Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Usage:Grumbling, in a biblical context, refers to the act of complaining or expressing dissatisfaction, often in a low, muttering manner. It is typically characterized by a lack of faith and trust in God's provision and plan. Grumbling is seen as a negative behavior that reflects a rebellious or ungrateful heart. Biblical Instances: 1. The Israelites in the Wilderness: One of the most notable examples of grumbling in the Bible is the behavior of the Israelites during their journey from Egypt to the Promised Land. Despite witnessing numerous miracles, the Israelites frequently complained about their circumstances. In Exodus 16:2-3 , it is recorded, "And there in the desert they all grumbled against Moses and Aaron. 'If only we had died by the LORD’s hand in the land of Egypt,' they said. 'There we sat by pots of meat and ate our fill of bread, but you have brought us into this desert to starve this whole assembly to death!'" 2. The Consequences of Grumbling: The Israelites' grumbling led to severe consequences. In Numbers 14:27-29 , God responds to their complaints, saying, "How long will this wicked congregation grumble against Me? I have heard the complaints that the Israelites are making against Me. So tell them: As surely as I live, declares the LORD, I will do to you exactly as I heard you say. Your bodies will fall in this wilderness—all who were numbered in the census, everyone twenty years of age or older—because you have grumbled against Me." 3. New Testament Warnings: The New Testament also addresses the issue of grumbling. In Philippians 2:14-15 , Paul exhorts believers, "Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may be blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and perverse generation, in which you shine as lights in the world." This passage highlights the importance of maintaining a positive and faithful attitude as a testimony to others. 4. Jude's Warning: Jude warns against grumblers in Jude 1:16 , describing them as "grumblers and faultfinders who follow their own evil desires; they boast about themselves and flatter others for their own advantage." This passage associates grumbling with a broader pattern of sinful behavior and self-centeredness. Theological Implications: Grumbling is often seen as a symptom of a deeper spiritual issue—namely, a lack of trust in God's sovereignty and goodness. It reflects a heart that is not content with God's provision and timing. The Bible encourages believers to cultivate gratitude and trust, recognizing that God's ways and thoughts are higher than ours (Isaiah 55:8-9). Practical Application: Believers are called to replace grumbling with gratitude and trust. This involves a conscious effort to focus on God's faithfulness and blessings, even in difficult circumstances. By doing so, Christians can maintain a testimony that honors God and reflects His light to the world. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (v. i.) To murmur or mutter with discontent; to make ill-natured complaints in a low voice and a surly manner.2. (v. i.) To growl; to snarl in deep tones; as, a lion grumbling over his prey. 3. (v. i.) To rumble; to make a low, harsh, and heavy sound; to mutter; as, the distant thunder grumbles. 4. (v. t.) To express or utter with grumbling. 5. (n.) The noise of one that grumbles. 6. (n.) A grumbling, discontented disposition. Greek 1111. gogguzo -- to mutter, murmur ... to mutter, murmur. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: gogguzo Phonetic Spelling: (gong-good'-zo) Short Definition: I whisper, murmur, grumble Definition: I ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1111.htm - 7k 1234. diagogguzo -- to murmur among themselves Strong's Hebrew 7279. ragan -- to murmur, whisper... slanderer (1), whisperer (3). murmur. A primitive root; to grumble, ie Rebel -- murmur. 7278, 7279. ragan. 7280 . Strong's Numbers. /hebrew/7279.htm - 5k 3885b. lun -- to murmur Library Freedom. Joy, a Duty Election The victory of Faith Home and the Home-Maker. Self-Inspection. Moses Striking the Rock. Jesus at the Well. A Word to Preachers. Three Tests of Love Which is Chaste Love; and How in Some Creatures Such Sensible ... Thesaurus Grumble (13 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance Grumble (13 Occurrences). ... (See NAS). 1 Corinthians 10:10 Neither grumble, as some of them also grumbled, and perished by the destroyer. ... /g/grumble.htm - 10k Grumbled (13 Occurrences) Grudge (11 Occurrences) Grudgingly (2 Occurrences) Destroyer (23 Occurrences) Murmur (23 Occurrences) Mutter (6 Occurrences) Perished (76 Occurrences) Content (30 Occurrences) Croak (1 Occurrence) Resources What does the Bible say about complaining? | GotQuestions.orgWho/what is Marah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Who was Aaron in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Grumble: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Grumble (13 Occurrences)Matthew 20:11 Luke 15:2 Luke 19:7 John 6:41 John 6:43 1 Corinthians 10:10 James 5:9 Exodus 16:7 Exodus 16:8 Numbers 14:27 Numbers 14:36 Numbers 16:11 Isaiah 29:24 Subtopics Related Terms |