Origen of Alexandria Created the First Critical Bible Text, the Hexapla

Origen of Alexandria (c. 185/6–254/5 CE), one of early Christianity's most important theologians, created the Hexapla, a six-column synopsis of Bible versions. He was the first non-Jewish Christian scholar to study Biblical Hebrew. The Hexapla included the Hebrew text, a Greek transliteration, and four Greek translations (Aquila, Symmachus, Theodotian, Septuagint). Origen fled Alexandria around 215 CE during Caracalla's invasion, settling in Caesarea (modern Israel), where he studied Hebrew with Jewish scholars. He founded a school there and was ordained a priest in 230 CE. The Hexapla, originally over 6,000 pages, was likely housed in the library at Caesarea but lost, possibly during the Rashidun Arab invasion in the early 7th century. Only fragments survive. Origen's work is a precursor to modern textual criticism, showing that comparing versions can recover original readings. He used asterisks and obeli to mark differences. Origen died from torture endured under Emperor Decius's persecution.