διερμηνευτής

Pronunciation Guide: dee-er-may-nyoo-TACE

Basic Definition

Strong’s G1328: διερμηνευτής (diermēneutēs) refers to an interpreter or translator who makes clear the meaning of that which is spoken in another language. In the New Testament context, it specifically describes a person with the spiritual gift of interpreting tongues spoken in the assembly of believers, serving as a bridge between the divine utterance and the understanding of the congregation.

Etymology and Morphology

• Noun, masculine
• Derived from the verb διερμηνεύω (diermēneuō, G1329) meaning “to interpret fully, explain”
• Compound of διά (dia, “through, thoroughly”) and ἑρμηνεύω (hermēneuō, “to interpret, explain”)
• Primary usage in teaching sections regarding spiritual gifts
• Occurs only once in the New Testament

διερμηνευτής Morphology:

• διερμηνευτής (nominative singular) – an interpreter
• διερμηνευτοῦ (genitive singular) – of an interpreter
• διερμηνευτῇ (dative singular) – to/for an interpreter
• διερμηνευτήν (accusative singular) – an interpreter (direct object)

Origin & History

The term διερμηνευτής has its roots in classical Greek where interpretation between languages was crucial for commerce, diplomacy, and cultural exchange. The verb form διερμηνεύω appears in works of Plato, particularly in discussions of how ideas are expressed and interpreted across different modes of understanding. In Plato’s “Theaetetus,” the concept of interpretation is discussed as a means of bridging the gap between perception and knowledge.

In the Septuagint (LXX), the related verb διερμηνεύω appears in contexts where divine revelation required explanation, such as in Daniel where dreams needed interpretation. The Jewish historian Josephus uses related terms when describing the translation of the Hebrew Scriptures into Greek, highlighting the sacred responsibility of those who interpret divine texts. By New Testament times, with the diverse linguistic landscape of the Roman Empire, interpreters played an essential role in both secular and religious contexts, setting the stage for Paul’s teaching on the spiritual gift of interpretation.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• A person who translates utterances in an unknown tongue into the common language of the assembly
• One who explains or makes clear the meaning of divinely inspired speech
• A mediator of understanding between spiritual utterance and human comprehension
• One with the spiritual gift of interpreting tongues in the context of worship

διερμηνευτής Translation Options:

• Interpreter – Emphasizes the role of making foreign speech understandable
• Translator – Focuses on the linguistic aspect of converting between languages
• Explainer – Highlights the clarifying function beyond mere word-for-word translation
• Mediator of meaning – Captures the bridging role between divine utterance and human understanding
• Expounder – Reflects the expansion of meaning that often accompanies true interpretation

Biblical Usage

The term διερμηνευτής appears explicitly only once in the New Testament, in 1 Corinthians 14:28, where Paul provides instructions regarding the orderly use of spiritual gifts in the assembly. The context reveals the importance of interpretation for edification—without interpretation, speaking in tongues benefits only the speaker but not the congregation. Paul emphasizes that spiritual utterances without interpretation should be kept private between the individual and God.

While the noun form appears only once, the related verb διερμηνεύω (diermēneuō) appears several times in significant contexts. In the post-resurrection narrative of Luke 24:27, the risen Messiah Himself διερμήνευσεν (interpreted) the Scriptures concerning Himself to the disciples on the road to Emmaus. This reveals that interpretation is not merely linguistic but can involve revealing deeper spiritual realities hidden within sacred texts.

• “But if there is no interpreter [διερμηνευτής], let him keep silent in the assembly, and let him speak to himself and to God.” 1 Corinthians 14:28
• “And beginning from Moses and from all the prophets, He interpreted [διερμήνευσεν] to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself.” Luke 24:27
• “And they said one to another, ‘Was not our heart burning within us, while He spoke to us in the way, while He opened [διήνοιγεν, related concept] to us the Scriptures?’” Luke 24:32
• “Now these things having been thus interpreted [διερμηνευομένων].” Acts 9:36
• “And Peter explained [διερμήνευσεν] it to them in order from the beginning.” Acts 11:4

Cultural Insights

In the Greco-Roman world of the first century, interpreters were essential figures in the multicultural Roman Empire. Major cities like Corinth were melting pots of languages and cultures where commerce, law, and religious discourse required skilled linguistic mediators. Interpreters held significant positions in courts, diplomatic missions, and business transactions. This cultural context illuminates why Paul’s Corinthian audience would readily understand the concept of a διερμηνευτής in their assembly.

