In the context of biblical studies, an "interpreter" refers to an individual who explains or translates the meaning of Scripture. The role of an interpreter is crucial in understanding the Bible's original languages, cultural contexts, and theological messages. The term can also apply to those who provide insight into dreams or visions, as seen in various biblical narratives.

Biblical Instances of Interpretation

1. Joseph as an Interpreter of Dreams: One of the most notable interpreters in the Bible is Joseph, the son of Jacob. Joseph's ability to interpret dreams is a significant aspect of his account. In Genesis 40-41, Joseph interprets the dreams of Pharaoh's cupbearer and baker while imprisoned, and later, Pharaoh's own dreams. His interpretations, attributed to God’s revelation, lead to his rise to power in Egypt. Genesis 41:16 records Joseph saying, "I cannot do it," Joseph replied to Pharaoh, "but God will give Pharaoh the answer he desires."

2. Daniel's Role as an Interpreter: Daniel is another prominent figure known for his interpretative skills. In the Book of Daniel, he interprets the dreams and visions of kings, such as Nebuchadnezzar and Belshazzar. Daniel 2:28 states, "But there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries, and He has made known to King Nebuchadnezzar what will happen in the latter days." Daniel's interpretations are portrayed as divinely inspired, emphasizing the belief that true understanding comes from God.

3. The Role of the Holy Spirit: In the New Testament, the Holy Spirit is described as the ultimate interpreter of Scripture. Jesus promises the coming of the Holy Spirit to guide believers into all truth. John 16:13 says, "However, when the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all truth. For He will not speak on His own, but He will speak what He hears, and He will declare to you what is to come." This passage highlights the belief that the Holy Spirit aids believers in understanding and applying biblical truths.

Interpretation in the Early Church

The early church recognized the need for sound interpretation of Scripture. The Apostle Paul, in his letters, often addressed the importance of rightly handling the word of truth. In 2 Timothy 2:15 , Paul advises, "Make every effort to present yourself approved to God, an unashamed workman who accurately handles the word of truth." This underscores the responsibility of interpreters to diligently study and convey the Scriptures accurately.

The Gift of Interpretation

In the context of spiritual gifts, interpretation is also associated with the gift of interpreting tongues. In 1 Corinthians 12:10 , Paul lists "the interpretation of tongues" as one of the spiritual gifts given by the Holy Spirit. This gift enables individuals to interpret messages spoken in unknown languages during worship, ensuring that the congregation can understand and be edified.

Theological Implications

The role of the interpreter is vital in maintaining doctrinal purity and ensuring that the teachings of the Bible are understood correctly. Throughout church history, interpreters have played a key role in theological debates, translations, and the development of Christian doctrine. The Protestant Reformation, for example, emphasized the importance of returning to the original texts of Scripture and interpreting them in their historical and grammatical contexts.

Conclusion

The concept of an interpreter in the Bible encompasses both the human role in explaining divine revelations and the divine assistance provided by the Holy Spirit. Interpreters are seen as essential in bridging the gap between the ancient texts and contemporary understanding, ensuring that the message of the Bible remains relevant and transformative for all generations.(n.) One who explains or expounds; a translator; especially, a person who translates orally between two parties.1328. diermeneutes -- an explainer, an interpreter
... an explainer, an interpreter. Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine Transliteration:
diermeneutes Phonetic Spelling: (dee-er-main-yoo-tace') Short Definition: an ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1328.htm - 6k

4396. prophetes -- a prophet (an interpreter or forth-teller of ...
... a prophet (an interpreter or forth-teller of the divine will). Part of Speech: Noun,
Masculine Transliteration: prophetes Phonetic Spelling: (prof-ay'-tace ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4396.htm - 8k

3547. nomodidaskalos -- a teacher of the law
... Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine Transliteration: nomodidaskalos Phonetic Spelling:
(nom-od-id-as'-kal-os) Short Definition: a teacher and interpreter of the ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3547.htm - 8k

3887. luts -- ambassador, have in derision, interpreter, make a ...
... luts. 3888 . ambassador, have in derision, interpreter, make a mock, mocker.
Transliteration: luts Phonetic Spelling: (loots) Short Definition: ambassador. ...
/hebrew/3887.htm - 6k

3917b. lits -- to scorn
... root Definition to scorn NASB Word Usage carry on as scoffers (1), deride (1), envoys
(1), interpreter (1), makes a mockery (1), mediator (1), mock (1), mocker ...
/hebrew/3917b.htm - 5k

God his Own Interpreter.
... X. GOD HIS OWN INTERPRETER. "To the law and to the testimony, if they speak
not accordingly to this word, it is because there is ...
/.../x god his own interpreter.htm

