A Tribute to Dr. Scobie Smith
With heavy hearts, we honor the life and legacy of Dr. Scobie Philip Smith, who passed away on July 20, 2025 after a short time in hospice care. Dr. Smith was a scholar, educator, pastor, and innovator whose profound contributions to ancient Near Eastern studies, biblical scholarship, and computer engineering have left an indelible mark on both academia and faith communities.
Dr. Smith’s academic journey was one of extraordinary depth and breadth. Holding a Ph.D. in Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations from Harvard University, his dissertation on Hurrian orthographic interference in Nuzi Akkadian showcased his pioneering use of computational-linguistic methods, blending ancient texts with modern technology. His mastery of languages such as Hebrew, Akkadian, Hittite, and Ugaritic, coupled with his Fulbright scholarship at Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, established him as a leading figure in Assyriology and biblical studies. His publications, including papers on diglossia in ancient Hebrew and the inflectional morphology of Amarna letters, demonstrated his ability to illuminate complex linguistic and historical questions with clarity and rigor.
As an educator, Dr. Smith was a beacon of knowledge and inspiration. He founded The Near East Institute, a non-profit dedicated to advancing education and research in ancient Near Eastern and biblical studies from a Christian perspective. Through institutions like Harvard University, Biblical Theological Seminary, and Northwest Theological Seminary, he taught courses in biblical Hebrew, Greek, and historical linguistics, equipping students to engage with ancient texts in their original languages. His commitment to making scholarship accessible extended to local churches, where he taught adult Sunday school classes on topics ranging from the Gospel of Matthew to the problem of evil, always with a pastoral heart.
Dr. Smith’s faith was the cornerstone of his life. As a church planter and pastor at Grace Evangelical Church in Oak Harbor, Washington, and an elder at The Faith Bible Church in Ithaca, New York, he nurtured communities with his teaching, preaching, and mentorship. His ability to bridge rigorous scholarship with practical theology enriched the lives of countless believers, fostering a deeper understanding of scripture and Christian doctrine.
In the realm of technology, Dr. Smith’s contributions were equally remarkable. With an M.S. and B.S. in Electrical Engineering from Cornell University, he developed innovative solutions in computer engineering, including a groundbreaking fast inner product processor. As a software engineer at Microsoft and through his company, Infinitiv Consulting LLC, he created tools like interlinear Bible databases and concordance data for major translations, seamlessly integrating his linguistic expertise with technological innovation.
Dr. Smith’s legacy is one of intellectual curiosity, spiritual devotion, and selfless service. His presentations at prestigious conferences, such as the American Oriental Society and the Society of Biblical Literature, and his publications in journals like Israel Oriental Studies and the Journal of Parallel and Distributed Computing, reflect a life dedicated to advancing knowledge and faith. His warmth, generosity, and unwavering commitment to truth will continue to inspire all who knew him.
At Missional University he was part of a team developing courses that evaluated the connection between the mission of the nation of Israel reflected in the book of Isaiah with ancient Anatolian, Persian, Levantian, Mesopotamian, and Egyptian thought and literature. By researching the connection between the missio dei and near eastern civilizations, the team intends to analyze God’s missional work in societies around Israel and see existing points of contact for missional witness. We are grateful for his expertise and encouragement.
We mourn the loss of Dr. Scobie Philip Smith, but we celebrate a life lived with purpose and impact. May his memory be a blessing, and may his work continue to guide and inspire future generations of scholars, believers, and innovators. We know he is with the Lord in Heaven today, at rest from his labors here with us.
Dr. Curt Watke is a distinguished missiologist whose three-plus-decade-long career has significantly impacted Christian mission work in North America, particularly in under-reached and challenging regions. Holding a Ph.D. in Evangelism and Missions, Dr. Watke has focused on bridging cultural gaps and fostering sustainable Christian communities by developing innovative strategies that address contemporary challenges like globalization, urbanization, and religious pluralism. His emphasis on cultural sensitivity and contextualization in mission work is reflected in his collaborative writings, including notable works such as “Ministry Context Exploration: Understanding North American Cultures” and “Starting Reproducing Congregations.” Beyond his writing, Dr. Watke is a sought-after speaker and educator, lecturing at seminaries and conferences worldwide, and his teachings continue to inspire and equip new generations of missional leaders. His enduring legacy is marked by unwavering dedication to the mission of God and a profound influence on missional thought and practice. Dr. Watke serves as President and Professor of Evangelism & Missiology at Missional University.