Gerhard Begrich studied theology, Oriental studies, and Egyptology, earning his Ph.D. from the Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin. He has served as pastor at the Marktkirche in Halle an der Saale and as director of the Gnadau Preachers Seminary. He was president of the Pastors College from 1993 to 2007, and its director of studies until his retirement, in 2009. His books include Gilgamesch — König und Vagant: Das Epos (2003); Schönheit gilt es zu schauen: Theologie und Poesie (2010), and Namen und Namengeschichten in der Bibel (2011).