Susanna (Theodotion's version)

Septuaginta. The Old Testament in Greek According to the Septuagint. Volume 3: Hosea-4 Maccabees, Psalms of Solomon, Enoch, The Odes. Swete, Henry Barclay, editor. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1905

Open Greek and Latin · CC BY-SA 4.0

Cloned and adapted by Humanitext, with ongoing edits.

This religious narrative depicts the story of Susanna, a beautiful and pious married woman, who is saved from a false accusation through divine intervention. Susanna, the wife of the wealthy Joakim, becomes the object of lust for two community elders, who attempt to coerce her into a sexual relationship. When she refuses in order to maintain her chastity, the elders falsely accuse her of adultery, leading to her being sentenced to death. However, before the execution can take place, the young Daniel, inspired by God, intervenes to challenge the verdict. Through separate interrogations of the two elders, Daniel exposes the contradictions in their testimonies and reveals their perjury. Ultimately, Susanna's innocence is proven, her life is spared, and the story concludes with the glorification of God's justice and Daniel's wisdom.