διερμηνεύω (diermēneuō)
diermēneuō
to interpret
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 6 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb diermēneuō means to interpret or explain the meaning of something spoken. It serves as an intensive form of a simpler word for interpretation, suggesting a thorough or clear unfolding of meaning. In the New Testament, it appears in only six verses, primarily within Luke and Paul’s letters to Corinth.
Its usage falls into two distinct categories: expounding truth and translating languages. In Luke 24:27, Jesus is described as interpreting the Scriptures for his disciples, explaining how the writings pointed to himself. Similarly, in 1 Corinthians 14, Paul uses the word to describe the gift of interpreting tongues or explaining prophecy so the congregation can understand. This highlights its role in making divine communication accessible and clear.
In Acts 9:36, the term appears in a different context involving translation. It describes how a native Aramaic speaker’s words were rendered into Greek for the wider community. This rare instance shows the word covering both spiritual explanation and linguistic conversion, bridging gaps between languages and understanding.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word diermēneuō carries the weight of bridging gaps. Whether it involves translating a foreign tongue or explaining deep scriptural truths, its purpose is always connection. In Luke’s gospel, Jesus uses this gift to open the Scriptures for His disciples, turning confusion into clarity about His mission. This reminds us that understanding often requires someone to help bridge the distance between what is said and what is truly grasped.
In Paul’s letters, the focus shifts to community life. He encourages believers to seek the ability to interpret spiritual gifts so that the whole church can be built up. The goal is never personal display but shared understanding. When we strive to make God’s word clear or help others understand their faith, we participate in this same ministry of interpretation.
For your daily walk, this might look like patiently explaining a difficult passage to a friend or simply listening well enough to grasp someone else’s struggle. It is an invitation to be a bridge, ensuring that truth lands with clarity and love in the hearts of those around you.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 6 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- should interpret;1×
- he shall interpret,1×
- he may interpret.1×
- do interpret?1×
- being translated1×
- He interpreted1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- διερμήνευσεν1×
- διερμηνεύῃ.1×
- διερμηνεύῃ,1×
- διερμηνεύουσιν;1×
- διερμηνευέτω·1×
- διερμηνευομένη1×
Key Verses
-
Luke 24:27
Beginning from Moses and from all the prophets, he explained to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself.
Jesus uses this action to reveal how the entire Old Testament pointed directly to His suffering and glory, transforming confusion into clear hope.
-
Acts 9:36
Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which when translated means Dorcas. This woman was full of good works and acts of mercy which she did.
The term clarifies that Tabitha’s Aramaic name means Dorcas, showing how interpretation preserves identity and meaning across language barriers.