Strong's g1329

Pronunciation Guide: dee-er-may-NEW-oh

Basic Definition

Strong’s G1329: διερμηνεύω (diermēneuō) fundamentally means “to interpret thoroughly, to explain fully, to expound clearly.” It describes the act of making something understandable by translating from one language to another or by explaining complex or obscure concepts in simpler terms. In biblical contexts, it often carries the sacred dimension of interpreting Divine revelation, particularly in explaining the Scriptures and their messianic significance.

Etymology and Morphology

• Verb (present active indicative, 1st person singular)
• Compound word: διά (dia, “through, thoroughly”) + ἑρμηνεύω (hermēneuō, “to interpret”)
• Origin: Greek
• Primary usage: Teaching passages, narratives in Luke-Acts, and Pauline epistles
• Related to Hermes, who in Greek mythology served as interpreter of the gods’ messages

διερμηνεύω Morphology:

• διερμηνεύω (present active indicative, 1st person singular) – I interpret thoroughly
• διερμηνεύεις (present active indicative, 2nd person singular) – you interpret thoroughly
• διερμηνεύει (present active indicative, 3rd person singular) – he/she/it interprets thoroughly
• διερμηνεύοντος (present active participle, genitive singular masculine) – of one who interprets
• διερμήνευσεν (aorist active indicative, 3rd person singular) – he/she/it interpreted thoroughly
• διερμηνευέτω (present active imperative, 3rd person singular) – let him/her interpret!
• διερμηνεύεσθαι (present middle/passive infinitive) – to be interpreted thoroughly

Origin & History

The root word ἑρμηνεύω has a fascinating connection to Greek culture, deriving its name from Hermes, the messenger of the gods in Greek mythology who was responsible for communicating divine messages to humans. This etymology reveals the word’s inherent association with bridging divine and human understanding. In classical Greek literature, the term was used by Plato in his “Theaetetus” and “Cratylus” when discussing the interpretation of poetic works and the explanation of names.

In the Septuagint (LXX), the concept appears in relation to dream interpretation (Genesis 40-41) and the translation of languages (Ezra 4:7), though the exact form διερμηνεύω is not prevalent. By the time of the New Testament, the intensified form with the prefix διά had developed, emphasizing thoroughness in interpretation. The early Church Fathers, particularly Origen in his “Contra Celsum” and Eusebius in his “Ecclesiastical History,” employed the term when discussing biblical exegesis and the explanation of Scripture’s deeper meaning, especially as it related to typological interpretations of the Hebrew Scriptures pointing to the Messiah.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• To interpret completely or thoroughly, translating from one language to another
• To explain fully the meaning of something difficult or obscure
• To expound Scripture, particularly revealing how it points to the Messiah
• To serve as an interpreter or translator in real-time communication
• To open up and make clear what was previously hidden or mysterious

διερμηνεύω Translation Options:

• Interpret thoroughly – Emphasizes the complete and comprehensive nature of the explanation, highlighting the διά prefix which intensifies the base meaning
• Expound completely – Captures the sense of detailed explanation that leaves no stone unturned in revealing meaning
• Explain fully – Focuses on making the obscure clear and understandable to the audience
• Translate clearly – Useful when the context involves bridging language gaps between speakers
• Open up the meaning – Particularly appropriate in contexts where Scripture’s deeper significance is being revealed

Biblical Usage

διερμηνεύω appears most prominently in Luke-Acts and Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians. Its debut in Luke 24:27 represents perhaps its most theologically rich usage, where the risen Messiah Himself “explained” to the disciples on the Emmaus road how all of Scripture pointed to Him. This verse establishes an interpretive pattern where the Hebrew Scriptures are understood through their fulfillment in the Messiah Jesus. Paul later employs the term when discussing spiritual gifts, particularly the need for interpretation of tongues to edify the community of believers.

The intensified form with the διά prefix appears only in the New Testament, suggesting a deliberate theological emphasis on the thoroughness and completeness required for proper understanding of Divine revelation. This aligns with the New Testament’s presentation of the Messiah as the perfect interpreter of God’s will and the fulfillment of the Hebrew Scriptures. The distribution of the term in the New Testament suggests it has special significance for explaining the mysteries of God’s redemptive plan.

