Brief Overview of Μεθερμηνεύω (Strong’s G3177: methermēneúō)

Unveiling the Word

In biblical studies, understanding Greek words like μεθερμηνεύω (methermēneúō) is crucial for interpreting the nuances of the New Testament text, especially when it comes to translation and interpretation. This verb, first appearing in Matthew 1:23, is particularly significant because it means “to translate” or “to interpret.” It is used in contexts where Greek writers needed to explain Hebrew or Aramaic terms to a Greek-speaking audience. Studying this word provides insight into the linguistic challenges faced by early Christians as they spread the gospel across diverse cultural and linguistic landscapes. It also highlights the importance of accurate interpretation in conveying the message of the scriptures to different audiences.

Necessary Information

Greek Word: Μεθερμηνεύω, transliterated as methermēneúō, pronounced [met-her-may-NYOO-oh].

Etymology: The word μεθερμηνεύω is a compound of the preposition μετά (metá), meaning “with” or “after,” and the verb ἑρμηνεύω (hermēneúō), meaning “to interpret” or “to translate.” The root ἑρμηνεύω is related to Hermes, the Greek god known as a messenger and interpreter, indicating the function of conveying meaning or translating speech. The addition of μετά intensifies the meaning, suggesting a thorough or comprehensive interpretation.

Part of Speech: Verb. Μεθερμηνεύω is an active verb used to describe the action of translating or interpreting language. It follows standard Greek conjugation patterns for verbs and can appear in different tenses, voices, and moods depending on the context.

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Defining Meanings

1. To Translate: The primary meaning is to translate words or phrases from one language to another. This is the sense in which it is used in Matthew 1:23, where the Hebrew name “Immanuel” is translated into Greek as “God with us.”
2. To Interpret: It can also mean to explain or interpret the meaning of something, often applied in the context of interpreting texts, dreams, or signs.
3. To Explain Fully: In some contexts, μεθερμηνεύω is used to indicate a thorough explanation or exposition, ensuring that the audience fully understands the concept being communicated.

Exploring Similar Words

1. Διερμηνεύω (diermēneúō) [dee-er-may-NYOO-oh]: Meaning “to interpret” or “to explain thoroughly,” this word is often used interchangeably with μεθερμηνεύω but emphasizes a more detailed interpretation or explanation.
2. Ἑρμηνεύω (hermēneúō) [her-may-NYOO-oh]: The root verb, meaning “to interpret” or “to explain,” without the intensifying prefix μετά. It is more general and less specific than μεθερμηνεύω.
3. Μεταφράζω (metaphrázō) [met-ah-FRAH-zoh]: Meaning “to translate” or “to paraphrase,” this word is similar in meaning but can also imply a less literal translation or a paraphrase.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

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Tense, Voice, Mood:

• Present Active Indicative: μεθερμηνεύω – “I translate” or “I interpret.”
• Future Active Indicative: μεθερμηνεύσω – “I will translate” or “I will interpret.”
• Aorist Active Indicative: μεθερμήνευσα – “I translated” or “I interpreted.”
• Perfect Active Indicative: μεθερμήνευκα – “I have translated” or “I have interpreted.”

Aspect:

• Imperfective: Focuses on the ongoing nature of the action (e.g., translating as a continuous process).
• Perfective: Focuses on the completion of the action (e.g., a completed translation).
• Stative: Emphasizes the state resulting from the action (e.g., the state of having been translated).

Conjugation Table: Present Active Indicative:

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Studying Lexicon Insights

Μεθερμηνεύω appears in the New Testament primarily in contexts where a Hebrew or Aramaic term is being explained to a Greek audience. For instance, in Matthew 1:23, the word is used to translate the Hebrew name “Immanuel” into Greek, providing the meaning “God with us.” This highlights the need for the early Christians to make the Hebrew scriptures accessible to Greek-speaking believers. In the broader Greco-Roman context, μεθερμηνεύω could also refer to the interpretation of dreams or oracles, reflecting its use in various forms of communication and understanding. Theologically, the use of μεθερμηνεύω in the New Testament underscores the importance of accurate interpretation in conveying God’s message to diverse audiences.

This overview synthesizes insights from BDAG, Thayer’s, LSJ, Vine’s, Strong’s, LEH, and Moulton and Milligan.

Tracing Related Scriptures

1. Matthew 1:23: “Behold, the virgin shall be with child and shall bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel, which translated [μεθερμηνευόμενον] means, ‘God with us.’”
2. Mark 5:41: “Taking the child by the hand, He said to her, ‘Talitha kum!’ (which translated [μεθερμηνευόμενον] means, ‘Little girl, I say to you, get up!’).”
3. Mark 15:22: “Then they brought Him to the place Golgotha, which is translated [μεθερμηνευόμενον], Place of a Skull.”

Analyzing Classical Usage

Noteworthy Summary

Μεθερμηνεύω, meaning “to translate” or “to interpret,” is an essential verb in the New Testament, highlighting the role of translation and interpretation in making the message of the scriptures accessible to different linguistic and cultural groups. Its usage in Matthew 1:23 underscores the need for accurate translation to convey the profound truths of God’s word. Understanding μεθερμηνεύω enriches our appreciation of the challenges faced by early Christians in communicating the gospel and the enduring importance of faithful interpretation.

Did You Know?

1. The word μεθερμηνεύω is connected to Hermes, the Greek god of communication and interpretation, reflecting its function in translating and explaining messages.
2. The use of μεθερμηνεύω in the New Testament highlights the multicultural and multilingual nature of the early Christian community, where Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek speakers needed effective communication.
3. In classical Greek literature, μεθερμηνεύω was often used in the context of interpreting dreams, omens, and oracles, showing its broader application beyond linguistic translation.