3288

Lexical Summary

(Not Used): (Not Used)

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

Topical Lexicon

Conceptual Scope

Strong’s Greek 3288 designates an ancient Greek term that speaks of a spirit of fault-finding—an attitude that looks for something to criticize rather than something to commend. Although this exact form is absent from the Greek New Testament, its idea is repeatedly addressed in Scripture through related vocabulary (for example, “grumbling,” “murmuring,” and “complaining”) and through narrative warnings that expose the spiritual danger of a critical heart.

Old Testament Background

The Septuagint often employs cognate words to portray Israel’s chronic murmuring in the wilderness (Exodus 16:2; Numbers 14:2). The people’s discontent reveals a distrust of God’s character and purposes, and it ultimately provokes divine discipline (Numbers 14:27-29). By capturing that negative posture, the term behind Strong’s 3288 serves as a literary reminder of the cost of unbelief.

New Testament Parallels

While 3288 itself is not used, the New Testament confronts the same sin pattern:
• Philippians 2:14 – “Do everything without complaining or arguing.”
• 1 Corinthians 10:10 – “And do not complain, as some of them did, and were killed by the destroying angel.”
• Jude 16 – “These men are discontented grumblers, following after their own lusts.”

Through such passages the apostles urge believers to replace a critical spirit with gratitude rooted in the gospel.

Theological and Ministry Considerations

1. Complaint challenges God’s sovereignty. A fault-finding posture implies that the Lord’s providence is inadequate or unfair.
2. Complaint undermines unity. Continual criticism infects congregational life, erodes trust in leadership, and quenches worship.
3. Gratitude is the antidote. Practicing thanksgiving (Colossians 3:15-17) shifts focus from perceived lack to Christ’s sufficiency.
4. Leaders must model contentment. Paul’s testimony in Philippians 4:11-13 shows that spiritual maturity expresses itself in settled joy, not ceaseless critique.

Historical Usage in Early Church

Early Christian writers, aware of the Septuagint background, applied synonymous Greek terms when admonishing believers:
• Polycarp urged the Philippians to “abstain from all murmuring.”
• The Didache warned that grumbling nullifies prayer.

These exhortations demonstrate continuity between apostolic teaching and post-apostolic pastoral care.

Practical Application for Discipleship

• Cultivate thankfulness by recounting specific works of God (Psalm 103:2).
• Address legitimate concerns biblically (Matthew 18:15) instead of fostering a climate of fault-finding.
• Memorize passages such as 1 Thessalonians 5:18 to guard the heart against habitual criticism.
• Encourage corporate testimony times in worship gatherings to replace negativity with praise.

Related Biblical Themes

Contentment (1 Timothy 6:6), Joy (Nehemiah 8:10), Peace (Philippians 4:7), Submission to God’s will (James 4:7).

Further Study

• Trace Israel’s wilderness complaints (Exodus 15 – Numbers 21) and note God’s responses.
• Compare Philippians 2:14-16 with Deuteronomy 32:5 to see Paul’s typological use of Israel’s history.
• Explore how the Psalms model honest lament that still honors God, distinguishing it from unbelieving complaint.

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.