Topical Encyclopedia
In the biblical context, the concept of "rumour" is often associated with reports, news, or tidings that may or may not be true. Rumours can spread quickly and have significant impacts on individuals and communities, influencing decisions and actions. The Bible addresses the nature and effects of rumours, often warning against the dangers of false reports and the importance of discernment.
Old Testament ReferencesIn the Old Testament, the Hebrew word often translated as "rumour" is "שְׁמוּעָה" (shemua), which can mean report, news, or tidings. One notable instance is found in the book of Jeremiah, where the prophet speaks of rumours as part of the judgment and chaos that will befall the nations:
·
"We have heard a report from the LORD, and an envoy has been sent to the nations: 'Assemble yourselves to march against her! Rise up for battle!'" (Jeremiah 49:14).
Rumours in this context are seen as divine messages or warnings that prompt action. However, they can also be misleading or cause fear and confusion, as seen in the prophecies against Babylon:
·"One rumor after another will come, and violence will arise in the land, with ruler against ruler." (Jeremiah 51:46).
Here, rumours contribute to instability and unrest, highlighting their potential to disrupt societies.
New Testament Insights
In the New Testament, the Greek word "ἀκοή" (akoē) is used, which can mean hearing, report, or fame. Jesus Himself was subject to rumours, as His actions and teachings spread throughout the region:
·"And the news about Him spread throughout all Syria, and they brought to Him all who were ill, those suffering with various diseases and pains, demoniacs, epileptics, and paralytics; and He healed them." (Matthew 4:24).
The spread of news about Jesus demonstrates how rumours can also serve to disseminate truth and bring people to faith. However, the New Testament also warns against false rumours and the importance of verifying reports:
·"Do not entertain an accusation against an elder, except on the testimony of two or three witnesses." (1 Timothy 5:19).
This instruction underscores the need for caution and corroboration in dealing with reports, especially within the church community.
Moral and Ethical Considerations
The Bible consistently emphasizes the moral and ethical implications of spreading rumours. The Ninth Commandment, "You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor" (Exodus 20:16), underscores the importance of truthfulness and integrity in communication. Proverbs also offers wisdom on the matter:
·"A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy person keeps a secret." (Proverbs 11:13).
This proverb highlights the destructive nature of gossip and the value of discretion. The spread of rumours can lead to misunderstanding, division, and harm, which is why the Bible advocates for careful speech and the pursuit of truth.
Practical Application
For believers, the biblical teachings on rumours serve as a guide for ethical communication. Christians are called to be discerning, to seek truth, and to avoid participating in the spread of unverified or harmful reports. The Apostle Paul advises:
·"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think on these things." (Philippians 4:8).
By focusing on what is true and honorable, believers can contribute to a culture of trust and integrity, reflecting the character of Christ in their interactions.Library
Monsters of Wickedness, we are Accused of Observing a Holy Rite in...
... Every one knows what sort of thingrumour is. It is one of your own sayings,
that "among all evils, none flies so fast asrumour...
The Christians Defamed a Sarcastic Description of Fame; Its...
... No one, then, says, to take an instance, "The report is that this happened at Rome,"
or, "Therumour goes that he has got a province;" but, "He has got a...
This HomilyWas Delivered on the Occasion of the Prefect Entering...
... was delivered on the occasion of the Prefect [1650] entering the Church, for the
purpose of pacifying the minds of the people, in consequence of arumour of an...
His Murdered Father's Head
... A dimrumour had reached him of the fate of Ga??nas at the hands of the Hunnish king;
but as it was only arumour, he had felt himself justified in keeping it...
The Prophet --His Youth and his Call.
... Above all, Anathoth lay within the swirl ofrumour of which the capital was
the centre.... As one has finely said of arumour of invasion:"....
The Friend of Sinners
... Ask publicrumour "What is the character of Jesus of Nazareth?" and it
cannot find a word in its vocabulary foul enough for him....
Knox and Queen Mary (Continued), 1561-1564
... November 16, a panic in the unguarded palace: {208a} "the poor damsels were left
alone," while men hid in fear of nobody knew what, except arumour that Arran...
November was Now Drawing to a Close, and St. ...
... You would rather spread abroad therumour that you had conquered, than confess that
your libertinism had been perceived and repulsed with indignation and scorn...
The Outbreak at Benares.
... When we reached the Mint we heard therumour that Cawnpore had fallen.
The report was not generally believed, but it was true. We...
Argument. Perpetua, when Besieged by Her Father, Comforts Him when...
... At once therumour spread through the neighbourhood of the public place, and an
immense number of people were gathered together. We mount the platform....
Thesaurus
Rumour (13 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Rumour (13 Occurrences).
... Luke 4:37 And a
rumour went
out into every place of the country round concerning him. (DBY).
...Rumors (4 Occurrences)
... Jeremiah 51:46 And let not your heart faint, neither fear ye, for therumour that
shall be heard in the land; for arumour shall come one year, and after that...
Bruit (2 Occurrences)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary Arumour or report (Jeremiah 10:22, RV "rumour;Nahum
3:19). Noah Webster's Dictionary. 1. (n.) Report; rumor; fame....
Ancients (17 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 7:26 Mischief shall come upon mischief, andrumour shall be uponrumour;
then shall they seek a vision of the prophet; but the law shall perish from...
Fearful (73 Occurrences)
... Jeremiah 51:46 And let not your heart faint, neither fear ye, for therumour that
shall be heard in the land; for arumour shall come one year, and after that...
Nero
... of history accuses him of the crime. "Hence, to suppress therumour," says
Tacitus (Annals, xv. 44), "he falsely charged with the...
Jeremiah (141 Occurrences)
... Therumour of the approach of the Egyptians to aid the Jews in this crisis induced
the Chaldeans to withdraw and return to their own land....
Throughout (291 Occurrences)
... (See NIV). Luke 7:17 And thisrumour of him went forth throughout all Judaea,
and throughout all the region round about. (KJV WBS NIV)....
Rumours (2 Occurrences)
Dialect (6 Occurrences)
... Acts 2:6 But therumour of this having spread, the multitude came together and were
confounded, because each one heard them speaking in his own dialect....
Resources
What does the Bible say about spreading rumors? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Sennacherib in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgShould a Christian be interested in conspiracy theories? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
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