Lexical Summary metherméneuó: To translate, to interpret Original Word: μεθερμηνεύω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance to translate, to interpretFrom meta and hermeneuo; to explain over, i.e. Translate -- (by) interpret(-ation). see GREEK meta see GREEK hermeneuo NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom meta and herméneuó Definition to translate, to interpret NASB Translation translated (8). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3177: μεθερμηνεύωμεθερμηνεύω: passive, 3 person singular μεθερμηνεύεται, participle μεθερμηνευόμενον; to translate into the language of one with whom I wish to communicate, to interpret: Matthew 1:23; Mark 5:41; Mark 15:22, 34; John 1:38-39L Tr WH, 41 (42); Acts 4:36; Acts 13:8. (Polybius, Diodorus, Plutarch, (Sir. prol. 1. 19; others).) Topical Lexicon Scope of the TermStrong’s Greek 3177 marks the verb that introduces an explanatory translation within the text itself. Every occurrence functions as an inspired parenthesis, carrying the reader from the original Semitic term (Hebrew or Aramaic) into readily understood Greek. By doing so, Scripture demonstrates its own impulse to be both precise to the original utterance and accessible to its larger audience. Distribution in the New Testament • Matthew 1:23 Historical and Linguistic Setting First-century Palestine was tri-lingual. Aramaic served daily speech, Hebrew carried liturgical weight, and Greek dominated commerce and literature. The inspired writers move effortlessly among these tongues but never leave their readership behind. Each use of the verb under study shows a deliberate clarification that guards meaning while affirming authenticity; the very sound of the original word is preserved, but its significance is ushered forward for the Hellenistic world. Christological Emphasis in the Gospels Matthew, Mark, and John employ the verb to unfold titles and cries that reveal Jesus’ identity: • Matthew 1:23—“Immanuel… (which means, ‘God with us’)”. The evangelist interprets Isaiah’s prophecy so that the Greek reader grasps the incarnation’s immediacy. • Mark 5:41—“Talitha koum! (which means, ‘Little girl, I say to you, get up!’).” The Aramaic command underscores Jesus’ tenderness; the translation ensures that authority and compassion are equally apprehended. • Mark 15:34—“Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani? which means, ‘My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?’” The Evangelist preserves the raw cry from Psalm 22 yet interprets it, allowing the audience to witness both the linguistic and prophetic layers of the cross. • John 1:38—“Rabbi (which means ‘Teacher’).” John secures the messianic titles in their native form and then ensures the reader recognizes their fulfillment and authority. Missional Perspective in Acts Luke’s historical record shows the same concern as the Gospels, but now tied to church expansion: • Acts 4:36—“Joseph… whom the apostles called Barnabas (meaning ‘son of encouragement’).” The apostles assign an Aramaic nickname; Luke safeguards its pastoral nuance for a Greek audience. • Acts 13:8—“Elymas the sorcerer (for that is what his name means).” Even an opponent’s name is explained so that Gentile readers catch the irony of a deceiver opposed to the ‘Way.’ Theological Implications 1. Inspiration Includes Translation Each use of the verb reminds us that translation itself stands within the inspired text. The Spirit does not treat explanation as an afterthought but embeds it in the sacred record, validating the church’s ongoing labor of Bible translation. 2. Revelation without Obscurity By interpreting key words and names, the writers guard against parochialism. Truth is never locked behind a linguistic barrier; it is immediately opened to every ear that will hear. 3. Continuity with Old Testament Prophecy The explanatory translations often connect Semitic terms saturated with prophetic weight—Immanuel, Messiah, Golgotha—to the contemporary world of the first readers, reinforcing the unity of Scripture. Practical Lessons for Ministry • Faithful Bible Teaching: Teachers should emulate the apostolic pattern—quote the text accurately, preserve distinctive words when needed, then ensure clarity for the congregation. • Cross-Cultural Evangelism: The earliest mission engaged people in their heart language while refusing to compromise doctrinal precision. Modern missions may confidently follow the same path. • Encouragement of Translation Work: Since inspired authors translated within the canon, the church can pursue translation into every tongue with equal conviction of fidelity. Witness to Scripture’s Reliability The presence of translational notes planted by the original authors underscores Scripture’s self-attestation of accuracy. What might seem like a small grammatical signal (“which means…”) is in fact a testimony that the biblical writers were conscious of their diverse audience and took steps to secure understanding. Thus, Strong’s 3177 is not a marginal curiosity but a quiet pillar supporting the clarity, universality, and living power of the Word of God. Forms and Transliterations μεθερμηνευεται μεθερμηνεύεται μεθερμηνευομενον μεθερμηνευόμενον methermeneuetai methermeneúetai methermēneuetai methermēneúetai methermeneuomenon methermeneuómenon methermēneuomenon methermēneuómenonLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Matthew 1:23 V-PPM/P-NNSGRK: ὅ ἐστιν μεθερμηνευόμενον Μεθ' ἡμῶν NAS: which translated means, KJV: which being interpreted is, INT: which is translated With us Mark 5:41 V-PPM/P-NNS Mark 15:22 V-PPM/P-NMS Mark 15:34 V-PPM/P-NNS John 1:38 V-PPM/P-NNS John 1:41 V-PPM/P-NNS Acts 4:36 V-PPM/P-NNS Acts 13:8 V-PIM/P-3S Strong's Greek 3177 |