ἑρμην-εία G2058
interpretation, explanation, or translation; the act of expressing or clarifying meaning in words
This noun denotes interpretation, explanation, or translation—making meaning clear through words. In 1 Corinthians 12:10, it appears among spiritual gifts as 'interpretation of tongues'—the ability to explain or translate ecstatic speech. In 1 Corinthians 14:26, Paul regulates worship: when someone speaks in a tongue, there must be 'an interpretation' so the church is edified. The Spanish 'interpretación' (interpretation) and French 'interprétation' are direct cognates. Classical usage included explaining thoughts through words, translating between languages, and literary style. The biblical use focuses on the charismatic gift of making unintelligible tongues comprehensible to the assembly.
Senses
1. sense 1 — Spanish 'interpretación' and French 'interprétation' are transparent cognates showing this word means interpretation or explanation. In 1 Corinthians 12:10, Paul lists 'interpretation of tongues' (ἑρμηνεία γλωσσῶν) among the Spirit's gifts—the ability to translate or explain the ecstatic speech given in tongues. In 14:26, Paul instructs that when someone has a tongue, there must be 'an interpretation' so the whole church benefits—someone must render the message intelligible. Without interpretation, tongues-speech edifies only the speaker. The gift of interpretation bridges the gap between inspired utterance and congregational understanding, transforming private prayer language into public teaching. Classical usage emphasized expressing thoughts in words and translating between languages—both relevant to this spiritual gift. 2×
AR["تَرجَمَةٌ", "تَرجَمَةُ"]·ben["ব্যাখ্যা"]·DE["Auslegung"]·EN["an-interpretation", "interpretation"]·FR["interprétation"]·heb["פֵּרוּשׁ", "פֵּרוּשׁ-"]·HI["अनुवाद"]·ID["penafsiran", "tafsiran"]·IT["interpretazione"]·jav["panerang", "terjemahan"]·KO["통역을", "통역이"]·PT["interpretação"]·RU["истолкование"]·ES["interpretación"]·SW["tafsiri"]·TR["yorum", "yorumlama"]·urd["ترجمہ"]
Related Senses
H0559 1. say, speak, tell (5297×)G3004 1. say, tell, speak (2226×)H1696 1. speak, say, tell (Piel) (1105×)H7121 1. call, summon, name (575×)H6680 1. command, order, charge (483×)H6030b 1. answer, respond, reply (289×)G2980 1. speak, talk (277×)H5046 1. Hifil: to tell, report (237×)G0611 1. answer or respond verbally (232×)H1288 1. Piel: bless, invoke blessing (227×)H7650 1. swear, take an oath (Niphal) (154×)H3789 1. Qal passive participle: written, recorded (112×)H1984b 1. praise, laud (Piel) (111×)H7592 1. ask, inquire, question (96×)H3034 1. give thanks, praise (Hifil) (94×)G1321 1. teach, instruct actively (92×)H3789 2. Qal active: write, compose (89×)G1125 1. to write, compose (a letter or document) (84×)H5046 2. Hifil: to declare, proclaim (79×)H7892a 1. song, musical composition (78×)
BDB / Lexicon Reference
ἑρμην-εία, ἡ, (ἑρμηνεύω) interpretation, explanation, Refs 5th c.BC+; especially of thoughts by words, expression, Refs 5th c.BC+; mediation, Refs 5th c.BC+; style, Refs 4th c.BC+; an expression, ἡ ἀκόλουθος ἑ. Refs 5th c.BC+ Plato's gifts of style, Refs 1st c.BC+ __2 in Music, expression, Refs 1st c.AD+ __3 translation, Aristeas 3, Refs 1st c.AD+; ἑ. ἔχειν to mean when translated, Refs 1st c.AD+