διερμηνεύω

I translate, interpret, explain

Definition

The verb διερμηνεύω means to translate or interpret from one language to another, or to explain something that is difficult to understand. In Luke 24:27, Jesus interprets (διερμηνεύω) the Old Testament scriptures to the disciples on the road to Emmaus, explaining their meaning. In the context of spiritual gifts in 1 Corinthians 12:30 and 14:5, 13, 27, it specifically refers to the interpretation of tongues, translating an unknown heavenly language into understandable speech for the church's edification. The use in Acts 9:36 for the name Dorcas, which is translated as 'Gazelle', shows its basic sense of translating a word.

Biblical Usage

This word is used six times in the New Testament, primarily in two contexts. First, it appears in narrative settings for translating names or explaining scriptures, as seen in Acts 9:36 and Luke 24:27. Its most concentrated and theologically significant usage is in Paul's discussion of spiritual gifts in 1 Corinthians (12:30; 14:5, 13, 27), where it is a technical term for the supernatural ability to interpret tongues, presented as a gift essential for orderly worship and the building up of the church.

Etymology

Derived from the preposition διά (dia), meaning 'through' or 'thoroughly', and the verb ἑρμηνεύω (hermēneuō), meaning 'to interpret' or 'to explain'. The compound form intensifies the base meaning, suggesting a thorough or complete act of interpretation. It is cognate with Hermes, the Greek god of communication, highlighting the word's core idea of making a message clear.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant for understanding the charismatic gifts in the early church, particularly the gift of interpreting tongues. In 1 Corinthians 14, Paul emphasizes that the interpretation of tongues is vital for the church's edification, transforming a private spiritual expression into a public, intelligible prophecy that builds up the community. Understanding this Greek term clarifies that the gift is not about ecstatic utterance alone but about making God's message accessible and constructive for all believers.

In the Greco-Roman world, interpretation was crucial in multilingual settings, especially for commerce, governance, and religion. The concept also had roots in Hellenistic Judaism, where the translation of Hebrew scriptures into Greek (the Septuagint) was a monumental act of διερμηνεύω. For Paul's audience in cosmopolitan Corinth, the idea of interpreting unknown languages would resonate with their daily experience, while also taking on a new, supernatural dimension within Christian worship.

ἑρμηνεύω (hermēneuō, G2059) — The simpler base verb, often used more generally for interpreting or translating without the intensive force. μεθερμηνεύω (methermēneuō, G3177) — Also means 'to translate' or 'interpret', used similarly for translating names (e.g., Matthew 1:23).

Word Details

Scripture References