Brief Overview of διερμηνεύω (G1329: diermēneuō)

Word Details

• Transliteration: διερμηνεύω (diermēneuō) [dee-er-may-NYOO-oh]
• Etymology: This verb comes from the root word ἑρμηνεύω (hermēneuō), which means “to interpret” or “to explain.” The prefix διά (dia) adds the sense of “through” or “thoroughly,” enhancing the meaning to “thoroughly interpret” or “translate comprehensively.”
• Part of Speech: Verb
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon

Primary Meanings

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• Interpret: διερμηνεύω primarily means to interpret, that is, to explain the meaning of words, languages, or concepts so that they are understood by others.
• Translate: The verb also carries the meaning of translating spoken or written text from one language to another.
• Explain: Additionally, it is used in the sense of providing an explanation or clarification of something that may not be immediately clear to the listener or reader.

Further Insights

• Person: Third person
• Number: Singular
• Tense: Present
• Voice: Active
• Mood: Indicative

Further Insights Explained:

• In its current form, διερμηνεύω is in the third person singular, present tense, active voice, indicative mood. This means it refers to an action currently happening, where a person (or subject) is actively interpreting or explaining something.

Disclaimer: The above details apply to the word in the form provided. Variations in tense, voice, or mood, as well as changes in person or number, would alter its morphology and usage depending on the context in which it appears.

Lexicon Descriptions

BDAG (Bauer, Danker, Arndt, and Gingrich):

• διερμηνεύω is defined as “to explain, interpret, or translate,” with specific usage in contexts where something is being made clear, particularly in situations involving cross-linguistic communication.
• Scripture References: 1 Corinthians 12:30, 1 Corinthians 14:5, 13, 27

Thayer’s Greek Lexicon:

• Thayer’s lexicon describes διερμηνεύω as “to interpret or explain thoroughly,” often in the context of translating languages or expounding on spiritual or complex matters.
• Scripture References: John 1:38, John 9:7

Vine’s Expository Dictionary:

• Vine’s notes that διερμηνεύω is used in the New Testament to describe the act of translating or interpreting, with an emphasis on making meanings clear, whether in a linguistic or explanatory context.
• Scripture References: 1 Corinthians 14:13, 27

LSJ (Liddell, Scott, Jones):

• LSJ defines διερμηνεύω as “to interpret, explain, or translate,” commonly used in classical texts to describe the work of interpreters or translators, particularly in diplomatic or legal contexts.
• Scripture References: Acts 9:36

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance:

• Strong’s concordance lists διερμηνεύω as “to interpret or translate,” with a focus on making communication possible across different languages or explaining difficult concepts.
• Scripture References: 1 Corinthians 14:27, Acts 9:36

Usage in Classical Greek Literature

• Herodotus, Histories: διερμηνεύω is used by Herodotus to describe the role of interpreters who facilitated communication between different cultures, often in the context of diplomatic missions or trade negotiations.
• Plato, Theaetetus: Plato uses διερμηνεύω in philosophical discussions to denote the act of interpreting complex ideas or translating philosophical concepts for understanding.
• Xenophon, Cyropaedia: In Xenophon’s works, the verb appears in contexts where communication between different linguistic groups required the services of an interpreter, highlighting its importance in military and diplomatic affairs.

Summary

διερμηνεύω (G1329: diermēneuō) is a Greek verb that means “to interpret,” “to explain,” or “to translate.” It is derived from the root word ἑρμηνεύω, with the prefix διά (dia) enhancing its meaning to “thoroughly interpret” or “translate comprehensively.” The verb is used in the New Testament to describe acts of interpretation, particularly in the context of language translation or explaining complex ideas. In classical Greek literature, it is commonly found in diplomatic, legal, and philosophical contexts, where clear communication was essential. The word carries significant importance in both linguistic and conceptual interpretation, making it a key term in understanding the transmission of ideas across different languages and cultures.