John Brown from Haddington (1722 – 19 June 1787) was a Scottish pastor and writer. He was born in Carpow, Perthshire. Nearly entirely self-taught, he learned ancient languages while working as a shepherd. Through dedicated study, by the age of twenty, he mastered Latin, Greek, and Hebrew, with particular proficiency in Hebrew. He was also familiar with French, Italian, German, Arabic, Persian, Syriac, and Ethiopic. His early life was diverse; he worked as a traveling merchant, served as a soldier in the Edinburgh garrison in 1745, and was a schoolteacher. From 1750 until his death, he served as the minister of the Burgher section of the Secession Church in Haddington. Starting in 1768, he became a professor of divinity for his church, largely responsible for training future ministers. He earned a respected reputation for his knowledge and piety. Among his numerous writings, his most notable works are the Self-Interpreting Bible and the Dictionary of the Bible, both of which gained wide popularity. The former was translated into Welsh. He also wrote an explanation of the Westminster Confession and several biographical and historical accounts.

In 1778, his most recognized publication, the ‘Self-Interpreting Bible,’ was released in Edinburgh in two volumes. In the preface, he describes its purpose to offer the insights of esteemed commentators “in a way that aligns with the capabilities and time constraints of the poorer and working classes, particularly to enable them to interpret the teachings of God for themselves.” Consequently, the work includes history, chronology, geography, summaries, commentary, and reflections—essentially everything an average reader might need. It serves as a comprehensive library in a single volume. Brown consistently presents what he believes to be the sole explanation for each verse and its applicable lesson. The writing style is consistently clear and robust. The book quickly gained popularity and has maintained it among a broad audience. It has been widely read in English-speaking countries, as well as in Wales and the Scottish Highlands.

Ultimately, Brown’s extensive efforts took a toll on his health, which significantly declined in his final years. He continued to work almost until the end. Brown passed away at his residence in Haddington on 19 June 1787, after suffering from stomach issues for several months. His last words were “My Christ.” He was buried in the local churchyard, where a monument honors his memory. A memorial stained glass window and brass plaque dedicated to him can also be found in St Mary’s Collegiate Church, Haddington.