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μεθερμηνεύω

methermēneúō

G3177 verb

SILEX Entry

Definition

To translate from one language into another, to render the meaning of speech or text in another language; specifically, to explain or provide an equivalent in another linguistic context. While the primary sense is 'to translate,' it can also involve interpretation in the sense of clarifying or elucidating meaning for those unfamiliar with the source language.

Semantic Range

to translate from one language to another, to render the meaning in another language, to explain or clarify the meaning of foreign terms

Root / Etymology

Formed from the preposition μετά ('after', 'over', 'change') and the verb ἑρμηνεύω ('to interpret', 'to explain'). The compound indicates the act of interpreting across or over from one language to another.

Historical & Contextual Notes

μεθερμηνεύω is a later Koine compound, mainly occurring in the Septuagint (LXX) and New Testament, used primarily in the context of rendering an Aramaic or Hebrew word into Greek for the benefit of readers unfamiliar with the original language. It is not attested in earlier Classical Greek. The verb is almost always used in the passive or with reference to the action of translating specific terms, proper names, or phrases (e.g., in Mark 5:41 or John 1:38, Aramaic or Hebrew expressions are 'μεθερμηνεύεται'—that is, 'translated'). In practice, μεθερμηνεύω is more focused on translation proper, rather than broader senses of interpretation or commentary. English Bible translations often render the term as 'which means' or 'which is translated.' Not to be confused with ἑρμηνεύω alone, which in Greek literature can mean broader 'interpretation' or expounding, not strictly translation. Compare also διερμηνεύω (to interpret, often in the sense of oral translation or mediation).

Translation Consistency

primary "translate" 8 occurrences

The primary and most natural sense of μεθερμηνεύω is to render speech or text from one language into another. 'Translate' fits typical usage and naturally covers related senses of explaining or clarifying foreign terms without being overly formal.

✓ All renderings match approved senses

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from μετά and ἑρμηνεύω; to explain over, i.e. translate:--(by) interpret(-ation).

Root Family

μεθερμηνεύω (methermēneuō) — to translate, to interpret, to explain

Root ἑρμηνευ- to interpret, to translate, to explain

Word Forms

2 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G3177-02 μεθερμηνευόμενον methermeneuomenon V PRS PASS PTCP NOM N SG translated being translated being translated 7
G3177-01 μεθερμηνεύεται methermeneuetai V PRS PASS IND 3P SG is translated is being translated is being translated 1

Occurrences in Scripture

8 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G3177-02 Matthew 1:23 μεθερμηνευόμενον methermeneuomenon V PRS PASS PTCP NOM N SG translated being translated being translated
G3177-02 Mark 5:41 μεθερμηνευόμενον methermeneuomenon V PRS PASS PTCP NOM N SG being-interpreted being translated being translated
G3177-02 Mark 15:22 μεθερμηνευόμενον methermeneuomenon V PRS PASS PTCP NOM N SG translated being translated being translated
G3177-02 Mark 15:34 μεθερμηνευόμενον methermeneuomenon V PRS PASS PTCP NOM N SG translated being translated being translated
G3177-02 John 1:38 μεθερμηνευόμενον methermeneuomenon V PRS PASS PTCP NOM N SG translated being translated being translated
G3177-02 John 1:41 μεθερμηνευόμενον methermeneuomenon V PRS PASS PTCP NOM N SG translated being translated being translated
G3177-02 Acts 4:36 μεθερμηνευόμενον methermeneuomenon V PRS PASS PTCP NOM N SG translated being translated being translated
G3177-01 Acts 13:8 μεθερμηνεύεται methermeneuetai V PRS PASS IND 3P SG is translated is being translated is being translated
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