The term "interpreteth" refers to the act of explaining or translating the meaning of something, particularly in the context of languages, dreams, visions, or divine messages. In the Bible, interpretation is often associated with the understanding of spiritual truths and the communication of God's will to His people. The ability to interpret is considered a gift from God, enabling individuals to comprehend and convey messages that are otherwise hidden or obscure.

Biblical Instances of Interpretation

1. Joseph's Interpretation of Dreams: One of the most notable examples of interpretation in the Bible is found in the account of Joseph. Joseph, the son of Jacob, was endowed with the ability to interpret dreams, a gift that played a crucial role in his life. In Genesis 40:8 , Joseph acknowledges that interpretations belong to God: "And they said to him, 'We have had dreams, but there is no one to interpret them.' Then Joseph said to them, 'Do not interpretations belong to God? Tell me your dreams, please.'" Joseph's interpretations of the dreams of Pharaoh's cupbearer and baker, and later Pharaoh himself, led to his rise to power in Egypt (Genesis 41).

2. Daniel's Interpretation of Dreams and Visions: Daniel, a prophet during the Babylonian exile, was also gifted with the ability to interpret dreams and visions. In Daniel 2:27-28 , Daniel explains to King Nebuchadnezzar that the interpretation of his dream is a revelation from God: "Daniel answered the king, 'No wise man, enchanter, magician, or diviner can explain to the king the mystery he has asked about, but there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries. He has shown King Nebuchadnezzar what will happen in days to come.'" Daniel's interpretations were instrumental in revealing God's plans and purposes to the Babylonian and Persian empires.

3. The Gift of Interpretation of Tongues: In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul discusses the spiritual gift of interpreting tongues in 1 Corinthians 12:10 : "to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues." This gift is essential for the edification of the church, as it allows the congregation to understand messages spoken in unknown languages. Paul emphasizes the importance of interpretation in 1 Corinthians 14:13 : "Therefore, the one who speaks in a tongue should pray that he may interpret."

Theological Significance

Interpretation in the Bible underscores the importance of divine revelation and the role of human agents in communicating God's truth. It highlights the necessity of relying on God's wisdom and guidance to understand spiritual matters. The act of interpreting is not merely a human endeavor but a divinely enabled process that requires humility and dependence on the Holy Spirit.

Practical Application

For believers, the concept of interpretation serves as a reminder to seek God's wisdom in understanding His Word and His will. It encourages the faithful to pray for discernment and to rely on the Holy Spirit for guidance in interpreting Scripture and spiritual experiences. The gift of interpretation, whether of dreams, visions, or tongues, is to be exercised with the intent of building up the body of Christ and glorifying God.

A Key to the Apocalypse
... FROM THE LATEST EDITION, REVISED BY THE AUTHOR, THE. REV. JOSEPH MEDE. "Blessed
is he that readeth, (or interpreteth) and they that hear, (or listen to him that ...
//christianbookshelf.org/mede/a key to the apocalypse/title page.htm

Manifestly Also in the Gospel we Find the Mouth of the Heart...
... kind of lie in detestation, that even if a man wish to lie, yea, though he lie not,
the very wish is to be condemned; and to this sense interpreteth, that it ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/on lying/section 32 manifestly also in.htm

John v. 14
... Let us then enquire of Christ Himself, and see by what He next saith whether He
interpreteth these words according to thy supposition or according to ours. ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily xxxviii john v 14.htm

According to which principle or hypothesis all the objections ...
Theses Theologicae and An Apology for the True Christian Divinity. <. ...
/.../proposition vi according to which.htm

Interpreteth (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Interpreteth (1 Occurrence). Genesis 41:12 And
there 'is' with us a youth, a Hebrew, servant to the chief ...
/i/interpreteth.htm - 6k

Interpreters (3 Occurrences)

/i/interpreters.htm - 7k

Interpreting (3 Occurrences)

/i/interpreting.htm - 7k

Recount (39 Occurrences)
... Genesis 41:12 And there 'is' with us a youth, a Hebrew, servant to the chief of
the executioners, and we recount to him, and he interpreteth to us our dreams ...
/r/recount.htm - 17k

Executioners (32 Occurrences)
... Genesis 41:12 And there 'is' with us a youth, a Hebrew, servant to the chief of
the executioners, and we recount to him, and he interpreteth to us our dreams ...
/e/executioners.htm - 16k

Spiritual (42 Occurrences)
... This divine indwelling insures mental illumination: "He that is spiritual discerneth
(AVm) (or interpreteth) all things"; moral renewal: "a new creature" (2 ...
/s/spiritual.htm - 51k

Man (26072 Occurrences)
... This divine indwelling insures mental illumination: "He that is spiritual discerneth
(AVm) (or interpreteth) all things"; moral renewal: "a new creature" (2 ...
/m/man.htm - 56k

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