Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and Nature:Rumors are unverified pieces of information or accounts that are spread from person to person. In the biblical context, rumors often refer to reports or tales that may not be grounded in truth and can lead to misunderstanding, fear, or discord among people. The Bible addresses the nature and impact of rumors, emphasizing the importance of truth and the dangers of falsehood.
Biblical References and Teachings:1.
Proverbs on Rumors and Gossip: The Book of Proverbs frequently addresses the issue of rumors and gossip, highlighting their destructive potential.
Proverbs 11:13 states, "A gossip reveals a secret, but a trustworthy person keeps a confidence." This verse underscores the importance of discretion and the harm that can come from spreading unverified information.
2.
The Ninth Commandment: The commandment "You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor" (
Exodus 20:16) is foundational in understanding the biblical stance on rumors. Bearing false witness can be seen as spreading rumors that damage reputations and relationships, thus violating God's law.
3.
The Role of Rumors in Conflict: In the narrative of Nehemiah, rumors are used as a tool to instill fear and disrupt the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls.
Nehemiah 6:6-7 describes how false reports were spread to intimidate Nehemiah and his workers: "It is reported among the nations—and Geshem agrees—that you and the Jews are plotting to revolt, and therefore you are rebuilding the wall." Nehemiah's response demonstrates the importance of discernment and reliance on God in the face of rumors.
4.
Jesus and Rumors: Jesus Himself was subject to rumors and false accusations. In
Matthew 11:19 , He addresses the rumors about His character: "The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Look at Him, a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’" Jesus' response to rumors was to continue His mission, focusing on truth and righteousness rather than being swayed by public opinion.
5.
The Apostles and Early Church: The early church also faced rumors and false reports. In
Acts 21:21 , it is noted that rumors were spread about Paul teaching against the law: "They have been informed that you teach all the Jews who live among the Gentiles to turn away from Moses." The apostles often had to address these rumors directly to maintain unity and truth within the church.
Moral and Ethical Implications:The Bible consistently warns against the spread of rumors, emphasizing the need for truthfulness and integrity.
Ephesians 4:29 advises, "Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building up the one in need and bringing grace to those who listen." This teaching encourages believers to speak words that edify rather than harm.
Practical Application:Believers are called to be discerning and cautious in their speech, avoiding the spread of rumors and instead promoting truth and understanding.
James 1:19 offers practical wisdom: "Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger." This approach helps prevent the spread of misinformation and fosters a community grounded in love and truth.
Topical Bible Verses
Matthew 24:6And you shall hear of wars and rumors of wars: see that you be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.
Topicalbible.orgJeremiah 51:46
And lest your heart faint, and you fear for the rumor that shall be heard in the land; a rumor shall both come one year, and after that in another year shall come a rumor, and violence in the land, ruler against ruler.
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John 21:23
Then went this saying abroad among the brothers, that that disciple should not die: yet Jesus said not to him, He shall not die; but, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to you?
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Greek
189. akoe -- hearing, the sense of hearing... Word Origin from akouo Definition hearing, the sense of hearing NASB Word Usage
ears (4), heard (2), hearing (8), keep (2), news (3), report (2),
rumors (2).
...Strong's Hebrew
8052. shemuah -- a report... Word Origin from shama Definition a report NASB Word Usage heard (1), message (3),
news (6), report (10), rumor (4),
rumors (1), tidings (1), what it means (1
...Library
The Holy Family in Bethlehem after the Departure of the Kings.
... they had refused Joseph a lodging; others said that the kings were strange fanatical
adventurers; while others connected their arrival with therumors of what...
On the Mount of Olives
... "And ye shall hear of wars andrumors of wars: see that ye be not... Those supposed
to be standing next the throne were slain. There were wars andrumors of wars....
A Letter Addressed to Hippolytus a Collibus
... BENEVOLENT READER, IT cannot be a matter of secrecy to you, how various, uncertain
and prodigious therumors are which have been circulated through Holland...
The Arians Excite a Tumult at Constantinople.
... respecting matters about which they are in ignorance; and if at any time they are
given occasion they swell to a prodigious extentrumors concerning what they...
A Plea Regarding Christians by Athenagoras, the Athenian
... [With us, on the contrary, although you yourselves are not, like the crowd,
led astray byrumors, our name is the object of hatred....
Matt. xxiv. 1, 2
... [2741] And ye shall hear of wars andrumors of wars.... 2. But by "wars andrumors of
wars," He meaneth, what I before said, the troubles coming upon them....
His Arrival in Apulia, Venice, Ferrara, and Genoa --He is...
... Because of such affairs, and especially by reason of the great crowd of men coming
to him when he explained the Christian doctrine, variousrumors began to...
My Reasons for Refusing a Conference.
... 9. The complaint concerning my refusal to make a declaration of my sentiments, does
not agree with therumors concerning me which are in general circulation....
Smerdis the Magian.
...Rumors that Smerdis had been killed by Prexaspes, at the command of Cambyses,
were in circulation. Theserumors were contradicted...
Thoughts Upon Christian Education.
... be every where discountenanced and suppressed for all would worship the one living
and true God, and him only: There would be no more Wars, norrumors of Wars...
Thesaurus
Rumors (4 Occurrences)...Rumors (4 Occurrences). Matthew 24:6 You will hear of wars and
rumors of wars.
... Mark
13:7 "When you hear of wars and
rumors of wars, don't be troubled.
...Wars (24 Occurrences)
... Wars (24 Occurrences). Matthew 24:6 You will hear of wars andrumors of wars.... Mark
13:7 "When you hear of wars andrumors of wars, don't be troubled....
Frightened (38 Occurrences)
... Matthew 24:6 You will hear of wars andrumors of wars.... (WEY DBY). Mark 13:7
"When you hear of wars andrumors of wars, don't be troubled....
Troubled (244 Occurrences)
... (BBE). Matthew 24:6 You will hear of wars andrumors of wars.... Mark 13:7 "When
you hear of wars andrumors of wars, don't be troubled....
Rumour (13 Occurrences)
Rumor (10 Occurrences)
Virgin (62 Occurrences)
...Rumors always grow in the absence of known facts, especially where curiosity
is keen. Absurdrumors multiply among the credulous....
Birth (357 Occurrences)
...Rumors always grow in the absence of known facts, especially where curiosity
is keen. Absurdrumors multiply among the credulous....
Yet (1244 Occurrences)
... Matthew 24:6 You will hear of wars andrumors of wars.... (See NAS). Mark 13:7
"When you hear of wars andrumors of wars, don't be troubled....
Needs (85 Occurrences)
... Matthew 24:6 And ye shall hear of wars andrumors of wars; see that ye be not troubled:
for 'these things' must needs come to pass; but the end is not yet....
Resources
What does the Bible say about spreading rumors? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean that there will be wars and rumors of wars before the end times? | GotQuestions.orgDoes Bible prophecy predict that there will be a World War 3 (III, three) before the end times? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
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