from a presumed derivative of Ἑρμῆς (as the god of language); to translate:--interpret.
Transliteration:hermēneúō
Pronunciation:her-mayn-yoo'-o
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb ἑρμηνεύω (hermēneúō), transliterated as *hermēneúō*, fundamentally means "to translate" or "to interpret." Its etymological root is often traced to Ἑρμῆς (Hermes), the Greek god associated with communication, messages, and bridging understanding between realms. This etymological connection underscores the core semantic range of the word: the act of making something clear, understandable, or accessible that was previously obscure or in a different form. This can involve rendering a word or phrase from one language into another, explaining the meaning of a concept, or conveying the significance of a spiritual utterance. The word thus encompasses both linguistic translation and a broader sense of elucidation or explanation.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term ἑρμηνεύω appears a total of seven times in the New Testament, with distinct applications. In the Gospels and Hebrews, it is consistently used to provide a linguistic translation or explanation of a foreign name or term:
* In [[John 1:42]], Andrew brings Simon to Jesus, who renames him "Cephas," which is *hermēneúō* "Peter" (Πέτρος), meaning "stone."
* In [[John 9:7]], Jesus sends the blind man to the pool of "Siloam," which is *hermēneúō* "Sent."
* In [[Hebrews 7:2]], the author explains that "Melchizedek" is *hermēneúō* "King of righteousness" and also "King of peace."
In these instances, ἑρμηνεύω serves a straightforward explanatory function, making the meaning of a non-Greek word accessible to the Greek-speaking audience.
However, the usage in 1 Corinthians introduces a profound theological dimension, relating to the spiritual gift of "interpretation of tongues":
* [[1 Corinthians 12:30]] asks rhetorically, "Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret?" This places interpretation alongside other spiritual gifts.
* [[1 Corinthians 14:5]] states that one who prophesies is greater than one who speaks in tongues, "unless someone interprets, so that the church may be edified."
* [[1 Corinthians 14:13]] exhorts, "Therefore let one who speaks in a tongue pray that he may interpret."
* [[1 Corinthians 14:27]] provides a directive for corporate worship: "If anyone speaks in a tongue, let there be two or at the most three, and each in turn, and let one interpret."
In these passages, ἑρμηνεύω refers to a divinely enabled ability to understand and convey the meaning of a message spoken in an unknown tongue (γλῶσσα `{{G1100}}`) for the edification of the church. It is not merely a human linguistic skill but a supernatural charism, essential for making the spiritual utterance intelligible and beneficial to the community.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary conceptual relatives of ἑρμηνεύω include:
* **Translation:** The most direct semantic link, involving rendering meaning from one language or form into another.
* **Elucidation/Explanation:** The broader act of making something clear or comprehensible.
* **Understanding:** The desired outcome of interpretation.
* **Spiritual Gifts (χάρισμα `{{G5486}}`):** Specifically in 1 Corinthians, ἑρμηνεύω is inextricably linked to the gift of tongues (γλῶσσα `{{G1100}}`) and contrasted with prophecy (προφητεία `{{G4394}}`). The gift of interpretation serves to bring the message of tongues into the realm of understanding, akin to prophecy's direct, intelligible message.
* **Communication:** The overarching human and divine activity that interpretation facilitates.
* **Hermeneutics:** While not a biblical word, the modern discipline of biblical interpretation derives its name from this root, signifying the principles and methods by which texts are understood.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of ἑρμηνεύω is multifaceted. First, its use in the Gospels and Hebrews underscores God's desire for clarity and accessibility in His revelation. By providing the interpretation of significant names like "Cephas," "Siloam," and "Melchizedek," the biblical authors ensure that the deeper meaning and significance of these figures and places are not lost on the audience. This reflects a divine commitment to making truth comprehensible.
Second, and more profoundly, the use of ἑρμηνεύω in 1 Corinthians highlights its critical role in the edification of the body of Christ. The gift of interpretation of tongues ensures that spiritual utterances, which might otherwise be unintelligible to the congregation, contribute to the church's spiritual growth and understanding. This emphasizes that divine communication within the church is not for private display but for corporate benefit. Without interpretation, tongues do not build up the church ([[1 Corinthians 14:5]]). The presence of the gift of interpretation ensures order and intelligibility in worship, reflecting God's character as a God of peace and order, not confusion ([[1 Corinthians 14:33]]). It underscores the principle that all spiritual gifts are given for the common good and the building up of the saints.
### Summary
ἑρμηνεύω (*hermēneúō*) is a significant Greek verb meaning "to translate" or "to interpret." Its usage in the New Testament spans two primary contexts: providing linguistic explanations of foreign names or terms for clarity (John, Hebrews) and denoting a specific spiritual gift—the interpretation of tongues—essential for the edification and understanding within the Christian community (1 Corinthians). The word thus speaks to God's desire for His truth and spiritual revelation to be clearly communicated and made accessible, ensuring that divine messages are understood and contribute to the spiritual growth of His people. It underscores the importance of clarity, intelligibility, and mutual edification in the life of faith and corporate worship.
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