January 7
Lucian of Antioch
Lucian of Antioch was a priest, biblical scholar, and martyr who died during the persecution of Maximinus Daia. He revised existing Greek biblical texts with attention to Hebrew; he did not produce the original Greek translation of the Hebrew Bible.
Priest, teacher, and martyr
Lucian became a priest at Antioch and was associated with its theological school. During the persecution under Maximinus Daia he was arrested, taken to Nicomedia, and killed in 312. Details about his early life are uncertain because later accounts appear to confuse him with another Lucian.
What his biblical work was
Lucian emphasized textual accuracy and prepared a recension, or revised edition, of the Septuagint using Hebrew readings. He also produced a New Testament recension. The imported account incorrectly said that he translated the Hebrew Bible into Greek and directly shaped Jerome's Latin Vulgate; the historical source supports the narrower claim of textual revision.
Sources and references
Original explanation by Bible Daybook, prepared with AI assistance. References checked September 10, 2026; theological review pending.
Patronage
No verified patronage is listed for this record.
Era: 3rd–4th century