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ἑρμηνεία

hermēneía

G2058 noun

SILEX Entry

Definition

The act or result of interpreting, explaining, or rendering the meaning of something in another form; specifically, the interpretation or translation of spoken or written language. Used both for oral interpretation and written translation, as well as for providing clarification or elucidation of meaning in speech or texts.

Semantic Range

interpretation, explanation, translation (oral or written), clarification of meaning, rendering into another language, elucidation of mysteries or obscure sayings

Root / Etymology

From ἑρμηνεύω ('to interpret, to explain'), itself derived from the root ἑρμηνεύω (hermēneuō), possibly connected with the figure Hermes, the messenger and interpreter of the gods in Greek mythology, who served as the archetypal 'interpreter.'

Historical & Contextual Notes

ἑρμηνεία is attested from classical Greek onwards, where it denoted the act of interpretation or explanation, especially in the sense of explaining obscure utterances or rendering speech comprehensible to an audience. In the Hellenistic and Koine periods, it took on broader applications, referring not only to translation between languages but also to the interpretation of dreams, texts, oracles, and specialized discourses. In the LXX (Septuagint), it rarely appears, but in the New Testament (e.g., 1 Corinthians 12–14), it is used specifically for the interpretation of ecstatic utterances ('tongues'), where it may denote spontaneous oral translation or clarification for the benefit of the assembled audience. Unlike more technical Latin terms for textual translation (translatio), ἑρμηνεία often retains connotations of explanation or elucidation beyond mere word-for-word rendering. English 'interpretation' and 'translation' reflect only parts of its semantic field; the term encompasses both written and oral acts, and carries the sense of mediator or intermediary explanation, linking to cultural concepts of Hermes as mediator. In early Christian usage, related to the charismatic gift of interpretation of tongues, but not limited to religious contexts.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from the same as ἑρμηνεύω; translation:--interpretation.

Root Family

ἑρμηνεία (hermēneia) — interpretation, explanation, translation, clarification

Root ἑρμηνευ- to interpret, to explain, to translate

Word Forms

2 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G2058-02 ἑρμηνίαν ermenian N ACC F SG an interpretation interpretation interpretation 1
G2058-01 ἑρμηνία ermenia N NOM F SG interpretation interpretation interpretation 1

Occurrences in Scripture

2 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G2058-01 1 Corinthians 12:10 ἑρμηνία ermenia N NOM F SG interpretation interpretation interpretation
G2058-02 1 Corinthians 14:26 ἑρμηνίαν ermenian N ACC F SG an interpretation interpretation interpretation
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