3209

Lexical Summary

(Not Used): (Not Used)

(Not Used)
Part of Speech:
Transliteration: (Not Used)
(Not Used)

Topical Lexicon

Overview

Strong’s Greek 3209 designates an adjective that describes a person who grumbles about his lot, faults circumstances, or blames others. While the specific form never appears in the Greek New Testament, the attitude it expresses—habitual complaining—receives sustained biblical attention, making the term valuable for topical study.

Old Testament Foundations

The Septuagint employs related “memph-” words when Israel murmurs in the wilderness (for example Numbers 11:1; Numbers 14:36) and when the psalmist recounts, “They grumbled in their tents and did not listen to the voice of the LORD” (Psalm 106:25). Recurrent complaining is portrayed as unbelief in God’s goodness and an invitation to judgment.

Conceptual Equivalents in the New Testament

Philippians 2:14–15 commands, “Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may be blameless and pure, children of God without fault.”

1 Corinthians 10:10 warns, “And do not complain, as some of them did, and were killed by the destroying angel.”

James 5:9 cautions, “Do not complain about one another, brothers, so that you will not be judged.”

Jude 1:16 brands false teachers as “discontented grumblers.”

Though these passages employ different Greek roots (γογγύζω, στενάζω, etc.), they address the disposition captured by Strong’s 3209.

Historical Setting

In wider Koine usage the adjective often conveys a fatalistic spirit that blames the “Moirai” (fates). Scripture rejects such fatalism by declaring God’s sovereign, benevolent rule (Genesis 50:20; Romans 8:28). To harbor a mempsimoiros attitude therefore amounts to challenging divine providence.

Biblical Theology

1. Complaining is rooted in unbelief (Hebrews 3:7–12) and sets itself against contentment learned in Christ (Philippians 4:11–13).
2. Thanksgiving is the prescribed antidote (Colossians 3:15–17; 1 Thessalonians 5:18).
3. Persistent grumbling is contagious and undermines community life (Numbers 16; 1 Corinthians 10:10).

Ministry Significance

• Discipleship: Teaching believers to replace complaint with gratitude nurtures maturity and joy (Psalm 103:1–5).
• Corporate Health: Leaders must confront murmuring that disrupts unity (Philippians 2:1–4; Hebrews 13:17).
• Evangelism: A content, thankful spirit adorns the gospel before a watching world (Philippians 2:15; Titus 2:10).

Key Related Passages for Study

Exodus 16:2–3; Numbers 11:1; Numbers 21:4–6; Psalm 95:7–11; Philippians 2:14–15; 1 Corinthians 10:6–12; James 5:9; Jude 1:16.

Practical Applications

1. Cultivate daily thanksgiving lists to re-orient the heart.
2. Memorize Philippians 4:6–7 as a remedy for anxious, combative speech.
3. Model contentment in leadership, demonstrating joy in both abundance and need (Philippians 4:12).

Conclusion

Although the exact word assigned to Strong’s 3209 never surfaces in the New Testament text, its theme permeates Scripture. Divine revelation consistently exposes complaining as a serious spiritual malady and urges believers to embrace gratitude and trust in the wise, sovereign care of God.

Englishman's Concordance

μελῶν — 2 Occ.
μέλος — 5 Occ.
Μελχὶ — 2 Occ.
Μελχισεδέκ — 8 Occ.
ἔμελεν — 2 Occ.
μέλει — 7 Occ.
μελέτω — 1 Occ.
μεμβράνας — 1 Occ.
μέμφεται — 1 Occ.
μεμφόμενος — 1 Occ.
μὲν — 182 Occ.
Μενοῦν — 1 Occ.
μενοῦνγε — 2 Occ.
μέντοι — 8 Occ.
ἐμείναμεν — 2 Occ.
ἔμειναν — 2 Occ.
ἔμεινεν — 10 Occ.
ἔμενεν — 3 Occ.
ἔμενον — 1 Occ.
μεῖναι — 6 Occ.