• “And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, He interpreted [διερμήνευσεν] to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself.” Luke 24:27
• “They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. While they were talking and discussing, Jesus Himself came near and went with them, but their eyes were kept from recognizing Him… Then He said to them, ‘…Was it not necessary that the Messiah should suffer these things and then enter into His glory?’ Then beginning with Moses and all the prophets, He interpreted [διερμήνευσεν] to them the things about Himself in all the scriptures.” Luke 24:14-15, 26-27
• “If there is no one to interpret [διερμηνευτής], let them keep silent in church and speak to themselves and to God.” 1 Corinthians 14:28
• “Therefore, one who speaks in a tongue should pray for the power to interpret [διερμηνεύῃ].” 1 Corinthians 14:13
• “Now I want you all to speak in tongues, but even more to prophesy. The one who prophesies is greater than the one who speaks in tongues, unless someone interprets [διερμηνεύῃ], so that the church may be built up.” 1 Corinthians 14:5
• “For this reason the one who speaks in a tongue should pray that they may interpret [διερμηνεύῃ] what they say.” 1 Corinthians 14:13
• “His name, Tabitha, is translated [διερμηνευομένη] Dorcas (meaning gazelle).” Acts 9:36

Cultural Insights

In the ancient Near Eastern world, interpretation was a highly valued skill associated with wisdom and Divine insight. In the courts of Babylon and Egypt, dream interpreters held prestigious positions, as seen with Joseph and Daniel in the Hebrew Scriptures. The act of interpretation was not merely translation but was understood as a revelatory gift—the ability to discern and communicate hidden meaning. This cultural backdrop illuminates why the disciples’ “burning hearts” on the Emmaus road (Luke 24:32) were such a significant response to the Messiah’s διερμηνεύω of Scripture.

The Jewish tradition of midrash—the interpretive method of finding deeper meaning in the Torah—provides essential context for understanding διερμηνεύω in the New Testament. By the first century, Jewish hermeneutical approaches included peshat (literal meaning), remez (allegorical meaning), derash (comparative meaning), and sod (secret meaning). When Luke records Jesus διερμηνεύων the Scriptures, he portrays Him as the perfect interpreter who reveals the deepest level of meaning in the Hebrew Scriptures, particularly concerning His role as Messiah. This reflects the Jewish expectation that in the messianic age, full understanding of Torah would be granted (Isaiah 30:20-21).

Theological Significance

διερμηνεύω carries profound theological implications about revelation and illumination. It suggests that God’s truth, while present in Scripture, requires interpretation and explanation to be fully grasped by human understanding. The need for διερμηνεύω acknowledges both human limitations in comprehending divine mysteries and God’s gracious accommodation in making His truth accessible. This dynamic reflects the beautiful tension in biblical revelation: God speaks in ways humans can understand, yet the depths of His truth require ongoing illumination by His Spirit.

The use of διερμηνεύω in Luke 24:27 establishes a christocentric hermeneutic that transforms our understanding of Scripture. When the risen Messiah interprets all Scripture as pointing to Himself, He provides the ultimate interpretive key to the Bible. This reveals that proper biblical interpretation is not merely academic exercise but spiritual revelation centered on the person and work of Jesus the Messiah. The fact that it was the risen Lord Himself who performed this act of διερμηνεύω demonstrates that true understanding of Scripture comes through divine illumination rather than mere human intellect—a principle further affirmed when the Holy Spirit assumes this interpretive role after Pentecost.

Moreover, διερμηνεύω’s usage regarding spiritual gifts in 1 Corinthians reveals God’s desire for clarity and understanding in the community of faith. Paul’s insistence that tongues be interpreted shows that God values comprehension and edification above ecstatic but unintelligible spiritual experiences. This reflects יהוה’s character as a God who desires to be known and understood, not to remain mysterious and inaccessible.

