years, Heiser wrote numerous articles in scholarly journals, including Bible Study Magazine, where he served as academic editor. His most notable books include The Unseen Realm (2015), Supernatural (2015), Angels (2018), and Demons (2020), all of which explore the spiritual and supernatural elements of the Bible in ways that challenge traditional interpretations.

Heiser was drawn to examine the most unusual and difficult-to-comprehend Bible passages in the context of the ancient biblical world. His research frequently explored the intersections of religion, language, and culture. He examined how ancient Near Eastern societies understood and interacted with the divine, offering fresh perspectives that enriched academic discourse. His publications were characterized by rigorous scholarship and a commitment to uncovering the nuances of ancient thought.

Inspired by C. S. Lewis and J. R. R. Tolkien, Heiser also wrote two science fiction novels that form The Façade Saga (Volumes 1 and 2). And he explored the biblical implications of a pop culture phenomenon in The World Turned Upside Down: Finding the Gospel in Stranger Things. Heiser humbly avoided recognition or status, once even canceling a scheduled appearance on The Jim Bakker Show after learning he was promoted as “a prophet.” Still, his work stirred multitudes of Bible students to approach ancient texts with curiosity and critical thinking.

Michael Heiser’s contributions left an indelible mark on the field of biblical studies, encouraging countless individuals to explore the depths of ancient wisdom. In 2007, the Society of Biblical Literature named him the Pacific Northwest Regional Scholar.

In 2021, Michael Heiser was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. He passed away in February 2023 at age 60. A parting post on social media stated, “I desired nothing more than to empower all of you to study Scripture more deeply, to unlock the Bible for you in ways inaccessible to all but scholars. This brought me a special joy” (https://medium.com/belover/michael-heiser-is-dying-5a521be6a4dc, accessed 3/26/25).