Peter Thacher Lanfer is a distinguished American scholar and lecturer specializing in Hebrew Bible and religious studies, renowned for his deep insights into the cultural and theological significance of sacred texts. Born on September 29, 1976, Lanfer has dedicated his career to exploring biblical interpretation, Dead Sea Scrolls, and ancient Jewish and Christian literature, earning recognition as a leading expert in his field.
Beyond his academic achievements, Peter Lanfer is widely known for his marriage to actress Sarah Drew and his role as a devoted father to their two children, Micah and Hannah. Balancing scholarly pursuits with family life, Lanfer continues to influence both religious scholarship and public discourse, making him a respected figure in academia and popular culture alike.
Key Fact
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Peter Thacher Lanfer |
| Birth Date | September 25 or 29, 1976 |
| Age | 49 years (as of 2025) |
| Birth Place | United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Religion | Raised Christian |
| Ethnicity | American descent |
Who is Peter Lanfer?
Peter Lanfer is an esteemed American scholar and lecturer specializing in the Hebrew Bible and religious studies. He holds a Ph.D. in Hebrew Bible from UCLA, a Master’s in Religious Studies from Yale Divinity School, and a Bachelor’s in Religion from Dartmouth College.
Lanfer is best known for his work on biblical interpretation, Dead Sea Scrolls, and the reception history of Genesis, particularly through his acclaimed book “Remembering Eden: The Reception History of Genesis 3:22-24” (2012). He has taught at UCLA and Dartmouth College, shaping the next generation of scholars while gaining recognition for his academic expertise and contributions to theological research.
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Early Life of Peter Lanfer
Peter Thacher Lanfer was born on September 29, 1976, in the United States and was raised in the Christian faith, which shaped his early interest in religion and theology. Growing up in a supportive environment, he developed a passion for biblical studies and ancient texts, laying the foundation for his future academic career.
Lanfer pursued a strong educational path, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Religion from Dartmouth College (1998), followed by a Master’s in Religious Studies from Yale Divinity School (2004), and ultimately a Ph.D. in Hebrew Bible from UCLA (2010). His early life and rigorous education equipped him with the expertise to explore the cultural and theological significance of sacred literature across Jewish and Christian traditions.
Full name/Real name:
Peter Thacher Lanfer
Birth date/Birth place:
Born on September 29, 1976, in the United States
Family background:
Limited detailed public information on his parents or extended family background is available. He is married to actress and director Sarah Drew since 2002, and they have two children. There is no evidence linking him to the historical Peter Thacher family known from Massachusetts colonial history, suggesting no direct relation to the minister Peter Oxenbridge Thacher (1752–1802) or earlier colonial Thachers.

School/University:
- Bachelor’s degree in Religion from Dartmouth College (1998)
- Master of Arts in Religion from Yale University Divinity School (2004)
- Ph.D. in Hebrew Bible from UCLA (2010)
Career Journey of Peter Lanfer
Breakthrough in Biblical Scholarship
Peter Lanfer began his professional journey as a lecturer and researcher focusing on the Hebrew Bible, Dead Sea Scrolls, and ancient religious texts. His major breakthrough came after completing his Ph.D. in Hebrew Bible from UCLA in 2010, which established him as a respected scholar in the field of biblical interpretation and religious studies.
Peak Years and Academic Recognition
During his peak years, Lanfer secured teaching positions at UCLA and Dartmouth College, where he lectures on a wide range of topics including the Hebrew Bible, New Testament, and cultural role of sacred literature in Jewish and Christian communities. His expertise and engaging teaching style earned him recognition among students and fellow scholars alike.
Notable Work and Contributions
Lanfer is widely acclaimed for his book “Remembering Eden: The Reception History of Genesis 3:22-24” (2012, Oxford University Press), which explores the reception history of Genesis and its impact on Jewish and Christian thought. He has also contributed numerous scholarly articles, invited lectures, and research on pseudepigrapha and ancient texts, cementing his position as a leading authority in biblical studies and theological scholarship.
Fame Reason and Future Plans of Peter Lanfer
Peter Lanfer gained prominence primarily for his scholarly expertise in Hebrew Bible studies and religious history. His in-depth research on the cultural and theological significance of sacred literature during the Greek and Roman periods, along with his work on biblical interpretation, Dead Sea Scrolls, and pseudepigrapha, has earned him recognition in academic circles worldwide. Additionally, his book “Remembering Eden” (2012) further cemented his reputation as a leading scholar in biblical reception history and theological studies.
Beyond academia, Lanfer is also known to the public for his marriage to actress Sarah Drew and his role as a devoted father, which has brought his name into popular media. This unique combination of academic accomplishment and family life with a public figure has amplified his visibility beyond scholarly audiences. His work continues to impact students, researchers, and anyone interested in religious texts and their cultural influence.
