Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and Context:The term "mumble" refers to speaking in a low, indistinct manner, often making it difficult for others to understand. While the specific word "mumble" does not appear in the Bible, the concept of unclear or indistinct speech is addressed in various contexts throughout Scripture. The Bible emphasizes the importance of clear communication, especially when conveying God's truth.
Biblical References and Themes:1.
Clarity in Speech: The Bible underscores the importance of clear and understandable speech, particularly in the context of teaching and prophecy. In
1 Corinthians 14:9 , Paul writes, "So it is with you. Unless you speak intelligible words with your tongue, how will anyone know what you are saying? You will just be speaking into the air." This passage highlights the necessity of clarity in communication, especially within the church, to ensure that the message is edifying and comprehensible.
2.
Prophetic Speech: The prophets in the Old Testament were often called to speak God's words to the people. Their messages needed to be clear and direct to convey God's will effectively.
Jeremiah 1:9 states, "Then the LORD reached out His hand, touched my mouth, and said to me, 'Behold, I have put My words in your mouth.'" This divine act ensured that Jeremiah's speech was not mumbled or unclear but rather empowered by God to deliver His message with precision.
3.
Jesus' Teachings: Jesus Christ, during His earthly ministry, spoke with authority and clarity. In
Matthew 7:28-29 , it is recorded, "When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were astonished at His teaching, because He taught as one who had authority, and not as their scribes." Jesus' clear and authoritative speech distinguished Him from other teachers of the time, ensuring that His message was understood and impactful.
4.
The Tongue's Power: The Bible frequently addresses the power of the tongue and the responsibility that comes with speech.
James 3:5-6 warns, "In the same way, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it boasts of great things. Consider how small a spark sets a great forest ablaze. The tongue also is a fire, a world of wickedness among the parts of the body." This passage suggests that speech, whether clear or mumbled, holds significant power and can have profound effects, for good or ill.
5.
Prayer and Worship: In prayer and worship, the Bible encourages believers to speak with sincerity and clarity. Jesus instructs in
Matthew 6:7 , "And when you pray, do not babble on like pagans, for they think that by their many words they will be heard." This teaching emphasizes the value of meaningful and clear communication with God, rather than empty or mumbled repetitions.
Practical Application:Believers are encouraged to strive for clarity in their speech, ensuring that their words are edifying and understandable. This is particularly important in teaching, preaching, and sharing the Gospel, where the message of Christ must be communicated effectively. Additionally, in personal interactions, clear communication reflects the love and truth of Christ, fostering understanding and unity within the body of believers.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
v.) To speak with the lips partly closed, so as to render the sounds inarticulate and imperfect; to utter words in a grumbling indistinct manner, indicating discontent or displeasure; to mutter.
2. (v.) To chew something gently with closed lips.
3. (v. t.) To utter with a low, inarticulate voice.
4. (v. t.) To chew or bite gently, as one without teeth.
5. (v. t.) To suppress, or utter imperfectly.
Strong's Hebrew
3907. lachash -- to whisper, charm... charmer, whisper together. A primitive root; to whisper; by implication, to
mumble a spell (as a magician) -- charmer, whisper (together). 3906, 3907.
...178. ob -- a bottle (made from animal skin), a necromancer
... From the same as 'ab (apparently through the idea of prattling a father's name);
properly, amumble, ie A water skin (from its hollow sound); hence a...
Library
Prayer and Desire
... Desire is silent. Prayer is heard; desire, unheard. The deeper the desire, the stronger
the prayer. Without desire, prayer is a meaninglessmumble of words....
The Hermit and the Boy
... As a youth he had been accustomed to the trimming attitude of mind which made the
old Bishop Leontiusmumble the Gloria in such a way that no party could claim...
Prayer and the House of God
... To read the Word of God distinctly " to read it so that the people could hear and
understand the words read; not tomumble out the words, nor read it in an...
St. Athanasius,
... Leontius, then, who was an Arian, and yet did not wish people to know exactly what
he was, used tomumble his words, so that nobody could make them out, until...
Preach the Gospel
... heart. This I take it, is to preach the gospel, and not tomumble some
dry manuscript over on Sunday morning or Sunday evening....
Literary Expressions
... Morn, in yellow and white, came broadening out of the mountains.Mumble only
jargon of dotage. My body is too frail for its moods. N....
Eccles. 12:12 Simplicity in Preaching.
... If you bury your head in your bosom, andmumble over your manuscript in a dull,
monotonous, droning way, like a bee in a bottle, so that people cannot...
The 'education Question' in Trinidad
... the upper powers by hanging garlands on a trident inside a hut, or putting red dust
on a stump of wood outside it, while they stare in andmumble prayers to...
The Tabernacle of the Most High
Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 5: 1859. <....
English Version of the Second Helvetic Confession, AD 1566.
The Creeds of the Evangelical Protestant Churches. <....
Thesaurus
Mumble (1 Occurrence)... 5. (vt) To suppress, or utter imperfectly. Multi-Version Concordance
Mumble (1 Occurrence).
... Your speech will
mumble out of the dust.
...Whisper (9 Occurrences)
... (Root in DBY YLT NAS NIV). Isaiah 29:4 You will be brought down, and will speak
out of the ground. Your speech willmumble out of the dust....
Munificence (1 Occurrence)
Multitudes (72 Occurrences)
Familiar (35 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV JPS ASV WBS YLT). Isaiah 29:4 You will be brought down, and will speak
out of the ground. Your speech willmumble out of the dust....
Speech (107 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS RSV). Isaiah 29:4 You will be brought down, and will speak
out of the ground. Your speech willmumble out of the dust....
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