Lockman Foundation

Biography of Mrs. Frances Siewert

Frances SiewertAs the official Research Secretary of the project, Mrs. Frances Siewert (Litt. B., B.D., M.A., Litt. D.) laid the foundation for the Amplified Bible. Mrs. Siewert (1881-1967) dedicated her life to the intensive study of the Scriptures as well as to the cultural and archaeological background of biblical times. The Editorial Board, appointed by The Lockman Foundation, carefully reviewed her monumental work on the New Testament. The edited and proofread translation was then submitted to a committee of qualified Greek consultants. Twenty-seven translations and versions of the New Testament were meticulously examined and continually compared, while the Greek text of Westcott and Hort, the standard of the time, was pursued with utmost care. The result was the Amplified New Testament in 1958. This was followed by a two-volume Amplified Old Testament in 1962 and 1964, which was the work of the editorial committee, a staff of qualified Hebrew consultants, and, once again, Mrs. Siewert’s contributions as Research Secretary. All of this culminated with the one-volume Amplified Bible in 1965.

Remembered by The Lockman Foundation for her long life of tireless devotion to God, her expertise in the Greek language, and for her impressive knowledge concerning Scripture, Mrs. Frances Siewert went home to be with the Lord March 29, 1967. As the official Research Secretary of the Amplified Bible project, Mrs. Siewert displayed her tremendous passion for the Lord. This passion shown brightly throughout her monumental task of laying the translation foundation for the Amplified Bible. With the Amplified Bible, Mrs. Siewert left us a legacy of her love for God, and we are forever indebted to her for her contributions, insight, and vision, which can still be seen today throughout the pages of the Amplified Bible’s unlocked word meanings and timeless truths.