John Smith, Platonist --"An Interpreter of the Spirit"
... CHAPTER XVI JOHN SMITH, PLATONIST""AN INTERPRETER OF THE SPIRIT". Principal
Tulloch, in his admirable study of the Cambridge Platonists ...
/.../chapter xvi john smith platonistan.htm

The Mediator --The Interpreter
... The Mediator"The Interpreter. A Sermon (No.2097). ... I feel most safe in trusting all
my concerns with that dear Advocate, that Interpreter, one of a thousand. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 35 1889/the mediatorthe interpreter.htm

It is the Duty, Then, of the Interpreter and Teacher of Holy ...
... Book 4 Chapter 6. It is the duty, then, of the interpreter and teacher of
Holy Scripture? 6. It is the duty, then, of the interpreter ...
/.../augustine/on christian doctrine in four books/chapter 6 it is the.htm

That Interpretation of Scripture which Builds us up in Love is not ...
... Mendacious, Even Though It Be Faulty. The Interpreter, However, Should Be
Corrected. 40. Whoever, then, thinks that he understands ...
/.../chapter 36 that interpretation of scripture.htm

Introductory Remarks. 1 the Term Hermeneutics (Greek...
... express. It is pertinent, therefore, to consider at the outset the
qualifications which belong to the biblical interpreter. These ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxxiii introductory remarks 1.htm

The New Testament Checked the Imaginative Creation of Events in ...
... The interpreter of the book was guided by principles which affirmed absolute
possibility of combination of passages from any part of the book, absolute ...
/.../harnack/the origin of the new testament/ 7 the new testament.htm

The Ministry.
... Then said the Interpreter, "Come in; I will show thee that which will be profitable
to thee." So he commanded his man to light a candle, and bade Christian ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bunyan/the riches of bunyan/xxii the ministry.htm

From the Ancient Monuments of the Egyptians, Persians, and Indians ...
... From the ancient monuments of the Egyptians, Persians, and Indians, from the authors
Tarphanes, interpreter of Pharaoh; Baramus of Saganessa, king of the ...
/.../mede/a key to the apocalypse/from the ancient monuments of.htm

But Why Should I Prolong this Discussion? I Shall Take no Notice ...
... it is only in two short Prefaces that he ever was known to have praised Origen;
and that his praise extended only to his work as an interpreter of Scripture ...
/.../13 but why should i.htm

Interpreter (7 Occurrences)
...Interpreter (7 Occurrences). 1 Corinthians 14:28 But if there is no interpreter,
let him keep silent in the assembly, and let him speak to himself, and to God. ...
/i/interpreter.htm - 8k

Daniel (74 Occurrences)
... 2. Dream-Interpreter: Daniel's public activities were in harmony with
his education. His first appearance was as an interpreter...
/d/daniel.htm - 79k

Interpret (27 Occurrences)
... artist interprets a landscape. 3. (vi) To act as an interpreter. Multi-Version
Concordance Interpret (27 Occurrences). Matthew 16:3 ...
/i/interpret.htm - 15k

Targum
... The word turgamanu is found, eg, in the Tell el-Amarna Letters (Berlin edition,
21, 1. 25, Knudtzon, 154), with the meaning "interpreter." It may, none the less ...
/t/targum.htm - 38k

Ambassador (5 Occurrences)
... is rendered thus (Joshua 9:4; Proverbs 13:17; Isaiah 18:2; Jeremiah 49:14; Obadiah
1:1). This is also the rendering of melits, meaning "an interpreter," in 2 ...
/a/ambassador.htm - 11k

Gift (148 Occurrences)
... MYSTERY). In order to make the utterances comprehensible to the congregation,
the services of an "interpreter" were needed. Such ...
/g/gift.htm - 59k

Synagogue (52 Occurrences)
... 3) The Furniture 5. The Officials (1) The Elders (2) The Ruler (3) The Servant
(or Servants) (4) Delegate of the Congregation (5) The Interpreter (6) The ...
/s/synagogue.htm - 50k

Interpretation (45 Occurrences)
... 2. (n.) The sense given by an interpreter; exposition or explanation given; meaning;
as, commentators give various interpretations of the same passage of ...
/i/interpretation.htm - 57k

Tongues (67 Occurrences)
... At Pentecost the disciples spoke in the languages of the various persons who heard
them; there needed to be no interpreter, as was provided for at Corinth. ...
/t/tongues.htm - 61k

Interpreted (19 Occurrences)

/i/interpreted.htm - 12k

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