Overview
Miguel Ángel Tábet Balady (24 December 1941 – 7 April 2020) was a Venezuelan Catholic priest, theologian, exegete and writer who spent much of his life teaching and publishing on Scripture. Born in Caracas, Venezuela, he later lived and worked in Rome, Italy, where he became known for clear, pastoral introductions to biblical texts and for fostering careful reading of the Bible in Spanish-speaking communities.
Academic career
Tábet served as a professor of biblical hermeneutics at the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross in Rome, combining academic rigor with pastoral sensitivity. His teaching addressed how to interpret scriptural books in their historical and literary contexts and how to apply sound interpretative methods in preaching, catechesis and study groups.
Scholarship and themes
As an exegete and author, Tábet focused on accessible commentaries, introductions to biblical books and methodological guides for readers. His work emphasized the unity of Scripture, the importance of original languages and contexts, and the role of tradition and reason in interpretation. He often aimed to bridge scholarly research and parish-level reading, making technical matters intelligible for clergy and laypeople alike.
Legacy and death
Tábet contributed to the education of priests, seminarians and lay ministers through courses, books and public lectures. He is remembered for promoting responsible, informed engagement with the Bible in pastoral settings. Tábet died in Rome on 7 April 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, leaving a body of writings and recorded lessons used in Spanish-language theological formation.
Notable facts
- Nationality: Venezuelan; long residence in Rome.
- Roles: Catholic priest, theologian, biblical scholar and author.
- Field: Biblical hermeneutics and exegesis with pastoral emphasis.
- Affiliation: Pontifical University of the Holy Cross in Rome.
For readers seeking further introductions to Tábet's approach, translations and collections of his lectures are often used in Spanish-language seminaries and lay formation programs, and his clear style continues to influence teachers of scriptural interpretation.