"to explain, interpret, translate, Jn. 1:42; 9:7; Heb. 7:2*"
Definition and meaning
to explain, interpret, translate, Jn. 1:42; 9:7; Heb. 7:2*
In the original Greek the word is written: ἑρμηνεύω
Historical context
John wrote for an audience familiar with both Jewish Scripture and Greek philosophy. The logos — the Word — was a term Greek philosophers used for the rational principle underlying the universe. John takes that concept and says: that logos became a person and lived among us. Crucifixion was the Roman execution method designed to maximize public humiliation, reserved for slaves and rebels.
The people who first heard this word were not reading a book — they were living through empires, oppression, exile, and covenant. Every word carried the weight of that reality. Understanding it changes how you read Scripture.
Scripture references
These are the most notable occurrences of hermeneuo (G2059) across the King James Bible.
Then Jesus turned, and saw them following, and saith unto them, What seek ye? They said unto him, Rabbi,(which is to say, being interpreted, Master,) where dwellest thou?
And he brought him to Jesus. And when Jesus beheld him, he said, Thou art Simon the son of Jona: thou shalt be called Cephas, which is by interpretation, A stone.
And said unto him, Go, wash in the pool of Siloam,(which is by interpretation, Sent.) He went his way therefore, and washed, and came seeing.
To whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all; first being by interpretation King of righteousness, and after that also King of Salem, which is, King of peace;
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Common questions
Strong's G2059 (hermeneuo) is a Greek word that means: to explain, interpret, translate, Jn. 1:42; 9:7; Heb. 7:2* It appears 4 times in the King James Bible.
The word hermeneuo (G2059) appears 4 times in the original Greek text.
Strong's G2059 is hermeneuo, a Greek word defined as: to explain, interpret, translate, Jn. 1:42; 9:7; Heb. 7:2*. James Strong catalogued this in his 1890 concordance to help English readers study the original languages of the Bible.
hermeneuo is a Greek word found in the New Testament.