Everything you need to know.
of Completion
This certifies that
Is on track to complete the Bible for the 1st time in 240 days.
Paul's Handkerchief combines the latest in biblical scholarship alongside 'coffee with Jesus' activities to reclaim the Ancient Near East context, romance, and mystery of our Bibles.
Few people who start reading the Bible ever finish it. The cover-to-cover challenge is for those ready to break that cycle — reading the entire Bible at their own pace, backed by community and tools built to make finishing not just possible, but inevitable. You will also get a certificate to celebrate your achievement each time.
Having a coffee with Jesus is about spending quality time with Him. It isn't just Bible study, but a personal, intimate conversation with Him. Think less classroom, more kitchen table. The devotionals, quizzes, crosswords and journaling are all designed to let the Word shape your heart, not just your head.
Most English Bibles can't carry the full weight of what's in the original Hebrew and Greek. The F.O.G. Bible Project exists to change that: three new translations built publicly (a Study Bible, a Reader's Paraphrase, and F.O.G. Family), plus a word-by-word renewal of Strong's Concordance. It is Jean Paul Joseph's lifelong work, unfolding in public — and you're invited in.
Jean Paul Joseph is the lead editor of the F.O.G. Bible Project. He works from a personal encounter with Jesus first, then draws on the scholarship of respected Jewish and Christian scholars to produce resources designed for falling in love with the Word.
Join the club, pick a Bible translation and a reading style that fits you, and you're in. From there, the app tracks your progress and helps keep you showing up — day after day, chapter after chapter.
translation
Loading distribution…
Commentary
Contributors: · · · ·
Introduction
Understanding Greek words is crucial in Biblical studies as it helps to unlock the depth and richness of the original texts. The Greek word ἑρμηνεία (hermēneía) is particularly significant because it refers to "interpretation" or "explanation," concepts that are foundational to both New Testament theology and hermeneutics—the art and science of interpreting scripture. Understanding ἑρμηνεία is essential not only for interpreting the New Testament but also for comprehending how ancient Greek culture approached the understanding of texts, language, and meaning.
Key Information
Primary Meanings
Similar Words: ἐξήγησις (exēgēsis) [ex-ay-GAY-sis] also means "explanation" or "interpretation," especially of texts. However, while ἑρμηνεία (hermēneía) often focuses on translation or interpretation from one language to another, ἐξήγησις (exēgēsis) is more concerned with a detailed, critical explanation of a text.
Further Insights: The noun ἑρμηνεία (hermēneía) follows the first declension pattern for feminine nouns in Greek. Understanding its morphology can enhance comprehension of other related words. Below is the full declension chart for ἑρμηνεία:
Click here for a beginner's guide to reading Greek.
Lexicon Insights
BDAG: ἑρμηνεία is defined as "interpretation" or "translation." It is used in contexts where clarity of communication, especially across different languages, is emphasized. The term is especially important in discussing the spiritual gift of interpreting tongues.
Thayer's: Describes ἑρμηνεία as "interpretation," particularly in the sense of translating or explaining something that is obscure or not understood. The word is associated with the gift of interpreting spoken languages in the New Testament.
Sponsor a Verse
A $100 gift puts your name — on the verse or page you sponsor, so everyone who reads it sees your love for the Word.
Vine's Expository Dictionary: Focuses on ἑρμηνεία as meaning "interpretation" or "explanation," particularly in the context of making something clear that would otherwise be obscure or hidden. It is often linked to the spiritual gift of interpretation of tongues.
LSJ (Liddell-Scott-Jones): Lists ἑρμηνεία as "interpretation," "explanation," or "translation," noting its broad use in both literary and philosophical contexts in classical Greek literature.
Strong's Exhaustive Concordance: Identifies ἑρμηνεία as "interpretation" or "explanation," pointing out its usage in discussing the spiritual gift of interpreting tongues. The concordance underscores its importance in understanding early Christian worship practices.
Related Scripture References
Classical Usage
Septuagint Examples:
Summary of ἑρμηνεία (G2058)
In summary, ἑρμηνεία (hermēneía) is a Greek noun meaning "interpretation" or "explanation." It is used in the New Testament primarily in the context of spiritual gifts, where it refers to the interpretation of tongues. The term also appears in classical Greek literature, where it is associated with the explanation of dreams, omens, and philosophical texts. Understanding the word ἑρμηνεία provides important insights into early Christian practices, hermeneutics, and the broader cultural approaches to interpreting sacred and secular texts in antiquity.
Did You Know?
Did you know that the word ἑρμηνεία (hermēneía) is related to Hermes, the Greek god known as the messenger of the gods and a deity of communication and interpretation? This connection highlights the ancient Greeks' view of Hermes as a divine intermediary, making ἑρμηνεία a fitting term for describing the act of interpretation or translating messages across different languages and contexts.