As the title of this dissertation indicates, it is a general inquiry into the historical background and thought of a nineteenth century German theologian. Because of the vast scope covered by the terms "theologian" and "exegete," limitations have been necessary. The term "theologian," in this context, has been understood to apply specifically to the field of systematic theology. Thus little or no reference is made to de Wette's work in the area of ethics The term "exegete" has been similarly limited. The philological, textual-critical and linguistic sides of de Wette's labors have been touched upon only as they were found necessary for an understanding of his historical-critical and exegetical work. All translations from the original German texts are the author's unless otherwise indicated in the footnotes.