Bible Dictionary
THEODOTUS
The name Theodotus refers to two persons in the books of the Maccabees: an ambassador sent to Judas Maccabeus to negotiate peace, and a man involved in a plot against Ptolemy Philopator.
Definition
Theodotus is the name of two persons mentioned in the books of the Maccabees. One was an ambassador sent by the Syrian general Nicanor to Judas to seek peace; the other was involved in a plot to assassinate Ptolemy Philopator.
Biblical Usage
The first Theodotus appears in the account of negotiations with Judas Maccabeus. The second appears in the account of a plot against Ptolemy Philopator, which was prevented by a Jew named Dositheos.
Historical Background
The two notices belong to the historical narratives preserved in Second and Third Maccabees and concern diplomatic negotiation and a royal assassination plot.
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>the-od'o-tus (Theodotos):</p><p>(1) One of the three ambassadors sent by the Syrian general Nicanor to Judas to make peace (2 Macc 14:19).</p><p>(2) One who plotted to assassinate Ptolemy Philopator, but was prevented by a Jew, Dositheos (3 Macc 1:2 f).</p>