DIODATI, GIOVANNI, a famous theologian of the Reformed Church. His family, originally of Lucca, had settled at Geneva, where he was born c76. He became professor of Hebrew there at 21, and succeeded Beza as professor of theology, 1609. He was a rigid and uncompromising Calvinist. He is chiefly celebrated for his translation of the Bible into Italian, which was published in folio, 1603, and again with notes, 1607. It is, however, rather a paraphrase than a translation. He also undertook a French translation of the Bible, which met with considerable opposition from the clergy at Geneva, though it appeared complete with short notes, 1644. While travelling in Italy he became acquainted at Venice with Sarpi and Fulgenzio, both antagonists of the court of Rome, and they appear to have entertained the idea of attempting a religious reform in Italy, which the greater fore sight of Sarpi, however, prevented them from carry ing out. Diodati's theological studies were based on a sound knowledge of the biblical languages, and zealous investigations in the sacred Scriptures.
He published Les Pseaumes mis en nines Frangaisis, 1646 ; Cento Salmi di Davidi traa'otte in rime =li 1683. He also translated into French Sarpi's History of the Council of Trent. Diodati was sent by the clergy of Geneva on several missions to the reformed churches of France and Holland. He was present at the Synod of Dort, 1618 and 1619, and was one of the six divines appointed to draw up the acts of that assembly. He fully concurred in the condemnation of the Re monstrants or the Arminian party. His other works are—A nnotationes in Biblia, Geneva, fol., 1607, which were translated into English and pub lished in London the following year ; and sundry treatises, De Fictitio Pontificiorum Purgatorio ; De AntichnIrto ; De Ecclesia, etc. He became pastor or parish minister at Geneva 1608, and died there 1649, having retired from his professorship a few years before.—S. L.