διερμηνεύω
diermēneúō
G1329 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To interpret or explain thoroughly; to clarify the meaning of something, often involving translation from one language to another. In broader contexts, to expound upon, elucidate, or render an account of something in clear terms. Most frequently used for the activity of making spoken or written words intelligible, whether by translation or by detailed explanation.
Semantic Range
to interpret thoroughly, to explain in detail, to render an account of, to translate (from one language to another), to expound, to clarify
Root / Etymology
Composed of διά ('through, thoroughly') and ἑρμηνεύω ('to interpret, explain'). The compound indicates a thorough or complete process of interpretation or explanation.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical Greek, ἑρμηνεύω is employed for explaining or translating, especially for interpreting speech or writing from one language to another (sometimes, but not always, in relation to oracular or inspired speech). The compound διερμηνεύω intensifies this meaning, implying detailed or complete interpretation or translation. In the Septuagint, διερμηνεύω and related forms often denote the act of oral translation, particularly in assemblies where Hebrew or Aramaic is rendered for Greek-speaking audiences. In the New Testament, it occurs primarily in contexts where the speaker's words require explicit explanation, such as glossing a term or interpreting a language unknown to listeners (e.g., Mark 5:41; 1 Corinthians 12-14, regarding interpretation of tongues). Standard English translations as 'interpret' or 'explain' are generally accurate, but may obscure the term's emphasis on thoroughness or completeness. Not specific to sacred or ritual contexts, but can appear in both sacred and secular literature.
Translation Consistency
διερμηνεύω commonly means to render something intelligible—often by translating words from one language to another or by explaining/expounding them. “Interpret” naturally covers both translation and detailed explanation and is a common, natural English choice for this semantic range.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from διά and ἑρμηνεύω; to explain thoroughly, by implication, to translate:--expound, interpret(-ation).
Root Family
διερμηνεύω (diermēneuō) — interpret, explain, translate, expound
Word Forms
5 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1329-01 |
διερμηνεύῃ | diermeneue | V PRS ACT SUBJ 3P SG |
he interprets | may interpret thoroughly | he may interpret thoroughly | 2 |
G1329-05 |
διερμήνευσεν | diermeneusen | V AOR ACT IND 3P SG |
explained | thoroughly interpreted | explained thoroughly | 1 |
G1329-03 |
διερμηνευομένη | diermeneuomene | V PRS PASS PTCP NOM F SG |
translated | being thoroughly interpreted | being thoroughly interpreted | 1 |
G1329-04 |
διερμηνεύουσιν | diermeneuousin | V PRS ACT IND 3P PL |
interpret | they thoroughly interpret | they thoroughly interpret | 1 |
G1329-02 |
διερμηνευέτω | diermeneueto | V PRS ACT IMP 3P SG |
must interpret | let him fully interpret | let him fully interpret | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
6 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1329-05 |
Luke 24:27 | διερμήνευσεν | diermeneusen | V AOR ACT IND 3P SG |
explained | thoroughly interpreted | explained thoroughly |
G1329-03 |
Acts 9:36 | διερμηνευομένη | diermeneuomene | V PRS PASS PTCP NOM F SG |
translated | being thoroughly interpreted | being thoroughly interpreted |
G1329-04 |
1 Corinthians 12:30 | διερμηνεύουσιν | diermeneuousin | V PRS ACT IND 3P PL |
interpret | they thoroughly interpret | they thoroughly interpret |
G1329-01 |
1 Corinthians 14:5 | διερμηνεύῃ | diermeneue | V PRS ACT SUBJ 3P SG |
he interprets | may interpret thoroughly | he may interpret thoroughly |
G1329-01 |
1 Corinthians 14:13 | διερμηνεύῃ | diermeneue | V PRS ACT SUBJ 3P SG |
he may interpret | may interpret thoroughly | he may interpret thoroughly |
G1329-02 |
1 Corinthians 14:27 | διερμηνευέτω | diermeneueto | V PRS ACT IMP 3P SG |
must interpret | let him fully interpret | let him fully interpret |