Personal Application

The concept of διερμηνεύω invites us to approach Scripture with expectation that the same risen Messiah who walked the Emmaus road continues to open our understanding today. Rather than viewing Bible study as merely an intellectual exercise, we can approach it as a sacred encounter where divine interpretation occurs. This transforms our reading from a one-sided human effort into a conversation where we ask the Holy Spirit to fulfill the same role of διερμηνεύω that Jesus demonstrated.

In our fragmented world full of miscommunication and shallow understanding, διερμηνεύω also challenges us to be thorough interpreters of God’s truth to others. Whether explaining the gospel to seekers, discipling new believers, or teaching Scripture in community, we are called to interpret God’s truth with the clarity, thoroughness, and Christ-centeredness modeled by Jesus Himself. This requires not just conveying information but opening up meaning in ways that transform hearts and minds, helping others to experience their own “burning hearts” moment as God’s Word comes alive through Spirit-empowered interpretation.

Related Words

• ἑρμηνεύω (hermēneuō) [her-may-NEW-oh] – The root word meaning “to interpret or translate” without the intensifying prefix, used less frequently in the New Testament but carrying the basic concept of interpretation. Unlike διερμηνεύω, it lacks the emphasis on thoroughness and completeness. See G2059
• ἑρμηνεία (hermēneia) [her-may-NEE-ah] – The noun form meaning “interpretation,” particularly used by Paul regarding the spiritual gift of interpretation of tongues. It represents the product of the interpretive process rather than the action itself. See G2058
• μεθερμηνεύω (methermēneuō) [meth-er-may-NEW-oh] – Means “to translate, to interpret from one language to another,” with less emphasis on exposition and more on straight translation between languages. The prefix μετά (meta) suggests change or transfer rather than the thoroughness implied by διά. See G3177
• ἐπιλύω (epiluō) [ep-ee-LOO-oh] – Means “to explain, to solve, to resolve” and is used for explaining parables and resolving disputes. While similar in function to διερμηνεύω, it focuses more on solving problems or puzzles rather than interpreting languages or sacred texts. See G1956
• ἐξηγέομαι (exēgeomai) [ex-ay-GEH-oh-mai] – Means “to lead out, to narrate in full, to tell in detail,” used when John says no one has seen God but Jesus has “explained” Him. Like διερμηνεύω, it involves thorough explanation but emphasizes narrative exposition rather than translation or interpretation. See G1834

Did you Know?

• Did you know that διερμηνεύω has a fascinating connection to modern academic disciplines? The modern term “hermeneutics”—the science and methodology of interpretation, particularly of scriptural texts—derives from the same Greek root. What began as a description of Jesus explaining Scripture on the Emmaus road has developed into an entire field of study concerning the principles of biblical interpretation. This connection reminds us that proper biblical understanding has always required thoughtful, Spirit-led interpretive principles.
• Did you know that the concept behind διερμηνεύω played a crucial role in Jewish-Gentile relations in the early church? In the multilingual environment of the first-century Mediterranean world, interpreters were essential for cross-cultural communication. The Jewish synagogues of the Diaspora often had interpreters who would translate Hebrew Scripture readings into local languages like Greek or Aramaic. This practice, called “targum” in Jewish tradition, prepared the cultural soil for the New Testament understanding of interpretation as both translation and exposition. The early church likely adopted similar practices, creating a bridge for the gospel to cross cultural and linguistic boundaries.
• Did you know that Luke’s use of διερμηνεύω in Luke 24 creates a beautiful inclusio (literary bookend) with the transfiguration account in Luke 9? At the transfiguration, Moses and Elijah speak with Jesus about His “exodus” (departure) that He was about to accomplish in Jerusalem. Later in Luke 24, the risen Jesus interprets (διερμηνεύω) to the disciples what Moses and all the prophets said about Him. This literary structure reveals Luke’s theological purpose: to show that Jesus is both the fulfillment of the Law and Prophets and their perfect interpreter.

Remember This

διερμηνεύω reminds us that the Messiah who once walked alongside confused disciples, opening Scripture’s meaning, still walks with us today—interpreting not just ancient texts but our very lives with divine wisdom that makes our hearts burn within us.