Lexical Summary herméneuó: To interpret, to translate, to explain Original Word: ἑρμηνεύω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance interpret. From a presumed derivative of Hermes (as the god of language); to translate -- interpret. see GREEK Hermes NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom Hermés Definition to interpret NASB Translation translated (2), translation (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2059: ἑρμηνεύωἑρμηνεύω: (present passive ἑρμηνεύομαι); (from Ἑρμῆς, who was held to be the god of speech, writing, eloquence, learning); 1. to explain in words, expound: (Sophocles, Euripides), Xenophon, Plato, others. 2. to interpret, i. e. to translate what has been spoken or written in a foreign tongue into the vernacular (Xenophon, an. 5, 4, 4): John 1:38 ( ἑρμηνεύω appears three times in the New Testament and always functions to translate a Semitic term so that Greek readers perceive its theological weight. Each instance carries a discrete revelatory purpose—highlighting identity, mission, or typology—while illustrating that faithful interpretation serves the gospel’s clarity and reach. John 1:42 — Name and Commission “You are Simon son of John. You will be called Cephas” (which is translated as Peter) (John 1:42). The interpretive note underscores Jesus’ sovereign right to rename and re-commission. By supplying the Greek equivalent, John ensures that the audience grasps both the wordplay and the prophetic trajectory of Simon’s future leadership. Translation here protects the transformative force of Jesus’ proclamation. John 9:7 — Sign and Sending “Go, wash in the Pool of Siloam” (which means “Sent”) (John 9:7). The gloss pivots the narrative from mere physical healing to mission. The man obeys a command tagged to a location whose very name mirrors Jesus’ identity as the One “sent” by the Father (John 5:36-38). The act of washing in “Sent” foreshadows his forthcoming testimony; interpretation secures that rich linkage for non-Hebrew readers. Hebrews 7:2 — Typology and Theology “First, his name means ‘king of righteousness’; then also, ‘king of Salem’ means ‘king of peace’” (Hebrews 7:2). The writer’s argument rests on the meaning of Melchizedek’s titles. By translating them, he unfolds a composite portrait—righteousness joined to peace—that anticipates the Messianic priest-king. The explanatory use of ἑρμηνεύω is not ancillary; it is integral to the inspired reasoning that positions Christ as the ultimate fulfillment of Psalm 110:4. Implications for Translation and Hermeneutics 1. Apostolic precedent: Scripture itself sometimes interprets Scripture, demonstrating that translation is a divinely sanctioned means of conveying revelation. Historical Echoes Early church apologists adopted this practice, routinely explaining Hebrew names to Gentile audiences (e.g., Justin Martyr, Dialogue with Trypho). This same impulse later energized the Vulgate, vernacular Reformation Bibles, and modern translations—all aimed at making inspired meaning plain. Contemporary Ministry Significance • Evangelism: Clear translation removes unnecessary stumbling blocks, letting the gospel confront hearers on its own terms. Summary Where ἑρμηνεύω occurs, revelation is being bridged—Semitic term to Greek hearer, historical detail to theological insight. Its threefold witness affirms that careful, Spirit-guided interpretation is both necessary and sufficient to disclose the fullness of God’s saving message across languages and ages. Englishman's Concordance John 1:42 V-PIM/P-3SGRK: Κηφᾶς ὃ ἑρμηνεύεται Πέτρος NAS: Cephas (which is translated Peter). KJV: which is by interpretation, A stone. INT: Cephas which means Peter John 9:7 V-PIM/P-3S Hebrews 7:2 V-PPM/P-NMS Strong's Greek 2059 |
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