Giovanni Diodati

1576-1649. Calvinist theologian. Born in Geneva of an Italian Protestant family, he became professor of Hebrew (1597) and pastor (1608) there before succeeding Beza* as professor of theology (1609), a post he retained until his death. He was Genevese representative at the Synod of Dort.* His Italian translation of the Bible appeared in 1607, a revised edition with notes in 1641. This version, which established his reputation, is still commonly used by Italian Protestants. Highly acclaimed for accuracy and lucidity, it shows his theological interests and tendencies, leading some to suggest that he was more theologian than critic. He produced also a French translation of the Bible in 1644.