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ἑρμηνεύω

hermēneúō

G2059 verb

SILEX Entry

Definition

To interpret or translate spoken or written language; to explain the meaning of words, phrases, or utterances from one language or form to another. The primary sense is mediating understanding by rendering a message intelligible to an audience that would not otherwise comprehend it. Also carries the nuance of making clear, elucidating, or offering interpretive commentary.

Semantic Range

to interpret spoken or written content, to translate from one language to another, to explain or clarify meaning, to provide interpretive commentary, to make intelligible

Root / Etymology

Formed from Ἑρμῆς (Hermēs), the name of the Greek deity associated with communication and transmission of messages, with the verbal suffix -εύω (indicating an action or process). Thus, to 'hermeneuein' is to act in the manner of Hermēs, that is, to interpret or translate. Cognate with ἑρμηνεία (interpretation), ἑρμηνευτής (interpreter).

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical and Hellenistic Greek, ἑρμηνεύω broadly referred both to oral interpretation (unmediated speech) and written translation (rendering texts in another language). By the Hellenistic and Roman periods—including the Septuagint and New Testament—usage often denotes the act of explaining, translating, or clarifying foreign or obscure statements, especially between Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek. In the New Testament, frequently used when an expression in one language (often Aramaic or Hebrew) is rendered intelligible in Greek for the audience. While modern translations often render this as 'interpret' or 'translate', the word encompasses explanatory commentary (not simply strict translation). Later, the discipline of 'hermeneutics' (theory of interpretation) is derived from the same root. The semantic range in ancient sources is wider than the English 'translate', encompassing interpretation, explanation, and clarification. In contrast to words such as μεταφράζω (to translate), ἑρμηνεύω often includes conveying meaning beyond the literal or the word-for-word sense.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from a presumed derivative of Ἑρμῆς (as the god of language); to translate:--interpret.

Root Family

ἑρμηνεύω (hermēneuō) — to interpret, to explain, to translate

Root ἑρμηνευ- to interpret, to explain, to translate

Word Forms

2 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G2059-01 ἑρμηνεύεται ermeneuetai V PRS PASS IND 3P SG is translated is being interpreted is being interpreted 2
G2059-02 ἑρμηνευόμενος ermeneuomenos V PRS PASS PTCP NOM M SG being interpreted being interpreted being interpreted 1

Occurrences in Scripture

3 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G2059-01 John 1:42 ἑρμηνεύεται ermeneuetai V PRS PASS IND 3P SG is translated is being interpreted is interpreted
G2059-01 John 9:7 ἑρμηνεύεται ermeneuetai V PRS PASS IND 3P SG is translated is being interpreted is being interpreted
G2059-02 Hebrews 7:2 ἑρμηνευόμενος ermeneuomenos V PRS PASS PTCP NOM M SG being interpreted being interpreted being interpreted
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