Symmachus (translator)

Also known as: Symmachus
Dates: fl. late 2nd century
Role: Bible translator; Ebionite then Jew

Fourth translator of the Hebrew Scriptures into Greek, under Emperor Severus. First an Ebionite, then a Jew.

Preface and Praise of Sacred Scripture

The Septuagint Translation and Greek Translators — Fourth translator; under Severus; first an Ebionite, then a Jew
"Fourth, under the Emperor Severus, was Symmachus, first an Ebionite, then a Jew."

Chapter I (The Six Days of Creation)

Verse 2: And the earth was without form and void — Cited for translating: "the earth was idle and unformed"
"Symmachus, the earth was idle and unformed"
Verse 6: Let there be a firmament — Named among translators lacking "God saw that it was good" on the second day
"Theodotion, Aquila, Symmachus, and the Vulgate"