Usually when one considers the term “murmur,” we immediately think of complaints or one who complains. However, the term “murmur” has a slightly different meaning. The second definition of an English dictionary gives the following definition for the word murmur, “a mumbled or private expression of discontent.” While murmuring is complaining, it is done quietly and often privately, thereby causing an undertow of discontent among those influenced by the murmurer. Vine’s Dictionary gives the following definitions for the Greek words meaning murmur or murmuring:
A. Verbs 1. gonguzo, “to mutter, murmur, grumble, say anything in a low tone”…the word “murmur” itself, is used of the laborers in the parable of the householder, Matt 20:11; of the scribes and Pharisees, against Christ, Luke 5:30; of the Jews, John 6:41,43, of the disciples, 6:61; of the people, 7:32 (of debating secretly); of the Israelites, 1 Cor 10:10 (twice), where it is also used in a warning to believers. (Moulton and Milligan, Vocab.).
2. diagonguzo, lit., “to murmur through” (dia, i.e., “through a whole crowd,” or “among themselves”), is always used of indignant complaining, Luke 15:2; 19:7.
3. embrimaomai is rendered “murmured against” in Mark 14:5; it expresses indignant displeasure.
Note: For stenazo, James 5:9, RV, “murmur,” see GRIEVE, No. 3.
B. Noun. gongusmos, “a murmuring, muttering” (akin to A, No. 1), is used (a) in the sense of secret debate among people, John 7:12 (as with the verb in v. 32); (b) of displeasure or complaining (more privately than in public), said of Grecian Jewish converts against Hebrews, Acts 6:1; in general admonitions, Phil 2:14; 1 Peter 4:9, RV, “murmuring” (KJV “grudging”).
The English and Greek definitions are the same for the word murmur: one who grumbles and complains quietly in a private manner. The Israelites were noted for their continual murmuring. Moses led a group of rebellious, murmuring individuals from Egypt to the Promised Land. Consider the following examples:
- Exodus 15:24, The Israelites murmured over a lack of water.
- Exodus 16:2, The Israelites murmured over a lack of food.
- Exodus 17, The Israelites murmured over the lack of water.
- Numbers 12, Miriam and Aaron murmured about the nationality of Moses’ wife when in reality they wanted an equal leadership position with Moses.
- Numbers 14, Ten of the twelve spies declared they cannot take the Promised Land. The children of Israel murmured against Moses and Aaron, and wanted to appoint a new leader to return them to Egypt. This time the murmuring caused the Israelite nation to wander in the wilderness for 40 years with all 20-years-old and upward dying in the wilderness, with the exception of Joshua and Caleb.
- Numbers 16, Korah, Dathim and Abirim murmured against Moses’ leadership and Aaron’s priesthood. The Israelites murmured against Aaron and Moses after the death of Korah, Dathim and Abirim, and all their families when these men questioned Moses’ authority and Aaron’s priesthood.
- Numbers 20, The Israelites murmured against Moses for the lack of fruits and water. The constant murmuring of the Israelites caused Moses to lose patience with them, which prohibited him from entering the Promised Land as well.
A study of the Israelite nation and God’s reaction toward those who murmured clearly shows that God views murmuring as a sinful activity. Psalm 106 gives an overview of the rebellious nation of Israel, God’s anger toward them and His mercy upon them when they repented.
The New Testament also gives examples of God’s people murmuring. In Acts 6:1 while the church was in its infancy, the Greeks murmured against the Hebrews about the neglect of the Greek widows. Although God did not swiftly punish the murmurers, the apostles were quick to resolve the problem.
Paul and Peter admonished Christians not to murmur. Philippians 2:14 says, “Do all things without murmurings and disputings.” In 1 Corinthians 10:1-11, Paul gave an overview of the Israelite wanderings. He explained that these events were recorded as an example for us, so that we can learn from their mistakes. Included in the list of sins for which the Israelites were punished is murmuring. Peter commanded Christians to show hospitality to others and do so without murmuring (1 Peter 4:9).
Satan will use murmuring individuals to destroy the good works being accomplished within a congregation. One murmuring individual can stir several individuals into discontent, and then the Lord’s work falters and fails if the problem is not quickly resolved. I have seen this happen! Do not be a tool in Satan’s hand destroying the Lord’s church and all its good works. Precious souls are lost because Christians murmur and complain about other Christians, and non-Christians want no part of the Lord’s Church. Murmuring and complaining is a sin for which we will be held accountable on Judgment Day.
Works Cited
Vine’s Expository Dictionary of Biblical Words. CD-ROM. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1985.
