Bible Dictionary
Dositheus
Dositheus was the name of several persons in inter-testamental Jewish writings. One was a Levite priest who carried a Greek translation of Esther to Alexandria.
Definition
Dositheus was a name borne by several Jews in inter-testamental writings. The persons so named included two soldiers associated with Judas Maccabeus, a Jew who rescued Ptolemy Philopator but later apostatized, and a Levite priest who carried a Greek translation of Esther to Alexandria.
Biblical Usage
Dositheus appears in the additions to Esther as a priest and Levite who carried the Greek translation of the Book of Esther to Egypt. Other persons named Dositheus occur in 2 and 3 Maccabees.
Historical Background
The priest Dositheus carried the translation to Alexandria in the fourth year of Ptolemy and Cleopatra. Other Dosithei were connected with the Maccabean army and with the court of Ptolemy Philopator.
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Smith's Bible Dictionary
a “priest and Levite” who carried the translation of Esther to Egypt. (Esther 11:1,2)
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>do-sith'-e-us (Dositheos):</p><p>(1) A captain of Judas Maccabeus (2 Macc 12:19-25); along with Sosipater he captured Timotheus after the battle of Carnion, but granted him his life and freedom on the representation that "he had in his power the parents of many of them and the brethren of some," who, if they put him to death, should "be disregarded."</p><p>(2) A soldier in the army of Judas Maccabeus (2 Macc 12:35); he made a special attack upon Gorgias, governor of Idumaea, the opposing general, and would have taken the "accursed man" prisoner but for the interference of a Thracian horseman.</p><p>(3) A Jew, son of Drimylus (3 Macc 1:3) who rescued Ptolemy Philopator from a plot of Theodotus. He afterward proved an apostate from Judaism.</p><p>(4) A Levite priest who "in the 4th year of the reign of Ptolemy and Cleopatra" carried the translation of the Book of Esther to Alexandria (Additions to Esther 11:1).</p><p>J. Hutchison</p>