Looking ahead, Peter Lanfer plans to expand his research on ancient religious texts, continue teaching at UCLA and Dartmouth College, and contribute further to biblical scholarship through publications, lectures, and conferences. While he has not publicly disclosed specific future projects, his ongoing dedication to educating the next generation of scholars and advancing theological understanding ensures he will remain a prominent figure in the study of religion for years to come.
Physical Appearance of Peter Lanfer
Age:
Peter Thacher Lanfer was born on September 25, 1976, making him 49 years old as of 2025.
Height:
6 feet
Weight:
70kg
Physical attributes:
As an academic primarily known for his scholarly work rather than public physical presence, such details have not been disclosed in public sources.
Major Achievements of Peter Lanfer
Peter Lanfer has made significant contributions to the field of biblical studies and religious scholarship, earning recognition for his deep analysis of the Hebrew Bible, Dead Sea Scrolls, and ancient Jewish and Christian texts. His acclaimed book, “Remembering Eden: The Reception History of Genesis 3:22-24” (2012), is considered a landmark work in understanding the reception history of Genesis and its influence on theological thought across cultures.
In addition to his publications, Lanfer has achieved academic distinction through his teaching roles at UCLA and Dartmouth College. Where he has educated and mentored numerous students in religious studies and theological interpretation. His invited lectures, research contributions, and engagement with scholarly communities highlight his lasting impact on the study of sacred literature and ancient religious history, establishing him as a respected authority in his field.
Personal Life of Peter Lanfer
Family:
Peter Thacher Lanfer is married to actress and director Sarah Drew since 2002. They have two children named Micah and Hannah and live in Los Angeles. No further detailed public information about his extended family is available.
Nationality:
He is American.
Religion:
He was raised in the Christian faith.
Ethnicity:
American
Marital status/Relationship:
Married to Sarah Drew (since 2002).
Net worth:
$ 5 million
Social media presence:
There is no publicly known or verified social media presence associated with Peter Lanfer as an individual, likely due to his primarily academic and private lifestyle.
| Social Media Platform | Account / Handle | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| No verified personal account found | Publicly no confirmed Facebook profile linked to his name | |
| @peterl310 (unverified) | Account associated with the name Peter Lanfer, not confirmed personally | |
| No verified personal account found | No public LinkedIn profile clearly identified | |
| No verified personal account found | No public profile identified | |
| Other Platforms | No verified accounts found | No other social media presence publicly documented |
Interesting Facts About Peter Lanfer
- Peter Lanfer holds a Ph.D. in Hebrew Bible from UCLA, focusing on biblical interpretation and ancient religious texts.
- He authored the notable book “Remembering Eden: The Reception History of Genesis 3:22-24” (2012).
- Lanfer teaches at both UCLA and Dartmouth College, covering Hebrew Bible, New Testament, and Dead Sea Scrolls.
- His research explores the cultural and theological role of sacred literature in Jewish and Christian communities during the Greek and Roman periods.
Conclusion of Peter Lanfer
Peter Lanfer stands out as a distinguished American scholar and lecturer whose expertise in the Hebrew Bible, Dead Sea Scrolls, and ancient religious texts has made a lasting impact on biblical scholarship. His in-depth research, particularly highlighted in his book “Remembering Eden: The Reception History of Genesis 3:22-24”. Showcases his ability to explore the cultural and theological significance of sacred literature, influencing both students and scholars worldwide.
Balancing an impressive academic career with a fulfilling family life alongside actress Sarah Drew, Lanfer continues to shape the field of religious studies through teaching, research, and public engagement. His dedication to scholarship, combined with his role as a father and mentor, ensures that his contributions to biblical interpretation, cultural studies, and theological education will continue to resonate for generations to come.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Peter Lanfer
- Who is Peter Lanfer?
Peter Lanfer is an American scholar and lecturer specializing in the Hebrew Bible and religious studies. - What is Peter Lanfer known for?
He is known for his research on biblical interpretation, Dead Sea Scrolls, and ancient religious texts, as well as his book “Remembering Eden” (2012). - Where does Peter Lanfer teach?
He teaches at UCLA and Dartmouth College, covering courses on the Hebrew Bible, New Testament, and related ancient literature. - Is Peter Lanfer married?
Yes, he is married to actress and director Sarah Drew, and they have two children named Micah and Hannah. - What are Peter Lanfer’s major achievements?
His achievements include a Ph.D. in Hebrew Bible, international recognition for his book, and influential teaching positions, shaping the next generation of religious scholars.

