Herméneia (2058 in Strong's Concordance) is a noun in Ancient Greek that means interpretation or translation. Hermes, the Ancient Greek god, was the god of language among other things.
Paul is the only apostle to use herméneia and both times it was used in connection with the spiritual gift of speaking in tongues. Throughout the first letter to the Corinthians, speaking in tongues—without interpretation—is frowned upon because it does not edify the rest of the church.
The translation of this noun into English is adequate, although it loses the sense that tongues were structured languages. As a result, many Christians, especially those in the charismatic movement, take too loose view of interpretation.
Related Terms
The following terms are often used in connection with herméneia:
herméneuó - to interpret, to translate
metherméneuó - to interpret, to translate
dierméneuó - to interpret, to translate
dierméneutés - an interpreter, a translater
duserméneutos - hard to interpret, hard to translate
Usage
Herméneia is used a total of 2 times across 2 verses. Below is a list of all references in the New Testament:
to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the ability to distinguish between spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues.
1 Corinthians 12:10 ESV
What then, brothers? When you come together, each one has a hymn, a lesson, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation. Let all things be done for building up.
1 Corinthians 14:26 ESV
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