Theodotion
PeopleWhat is the meaning of Theodotion in the Bible?
Theodotion was a Jewish scholar active in the second century CE who produced a Greek translation of the Hebrew Bible, characterized by a literal adherence to the Masoretic Text that often diverged from the earlier Septuagint tradition.
SIGNIFICANCE
Theodotion's translation provides essential comparative data for textual critics, allowing scholars to trace the evolution of the Hebrew text and understand the variations present in ancient biblical manuscripts.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Genealogy & Community Insight: When reading, notice how the lineage and actions of Theodotion reveal God's preservation of family clans and community records across generations.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Theodotion in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Theodotion clarify?
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Theodotion." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/theodotion/