Theodotion

Theodotion was a translator of the Hebrew scriptures (Old Testament) into Greek, conventionally dated to the second century CE. His work was not an entirely new translation, but rather a revision intended to correct an earlier Greek text—specifically the Septuagint (the earlier Greek translation)—to bring it closer to the Hebrew text in use at that time.

His approach was based on literal, word-for-word translation. Words he chose to render closely—particularly plant names, animals, cultic objects, and measures—he typically rendered in Greek as transliterations of the Hebrew pronunciation, a feature that makes his work recognizable.

Life and recognition

Information about his life is sparse and inconsistent. Early Christian writers, including Irenaeus, stated that he came from Ephesus and was either a convert to Judaism or Jewish-born. Other sources attributed his name to a different group. The dates of his activity are uncertain.

Hexapla

Origen, in the third century, produced the Hexapla—a parallel text laying out the Old Testament in six columns—one of which he assigned to Theodotion's version, placing it alongside those of Aquila and Symmachus. Origen drew from Theodotion to fill gaps in the Septuagint, marking with signs the passages he added. The complete Hexapla no longer survives; what remains are fragments and citations in later commentaries.

Daniel

The clearest case is the Book of Daniel. Early churches replaced the Septuagint version of Daniel with one attributed to Theodotion, which thereby became the standard Daniel text in Greek biblical manuscripts. The earlier Septuagint Daniel survived only in a few manuscripts. The reason for the replacement is not fully explained, but it is understood that Theodotion's version was seen as closer to the Hebrew and Aramaic texts.

Scholarly significance

Theodotion holds an important place in studying the history of biblical texts. Comparing his version with the Septuagint and the Masoretic text (the standard Hebrew version) illustrates how texts diverged in antiquity. The 'kaige' theory of revision also anchors Theodotion in a broader movement of correction applied to Greek Jewish translations.