Lexical Summary herméneia: Interpretation, translation Original Word: ἑρμηνεία Strong's Exhaustive Concordance interpretation. From the same as hermeneuo; translation -- interpretation. see GREEK hermeneuo HELPS Word-studies 2058 hermēneía – an interpretation, giving the gist of a message rather than a strict translation; an equivalent meaning, rather than a "word-for-word" rendering. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom herméneuó Definition interpretation NASB Translation interpretation (2). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2058: ἑρμηνείαἑρμηνεία (WH ἑρμηνια; see Iota), ἑρμηνειας, ἡ (ἑρμηνεύω), interpretation (of what has been spoken more or less obscurely by others): 1 Corinthians 12:10 (L text διερμ. which see); 1 Corinthians 14:26. (From Plato down.) STRONGS NT 2058a: ἑρμηνευτήςἑρμηνευτής, ἑρμηνευτου, ὁ (ἑρμηνεύω, which see), an interpreter: 1 Corinthians 14:28 L Tr WH marginal reading (Plato, politic., p. 290 c.; for מֵלִיץ in Genesis 42:23.) The noun ἑρμηνεία (hermeneia, Strong’s 2058) expresses the act of making an utterance intelligible to hearers who would otherwise not understand it. In classical and Hellenistic usage the term moves freely between “translation” (rendering words from one language into another) and “explanation” (clarifying obscurities of language, culture, or ideas). In Scripture the focus narrows to Spirit-enabled interpretation that turns unintelligible speech into meaningful, edifying communication for the gathered church. Occurrences in the New Testament ἑρμηνεία appears only twice, both in Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians, a document that devotes significant attention to the orderly use of spiritual gifts: • 1 Corinthians 12:10 – the Spirit distributes “the interpretation of tongues” alongside other gifts. The Spiritual Gift of Interpretation Paul lists interpretation of tongues as a charisma distinct from, yet complementary to, speaking in tongues. Where tongues transcend the hearers’ comprehension, interpretation bridges the gap so that the whole assembly may profit. The gift is therefore pneumatic (Spirit-given), intelligible (aimed at understanding), and communal (directed toward the body, not the speaker). Interpretation and Corporate Worship In 1 Corinthians 14, Paul gives three controlling principles: intelligibility (verses 6-11), edification (verse 12), and order (verses 26-33). Tongues without interpretation breach all three. Hence, “If there is no interpreter, he must keep silent in the church” (1 Corinthians 14:28). Interpretation functions as an audible translation for the hearers and a validation that the initial tongue was indeed Spirit-prompted. Historical Background and Jewish Heritage Interpretative ministry had deep roots in synagogue life, where the Hebrew Torah was read and then “translated” (Targum) into Aramaic, accompanied by explanatory comments. The early church, composed of multilingual believers across the Roman Empire, naturally carried this tradition forward. By coupling tongues and interpretation, the Spirit provided both the revelatory utterance and its targumic explanation within the same gathering. Theological Significance 1. Revelation and Clarity: God may choose an ecstatic medium (tongues) to remind the church that the message originates with Him, yet He simultaneously supplies clarity (interpretation) to reveal His pastoral heart for His people’s understanding. Practical Ministry Application • Seekers of the gift should prioritize love (1 Corinthians 13) and pursue edification, never personal display. Relation to Biblical Hermeneutics Though distinct from the academic discipline of hermeneutics, ἑρμηνεία in 1 Corinthians models core interpretive virtues: fidelity to the original message, clarity for the audience, and submission to the Spirit who authored the Word. Every teacher of Scripture, whether handling ancient languages or expounding in the vernacular, stands in continuity with this Spirit-given mandate. Contemporary Implications for the Church In a global fellowship where language barriers persist, the principle embedded in ἑρμηνεία reminds modern believers that God values both the spontaneity of the Spirit and the intelligibility required for faith to grow (Romans 10:17). Congregations are therefore encouraged to cultivate environments where revelatory gifts function under biblical order, interpreters are trained and recognized, and all speech—whether miraculous or mundane—is judged by the unchanging canon of Scripture. Englishman's Concordance 1 Corinthians 12:10 N-NFSGRK: ἄλλῳ δὲ ἑρμηνεία γλωσσῶν NAS: and to another the interpretation of tongues. KJV: to another the interpretation of tongues: INT: to another moreover interpretation of tongues 1 Corinthians 14:26 N-AFS Strong's Greek 2058 |
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