Thân Văn Nhiếp was born on 28 September 1804 at the capital of Huế. His father was known as an excellent student, by the troubled times of Tay Son era so he hasn't take the Civil Service Exams to be the village teacher. When he was 53, or the 4th year of Minh Mệnh era, he was commended to be an official by his acquaintance.