The Jewish tradition also had a long history of interpretation, particularly evident in the role of the מְתוּרְגְּמָן (meturgeman) in synagogue services. This official interpreter would stand beside the reader of the Torah and translate the Hebrew text into Aramaic (the common language of many Jews after the Babylonian exile). This practice ensured that Scripture was not only heard but understood by the congregation. This Jewish precedent likely informed the early Messianic Jewish understanding of interpretation as a bridge between divine revelation and human comprehension.

Theological Significance

The role of the διερμηνευτής reveals God’s passionate desire for clear communication with His people. While God could limit His revelation to languages everyone understands, He instead establishes a pattern of mediated communication that involves community interdependence. Just as Yahweh used Moses as a mediator to interpret His will to Israel, He establishes interpreters within the Body of the Messiah to ensure His messages reach His people with clarity.

The gift of interpretation demonstrates the Holy Spirit’s concern for order, understanding, and edification in the assembly. Paul’s instruction about interpretation reveals that divine communication is not meant to create confusion or division but to build up the Body in unity. The requirement for interpretation reminds us that God’s revelation is meant to be understood, not merely experienced emotionally. This reflects Yahweh’s character as a God of order (1 Corinthians 14:33) who desires genuine communion with His people through clear communication, not mystical experiences that bypass understanding.

Furthermore, the concept of διερμηνευτής points to the Messiah Himself, who is the ultimate interpreter of divine reality to humanity. As the Word (Logos) made flesh, Yeshua interprets and explains the Father to us (John 1:18). In this light, all true interpretation of God’s revelation ultimately leads to a clearer understanding of Yeshua the Messiah.

Personal Application

When we consider the role of the διερμηνευτής, we are reminded of our responsibility to make God’s truth clear to others. Whether or not we possess the specific spiritual gift of interpretation, we all share the calling to translate divine truth into language that connects with the hearts and minds of those around us. This might involve explaining Scripture to children, contextualizing the gospel for friends from different cultural backgrounds, or helping fellow believers understand difficult passages.

The principle behind interpretation also teaches us the value of clarity in our communication about spiritual matters. We should ask ourselves: Am I speaking in ways that edify others, or am I using language that obscures rather than reveals? Am I walking as a bridge of understanding or as a barrier? When we commit to being interpreters of God’s truth in our spheres of influence, we participate in the sacred work of making the invisible God visible through words that illuminate rather than confuse.

Related Words

• ἑρμηνεία (hermēneia) – interpretation, explanation; the act of making clear what was previously unclear. See G2058
• διερμηνεύω (diermēneuō) – to interpret fully, explain thoroughly, translate clearly; the verbal form from which διερμηνευτής derives. See G1329
• μεθερμηνεύω (methermēneuō) – to translate from one language to another; often used in the Gospels when explaining Hebrew or Aramaic terms. See G3177
• ἑρμηνευτής (hermēneutēs) – a simpler form meaning interpreter or explainer; less common in biblical Greek. See G2059
• διάκρισις (diakrisis) – the act of distinguishing or discerning; related to interpretation in the sense of discerning between spirits. See G1253

Did you Know?

• Did you know that our English word “hermeneutics” (the study of interpretation principles, especially for sacred texts) derives from the same Greek root as διερμηνευτής? This connection highlights how central the concept of interpretation has been throughout Christian history, evolving from a spiritual gift in the early assembly to a formal discipline of biblical scholarship that continues to shape how we understand Scripture today.
• Did you know that in ancient Jewish tradition, interpreters in the synagogue (מְתוּרְגְּמָנִים, meturgemanim) were subject to strict rules? They were forbidden to read from written translations but had to translate spontaneously. They also could not have their voices raised higher than the Torah reader, symbolizing that interpretation, while necessary, remained subordinate to the divine text itself. This practice helps us understand Paul’s careful regulations about interpretation in the Corinthian assembly.
• Did you know that in the ancient world, skilled interpreters were often highly valued in diplomatic contexts? Kings and rulers would keep trusted interpreters in their courts not just for linguistic translation but as cultural mediators who could explain nuances, customs, and implications that mere word-for-word translation might miss. This broader understanding of interpretation as cultural and contextual mediation enriches our understanding of the spiritual gift of interpretation as more than just linguistic translation but as making divine meaning accessible and applicable to the assembly.

Remember This

The διερμηνευτής stands as a divine reminder that God’s greatest revelations are not meant to remain mysteries but to be understood, embraced, and applied as His Word bridges heaven and earth through faithful interpreters who transform the unknown into life-giving truth.