from the same as ἑρμηνεύω; translation:--interpretation.
Transliteration:hermēneía
Pronunciation:her-may-ni'-ah
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun hermēneía (`{{G2058}}`) signifies "interpretation" or "translation." It is derived from the verb hermēneúō (`{{G2059}}`), which means "to interpret, translate, explain, or expound." At its core, the word encapsulates the act of bridging a communicative or conceptual gap, making something obscure, foreign, or unintelligible, clear and understandable. This can apply to linguistic translation from one language to another, or to the explanation and elucidation of a difficult text, concept, or phenomenon. In a broader sense, it speaks to the process of rendering meaning accessible.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Hermēneía (`{{G2058}}`) appears exclusively twice in the New Testament, both instances occurring within Paul's first epistle to the Corinthians, specifically in his discourse on spiritual gifts:
* **[[1 Corinthians 12:10]]**: Here, hermēneía is listed among the diverse manifestations of the Spirit, specifically "to another *divers kinds of tongues*; to another the *interpretation of tongues*." This places the gift of interpretation directly alongside and in relation to the gift of speaking in tongues (`{{G1100}}`).
* **[[1 Corinthians 14:26]]**: Paul reiterates the importance of this gift in the context of corporate worship: "How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an *interpretation*. Let all things be done unto edifying."
The context in 1 Corinthians 12 and 14 is crucial. Paul is addressing the chaotic and unedifying use of spiritual gifts in the Corinthian church, particularly the gift of tongues. While acknowledging the divine origin of tongues, he emphasizes that without interpretation, the speaking in tongues is unintelligible to the congregation and therefore fails to edify the body of Christ. The hermēneía of tongues transforms an otherwise private or incomprehensible utterance into a message that can be understood by all, thus contributing to the spiritual building up (`{{G3619}}`) of the assembly. Paul even states that if there is no interpreter, one who speaks in tongues should remain silent in the church ([[1 Corinthians 14:28]]), highlighting the indispensable role of interpretation for public benefit.
### Related Words & Concepts
* hermēneúō (`{{G2059}}`): The verbal root from which hermēneía is derived, meaning "to interpret, translate, explain." This verb is used in passages like [[John 1:42]], [[John 9:7]], and [[Hebrews 7:2]], where it refers to translating names or explaining meanings. In 1 Corinthians 14, it is used to describe the *act* of interpreting tongues ([[1 Corinthians 14:27]]).
* glōssa (`{{G1100}}`): "Tongue, language." This is the direct object of hermēneía in the Pauline epistles, referring to the spiritual gift of speaking in unknown languages.
* prophēteia (`{{G4394}}`): "Prophecy." Paul contrasts the gift of tongues with prophecy, asserting that prophecy is superior in public worship because it is inherently understandable and edifying, unlike uninterpreted tongues ([[1 Corinthians 14:5]]). The purpose of hermēneía is to make tongues function similarly to prophecy in terms of edification.
* oikodomē (`{{G3619}}`): "Edification, building up." This is the overarching purpose for which all spiritual gifts, including interpretation, are to be exercised in the church.
* synesis (`{{G4907}}`): "Understanding, comprehension." The goal of interpretation is to bring about understanding among the hearers.
* gnōsis (`{{G1108}}`): "Knowledge." Interpretation contributes to the knowledge and instruction of the church.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of hermēneía (`{{G2058}}`) is profound and multi-faceted:
1. **Divine Communication and Human Comprehension**: The gift of interpretation underscores God's desire for His divine communication to be understood by His people. While God may speak in mysterious ways, He also provides the means for those mysteries to be made intelligible, ensuring that His revelation is not lost but comprehended for spiritual benefit.
2. **Edification of the Church**: Paul's primary concern in 1 Corinthians is the building up of the body of Christ. Hermēneía is presented as the essential bridge that transforms a potentially self-serving or unintelligible spiritual manifestation (tongues) into a source of corporate edification. It highlights the principle that all gifts are given for the common good ([[1 Corinthians 12:7]]).
3. **Order and Intelligibility in Worship**: The requirement for interpretation of tongues in public worship reflects God's character as a God of order and peace, not confusion ([[1 Corinthians 14:33]]). It emphasizes that corporate worship should be conducted in a manner that is understandable and beneficial to all participants, promoting clarity over chaos.
4. **The Spirit's Provision for Unity**: As a spiritual gift, hermēneía is empowered by the Holy Spirit. It demonstrates the Spirit's active role in equipping believers to serve one another and to ensure that divine truth is communicated effectively within the community, fostering unity and mutual growth.
5. **Relevance to Biblical Hermeneutics**: While specifically addressing a miraculous gift, the underlying principle of hermēneía resonates with the broader discipline of biblical hermeneutics—the science and art of interpreting Scripture. Just as the Spirit enables the interpretation of tongues, so too does the Spirit guide believers in rightly understanding and applying the written Word, ensuring that God's timeless truths are accurately comprehended and communicated across cultures and generations.
### Summary
Hermēneía (`{{G2058}}`) denotes "interpretation" or "translation," stemming from the verb hermēneúō (`{{G2059}}`). In the New Testament, its two occurrences in 1 Corinthians 12 and 14 specifically refer to the spiritual gift of interpreting tongues (`{{G1100}}`). This gift is presented as indispensable for transforming an otherwise unintelligible utterance into a message comprehensible to the entire church, thereby ensuring its edification (`{{G3619}}`). Theologically, hermēneía highlights God's desire for His divine communication to be understood by His people, underscores the importance of order and intelligibility in corporate worship, and demonstrates the Holy Spirit's provision for the building up of the body of Christ. It reflects a core principle that divine revelation is intended for clear understanding and spiritual benefit, whether through miraculous gifts or the study of Scripture.
TRV