Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and Usage in Scripture:Muttering, in biblical terms, often refers to speaking in low tones, typically indicative of discontent, complaint, or secretive plotting. It is associated with murmuring, grumbling, or whispering, often carrying a negative connotation in the context of Scripture.
Old Testament References:In the Old Testament, muttering is frequently linked with the Israelites' complaints against God and His appointed leaders. For instance, in
Exodus 16:2, the Israelites are described as grumbling against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness: "And there in the desert they all grumbled against Moses and Aaron." This grumbling, or muttering, reflects a lack of faith and trust in God's provision and plan.
Isaiah 8:19 provides another context for muttering, where it is associated with necromancers and those who seek guidance from the dead: "When men tell you to consult the spirits of the dead and the spiritists who whisper and mutter, should not a people inquire of their God?" Here, muttering is linked with forbidden practices and a turning away from God.
New Testament References:In the New Testament, muttering is seen in the context of the Pharisees and scribes who often murmured against Jesus and His teachings.
Luke 15:2 states, "So the Pharisees and scribes began to grumble: 'This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.'" This muttering reflects their disapproval and misunderstanding of Jesus' mission and the grace He extended to sinners.
Theological Implications:Muttering, as depicted in the Bible, often reveals a heart of unbelief, dissatisfaction, and rebellion against God's authority and provision. It is a verbal manifestation of inner discontent and a lack of submission to God's will. The Scriptures consistently portray muttering as a behavior that leads to spiritual stagnation and separation from God's blessings.
Moral and Ethical Considerations:From a moral and ethical standpoint, muttering is discouraged as it undermines community harmony and reflects a spirit of ingratitude. Believers are encouraged to cultivate a heart of thankfulness and trust in God's sovereignty, as seen in
Philippians 2:14, "Do everything without complaining or arguing."
Practical Application:In practical terms, Christians are called to guard their speech and attitudes, ensuring that their words reflect faith and trust in God rather than discontent and rebellion. By focusing on gratitude and seeking God's guidance, believers can overcome the temptation to mutter and instead promote unity and peace within the body of Christ.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
p. pr. & vb. n.) of Mutter.
Greek
1112. goggusmos -- amuttering, murmuring... a
muttering, murmuring. Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine Transliteration: goggusmos
Phonetic Spelling: (gong-goos-mos') Short Definition: murmuring, grumbling
...1111. gogguzo -- to mutter, murmur
... Word Origin onomatop. Definition to mutter, murmur NASB Word Usage did (1), grumble
(2), grumbled (2), grumbling (2),muttering (1). murmur....
1114. goes -- a wailer, a sorcerer, a swindler
... seducer. From goao (to wail); properly, a wizard (asmuttering spells), ie (by
implication) an imposter -- seducer. (goetes) -- 1 Occurrence. 1113, 1114....
Strong's Hebrew
1899. hegeh -- a rumbling, growling, moaning... mourning, sound, tale. From hagah; a
muttering (in sighing, thought, or as thunder) --
mourning, sound, tale. see HEBREW hagah. 1898, 1899. hegeh. 1900 .
...Library
Of the Parables of the Lost Ewe and the Lost Drachma.
... That which was calling forth (an answer in the present case) was, I take it, the
fact that the Pharisees weremuttering in indignation at the Lord's admitting...
Thus Soul-Sick was I, and Tormented, Accusing Myself Much More...
... And now I much less than half heard them, and not openly showing themselves and
contradicting me, butmuttering as it were behind my back, and privily plucking...
In what Manner the Spirit Struggled with the Flesh, that it Might...
... And now I far less than half heard them, not openly showing themselves and
contradicting me, butmuttering, as it were, behind my back, and furtively plucking...
This Assiduity in Prayer, Though it Specially Refers to the...
... vendent leur coquilles au peuple."--This long prayer is at present in vogue among
the Papists, and proceeds from the same cause: somemuttering a host of Ave...
The Ideal Man
... For months and months this incoherentmuttering went on without any meaning, but
one night as he watched the needle, he thought he noticed a change, and he...
Jesus' Last Journey to Jerusalem.
... black tresses. Jesus, after a little while, noticing themuttering down
the table, asked, "What are you saying to each other? Why...
The Runaway
... him. He contented himself with calling him hard names which he could not
hear, andmuttering savagely to himself for some time....
Certain General Principles of Parabolic Interpretation These...
... as (those of) the drachma and the ewe: for it has the self-same cause (to call it
forth) as those to which it coheres, and the selfsame "muttering," of course...
It is Also Plain that the Public Prayers are not to be Couched in...
... Hence that dubiousmuttering of Hannah (1:Sam.1:13), something similar to which
is experienced by all the saints when concise and abrupt expressions escape...
Plato Suggested Certain Errors to the Gnostics. Functions of the...
... not? Is it not the case, that even the poets are alwaysmuttering against
us, that we can never hear or see anything for certain?...
Thesaurus
Muttering (3 Occurrences)... (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Mutter. Multi-Version Concordance
Muttering (3 Occurrences).
John 7:12 There was much murmuring among the multitudes concerning him.
...Tale (7 Occurrences)
... In Job 37:2 this word is rendered "sound;" Revised Version margin, "muttering;"
and in Ezek. 2:10, "mourning.". Noah Webster's Dictionary. 1. (n.) See Tael....
Decease (2 Occurrences)
... tremble" of cold (Job 26:5), they totter and "stumble at noonday as in the twilight"
(Isaiah 59:10), their voice is described as low andmuttering or chirping...
Murmur (23 Occurrences)
... 1. (n.) A low, confused, and indistinct sound, like that of running water. 2. (n.)
A complaint half suppressed, or uttered in a low,muttering voice....
Muttereth (1 Occurrence)
Mutters (1 Occurrence)
Mutter (6 Occurrences)
... (Root in WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY YLT NAS RSV NIV). Lamentations 3:62 The lips of those
that rose up against me, and theirmuttering against me all the day....
Apocyphra
... tremble" of cold (Job 26:5), they totter and "stumble at noonday as in the twilight"
(Isaiah 59:10), their voice is described as low andmuttering or chirping...
Taste (46 Occurrences)
... tremble" of cold (Job 26:5), they totter and "stumble at noonday as in the twilight"
(Isaiah 59:10), their voice is described as low andmuttering or chirping...
Resources
What was the significance of Aaron's rod? | GotQuestions.orgHow can a Christian woman avoid being a diva? | GotQuestions.orgMuttering: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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