Hermeneia; or, Interpretation
Hermeneia; or, Interpretation
Repetition for the Purpose of Interpreting what has been already said
Her-mee-neia, , interpretation, explanation. This figure is so-called because, after a particular statement the explanation follows immediately to make more clear what has been said less clearly.
The Latins consequently called it INTERPRETATIO, or Interpretation.
Psa 7:1-17, where verse 13 (14) explains verse 12 (13).
Psa 77:19.-After saying
Thy way is in the sea,
And thy path in the great waters,
the interpretation is added:
And thy footsteps are not known.
Isa 1:23.-After the words
Thy silver is become dross,
Thy wine mixed with water,
the interpretation is added:
Thy princes are rebellious, etc.
Isa 34:6.-Here the statement about the sword of the Lord in the former part of the verse is explained in the latter part.
Isa 44:3.-
I will pour water upon him that is thirsty,
And floods upon the dry ground.
This is immediately explained to mean:
I will pour my spirit upon thy seed,
And my blessing upon thine offspring.
Isa 51:1-23, where verse 2 explains verse 1.
Hos 7:8-9.-Here verse 9 is the interpretation of verse 8.
Amo 3:8.-Here we have first
The lion hath roared,
Who will not fear?
and then the interpretation:
Adonai Jehovah hath spoken,
Who can but prophesy?
Mat 6:24 and Luk 16:13.-Here the last clause interprets the first. This is on account of, and is shown by the structure:
ANo servant can serve two masters,
BaFor either he will hate the one,
band love the other;
Bbor else he will hold to the one,
aand despise the other.
AYe cannot serve God and Mammon.
Here A interprets A, showing that the two masters meant are God and Mammon; while, in B and B, the two-fold reason is given in the form of an Epanodos (q.v. [Note: Which see.] ).
Joh 7:39 is added in order to interpret what had been said in said in verse 38.
2Ti 4:6.-I am now ready to be offered is explained by what follows: the time of my departure is at hand.
All the passages which commence, which being interpreted means, etc., come under this figure Hermeneia.