Lexical Summary mempsimoiros: Complaining, fault-finding Original Word: μεμψίμοιρος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance complainer. From a presumed derivative of memphomai and moira (fate; akin to the base of meros); blaming fate, i.e. Querulous (discontented) -- complainer. see GREEK memphomai see GREEK meros HELPS Word-studies 3202 mempsímoiros (a substantival adjective, derived from 3201 /mémphomai, "blame, find fault," and moira, "an apportioned amount, allotment") – properly, a complaint over the allotted portion (used only in Jude 16). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom memphomai and moira (fate) Definition complaining of one's fate NASB Translation finding fault (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3202: μεμψίμοιροςμεμψίμοιρος, μεμψιμοιρον (μέμφομαι, and μοῖρα fate, lot), complaining of one's lot, querulous, discontented: Jude 1:16. (Isocrates, p. 234 c. (p. 387, Lange edition); Aristotle, h. a. 9, 1 (p. 608b, 10); Theophrastus, char. 17, 1; Lucian, dial. deor. 20, 4; Plutarch, de ira cohib. c. 13.) Topical Lexicon Biblical ContextThe adjective μεμψίμοιρος appears once in the Greek New Testament, describing certain false teachers in Jude 16: “These men are discontented grumblers, following after their own desires; their mouths spew arrogant words, flattering others for their own advantage” (Jude 1:16). The term characterizes an attitude of chronic dissatisfaction expressed through murmuring against God’s providence and against those in spiritual authority. Old Testament Background Although the word itself is unique to Jude, the spirit it conveys—grumbling against God’s ways—pervades the Old Testament narrative: • Exodus 15:24; 16:2–8; 17:3 – Israel complains in the wilderness, questioning God’s provision and leadership. These texts establish grumbling as a serious covenant violation rooted in unbelief. New Testament Parallels Paul explicitly warns the Corinthian church not to “grumble, as some of them did and were killed by the destroying angel” (1 Corinthians 10:10). He exhorts the Philippians, “Do everything without complaining or arguing” (Philippians 2:14). These passages demonstrate that the apostolic witness regards a complaining spirit as incompatible with faith, gratitude, and humble submission to God. Historical and Cultural Setting Jude writes in the late first century when itinerant teachers threatened fledgling congregations. By labeling such men μεμψίμοιροι, he situates them within Israel’s tragic pattern of discontent. In Hellenistic moral discourse, self-pitying complaint was viewed as a vice contrary to the virtue of endurance. Jude employs the term to expose the inward disposition that fuels false teaching: self-centered dissatisfaction masked by pious words. Theological Significance 1. Rebellion against Divine Sovereignty Complaining challenges God’s wisdom and goodness, effectively questioning His right to order one’s circumstances. 2. Roots in Carnal Desire Jude links grumbling with “following after their own desires,” showing that a discontented tongue springs from a heart enslaved to lusts. 3. Corrosive Influence on Community A murmuring spirit spreads rapidly (Numbers 14:1–3), undermining unity and fostering skepticism toward godly leadership. 4. Eschatological Warning Jude situates these grumblers within a chain of prophetic denunciations (Jude 14–15). Persistent complaint signals alignment with the ungodly destined for judgment. Contrasting Virtues • Contentment (1 Timothy 6:6) – Anchored in trust that God supplies every need. Pastoral and Ministry Application 1. Discernment in Leadership Church leaders must recognize chronic murmuring as a red flag for deeper rebellion and decisively address it with admonition and, if necessary, corrective discipline (Titus 3:10–11). 2. Cultivation of Thankfulness Regular corporate thanksgiving counters the spread of a complaining culture. Testimonies of God’s faithfulness remind believers of His past mercies. 3. Teaching on Providence Sound doctrine concerning God’s sovereignty and goodness equips saints to meet trials with steadfast faith rather than complaint. 4. Counseling and Spiritual Formation Personal discipleship should trace patterns of grumbling back to misplaced desires, guiding believers toward repentance and renewed delight in Christ. Early Church Witness Patristic writers echo Jude’s warning. Clement of Rome rebukes the Corinthian schismatics for “jealousy and strife” borne of ingratitude (1 Clement 3). The Didache urges disciples to be “meek” and “patient,” implicitly rejecting the restless dissatisfaction Jude condemns. Christological Considerations Jesus Christ embodies the antithesis of μεμψίμοιρος. In the wilderness He refused to grumble (Matthew 4:1–10). Throughout His passion He entrusted Himself to the Father “without complaint” (1 Peter 2:23). Believers, united to Him, are called to emulate this obedient contentment, evidencing a life transformed by the gospel. Conclusion Strong’s Greek 3202 captures more than a verbal habit; it unveils a heart posture opposed to faith. Jude invokes Israel’s history, apostolic exhortations, and impending judgment to warn the church. The remedy lies in Christ-centered gratitude, Spirit-wrought contentment, and vigilant shepherding—safeguarding the community from the corrosive sin of complaint and leading it into the joy of trusting submission to God’s wise and gracious rule. Forms and Transliterations μεμψιμοιροι μεμψίμοιροι μέμψιν mempsimoiroi mempsímoiroiLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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