μεθερμηνεύω

I translate, interpret

Definition

The verb μεθερμηνεύω means 'to translate' or 'to interpret' from one language into another. In the New Testament, it is used specifically to provide the Greek equivalent of a Hebrew or Aramaic name or phrase, making the meaning clear for a Greek-speaking audience. For example, it translates the name 'Emmanuel' as 'God with us' in Matthew 1:23 and 'Golgotha' as 'Place of a Skull' in Mark 15:22. In John 1:41, it interprets the Aramaic title 'Messiah' with its Greek equivalent 'Christ,' highlighting its theological significance.

Biblical Usage

This word is used seven times in the New Testament, primarily in the Gospels and Acts. Its usage consistently involves translating or explaining Semitic terms (Hebrew or Aramaic) into Greek for the reader. In the Gospels (Matthew 1:23; Mark 5:41, 15:22, 15:34; John 1:41), it clarifies names, places, or sayings of Jesus. In Acts (4:36; 13:8), it translates personal names (Joseph as 'Barnabas' and 'Elymas'), showing its role in bridging cultural and linguistic gaps in the early church narrative.

Etymology

The word is a compound verb from the Greek preposition μετά (meta, meaning 'after' or 'with') and the verb ἑρμηνεύω (hermēneuō, meaning 'to interpret' or 'to explain'). It literally means 'to interpret after' or 'to translate.' It is related to the name Hermes, the messenger god, underscoring the idea of conveying meaning from one form to another. This root also gives us the English word 'hermeneutics,' the science of interpretation.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it underscores the act of divine revelation being made intelligible across languages and cultures. It highlights the Gospel's translatability and accessibility, affirming that God's message is not confined to a single tongue. In passages like Matthew 1:23 and John 1:41, the translation reveals key Christological titles ('God with us,' 'Christ'), enriching the reader's understanding of Jesus' identity. It reminds us that Scripture itself models the interpretive work needed to grasp and share its truths.

In the multilingual context of first-century Palestine and the Roman Empire, translation was essential for communication. The New Testament's use of μεθερμηνεύω reflects a culture where Greek was the lingua franca, but Hebrew and Aramaic held religious and local significance. By providing Greek equivalents, the authors made the narrative accessible to a broader Hellenistic audience, a practice common in historical and biographical writings of the era to clarify foreign terms.

διερμηνεύω (diermēneuō, G1329) — often implies a detailed or thorough interpretation, as in explaining dreams or speeches. ἑρμηνεύω (hermēneuō, G2059) — the simpler root verb meaning 'to interpret' or 'explain,' without the specific connotation of translation between languages.

Word Details

Scripture References