from διά and ἑρμηνεύω; to explain thoroughly, by implication, to translate:--expound, interpret(-ation).
Transliteration:diermēneúō
Pronunciation:dee-er-main-yoo'-o
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb διερμηνεύω (diermēneúō, `{{G1329}}`) is a compound word formed from the preposition διά (dia), meaning "through" or "thoroughly," and the verb ἑρμηνεύω (hermēneúō, `{{G2059}}`), meaning "to interpret" or "to explain." The prefix διά serves to intensify the action of the base verb, suggesting a complete, clear, or comprehensive interpretation or explanation. Thus, διερμηνεύω denotes the act of explaining something fully, clearly, or in detail, often with the implication of overcoming a barrier to understanding. This barrier could be linguistic (requiring translation) or conceptual (requiring elucidation). Its semantic range encompasses both the act of "translating" from one language to another and "expounding" or "interpreting" a message or text to make its meaning plain and accessible.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
διερμηνεύω appears in the New Testament in several significant contexts:
* **Luke 24:27**: "And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he διερμηνεύω (expounded) to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself." Here, the word describes Jesus' authoritative and comprehensive explanation of the Old Testament prophecies. It is not merely a translation of words but a profound unveiling of their true meaning and fulfillment in his person and mission. This highlights the "expound" or "thorough explanation" aspect of the verb.
* **Acts 9:36**: "In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (which, when διερμηνεύω (translated), is Dorcas)." This instance clearly illustrates the "translate" meaning, referring to the linguistic conversion of a name from Aramaic (Tabitha) to Greek (Dorcas).
* **1 Corinthians 12:10**: In the list of spiritual gifts, Paul mentions "to another διερμηνεύω (the interpretation) of tongues."
* **1 Corinthians 14:5**: "Unless someone διερμηνεύω (interprets), so that the church may be edified."
* **1 Corinthians 14:13**: "Therefore let one who speaks in a tongue pray that he may διερμηνεύω (interpret)."
* **1 Corinthians 14:27**: "If anyone speaks in a tongue, let there be two or at the most three, and each in turn, and let one διερμηνεύω (interpret)."
In these passages from 1 Corinthians, διερμηνεύω refers specifically to the spiritual gift of interpreting glossolalia (speaking in tongues). This interpretation is crucial for the edification of the church, as an uninterpreted tongue is unintelligible and therefore unhelpful to the community ([[1 Corinthians 14:2]]). The act of διερμηνεύω transforms an otherwise incomprehensible utterance into a message that can be understood and benefit the entire congregation, making clear its divine meaning. This is more than a simple word-for-word translation; it is an inspired making-plain of a divinely given message.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of διερμηνεύω is enriched by considering its lexical family and related theological concepts:
* ἑρμηνεύω (hermēneúō, `{{G2059}}`): The base verb, meaning "to interpret, explain, or translate." διερμηνεύω is its intensified form, emphasizing thoroughness.
* ἑρμηνεία (hermēneia, `{{G2058}}`): The noun form, meaning "interpretation" or "explanation." It appears in [[1 Corinthians 14:26]] in the context of the interpretation of tongues.
* γλῶσσα (glōssa, `{{G1100}}`): "Tongue" or "language," directly relevant to the Corinthian context of interpreting tongues.
* προφητεία (prophēteia, `{{G4394}}`): "Prophecy," often contrasted with tongues in 1 Corinthians, as prophecy is inherently understandable and edifying. The role of interpretation is to make tongues function similarly to prophecy.
* διδάσκω (didaskō, `{{G1321}}`): "To teach." Interpretation facilitates teaching and understanding within the community.
* σαφηνίζω (saphēnizō, `{{G4589}}`): "To make clear, to explain." This verb shares the semantic goal of clarity with διερμηνεύω.
* ἀναπτύσσω (anaptyssō, `{{G3800}}`): "To unroll" (a scroll), often followed by explanation, as seen in Jesus' reading from Isaiah in [[Luke 4:17]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of διερμηνεύω is profound, touching upon divine communication, the role of the Holy Spirit, and the edification of the church:
1. **Divine Revelation and Human Understanding**: The need for διερμηνεύω underscores the gap between divine truth and human comprehension. God's revelation, whether through Scripture or spiritual gifts, often requires divine assistance for full understanding. Jesus, as the ultimate διερμηνεύω of the Old Testament, exemplifies how God makes His will and plan known to humanity.
2. **Edification of the Body of Christ**: In the context of spiritual gifts, the interpretation of tongues is not an optional extra but a necessary function for the church's health and growth. Paul emphasizes that gifts are given for the common good ([[1 Corinthians 12:7]]) and the edification of the church ([[1 Corinthians 14:5]]). Without interpretation, the gift of tongues fails to build up the community, becoming a private rather than corporate blessing.
3. **The Holy Spirit's Role in Illumination**: The ability to διερμηνεύω spiritual utterances is a gift of the Holy Spirit ([[1 Corinthians 12:10]]). This highlights the Spirit's indispensable role in illuminating truth, enabling believers to grasp and communicate divine mysteries clearly. The Spirit not only inspires the initial utterance but also provides the means for its understanding.
4. **Order and Intelligibility in Worship**: Paul's instructions in 1 Corinthians 14 reveal God's desire for order, clarity, and intelligibility in corporate worship. The practice of διερμηνεύω ensures that spiritual expressions contribute to the understanding and spiritual growth of all present, preventing confusion and ensuring that outsiders might also perceive the presence of God ([[1 Corinthians 14:25]]).
### Summary
διερμηνεύω (diermēneúō, `{{G1329}}`) signifies the act of thoroughly explaining or translating, bridging gaps in understanding. Its use ranges from the literal translation of a name to the profound expounding of Scripture by Jesus, and most notably, to the spiritual gift of interpreting tongues for the edification of the church. This word highlights the divine imperative for clear communication of truth, demonstrating God's desire for His revelation to be fully understood and to build up His people. Empowered by the Holy Spirit, διερμηνεύω ensures that divine messages, whether ancient prophecies or contemporary spiritual utterances, are made accessible and meaningful, fostering order and spiritual growth within the community of faith.
TRV