Ephraem Syrus, the most prominent instructor of the old Syrian church, and one of the most prolific theological writers of the early Christian church in general, died probably in 378. He was born at Nisibis or Edessa, and was educated by Jacob of Nisibis, who took him to the council of Nice. He entered on a monastic life, and carried on his philosophical studies, only coming out to preach and teach. His reputation for learning and piety was so great that he was elected bishop, but declined the office. He spent the greater part of his life in writing and preaching on devotional and moral subjects, and against the heresies of his time, especially Arianism. When Edessa was suffering from famine, he called on the rich to assist the poor, and saw that the latter received what was intended for them. He was called by his countrymen the cithara of the Holy Ghost, and, because he transplanted Greek learning into the Syrian church, the prophet of the Syrians. His commentaries extended over the whole Bible. Hymns and prayers which are ascribed to him are still in use in the Chaldean, Syrian, and Maronite churches. Some of his numerous works are extant in the original Syriac, many others exist in Greek, Latin, and Armenian translations, and many are lost.

The most complete edition is that of Rome (6 vols., 3 containing the works in Syriac and Latin and 3 the Greek texts, 1782-46). A good German translation of a large portion of his works was published by Pius Zingerle, at Innspruck (1830-38). A tasteful English translation of several hymns, songs, and homilies was made by Henry Burgess ("Select Metrical Hymns and Homilies of Ephraem Syrus," 2 vols., London, 1853). Bickell has edited Ephraemi Syri Carmina Nisibena, additis Prolegomenis et Supplemento Lexicorum Syriacorum (2 vols., Leipsic, 1866).