John Lightfoot, an English clergyman, born in Stoke-upon-Trent, March 29, 1602, died in Ely, Dec. 6,1675. He was educated at Christ's college, Cambridge, and became chaplain to Sir Rowland Cotton, a celebrated Hebrew scholar, who inspired him with a desire to become one also. Anxious to prosecute his studies, he removed to Hornsey, near London, where he could have access to libraries. In 1629 he published "Erubhim, or Miscellanies, Christian and Judaical," and dedicated it to Sir Rowland, who presented him to the rectory of Ashley in Staffordshire. In 1642 he was appointed minister of St. Bartholomew's in London, and a member of the assembly of divines sitting at Westminster. Shortly after he was made master of Catharine hall, Cambridge, and presented to the rectory of Great Munden in Hertfordshire. In 1655 he was chosen vice chancellor of the university, and after the restoration a prebendary of Ely. Lightfoot was a very learned Hebraist for his time, and was remarkable for his intimate acquaintance with rabbinical literature. One of his most important works.

Horce Hebraicce et Talmudice(Cambridge, 1648), has been reedited by R. Gandell (4 vols., Oxford, 1859). At the time of his death he was engaged on the " Harmony of the New Testament." The first collected edition of his works appeared in 1684; the best edition of them is that of the Rev. J. R. Pitman (13 vols. 8vo, London, 1822-'5).