"Hebrew became a dead language about 500 B.C., therefore there are now very few scholars who would be able to translate or even understand it."

This is like saying that because Latin is a dead language, no one understands it properly. Hebrew was, before its restoration, used intensively in liturgical context. Hence, the whole premise that follows from this is rather moot. Also, the year mentioned is rather dubious.

“when he died (he) had but the reputation of a visionary or a fool”

Definitely the latter :D You do seem to have a penchant for this type of charlatan.