In biblical literature, the term "mutters" is often associated with the act of speaking in low tones, typically in a context of discontent, complaint, or secretive communication. The concept of muttering is frequently linked to murmuring or grumbling, which is addressed in various passages throughout the Bible. This behavior is generally portrayed negatively, as it reflects a lack of faith or trust in God's provision and plan.

Old Testament Context

The act of muttering is closely related to the murmuring of the Israelites during their wilderness journey. In Exodus 16:2-3 , the Israelites grumble against Moses and Aaron, expressing dissatisfaction with their circumstances: "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.'"

This grumbling is seen as a direct challenge to God's authority and provision. The Israelites' muttering is not merely a complaint against their leaders but is ultimately viewed as a complaint against God Himself. In Numbers 14:27 , God addresses this behavior: "How long will this wicked congregation grumble against Me? I have heard the complaints that the Israelites are making against Me."

Prophetic Literature

In the prophetic books, muttering is sometimes associated with false prophets or those who practice divination. Isaiah 8:19 warns against seeking guidance from those who "mutter and chirp," indicating a reliance on occult practices rather than seeking the counsel of God: "When men tell you to consult the spirits of the dead and the spiritists who whisper and mutter, should not a people consult their God? Why consult the dead on behalf of the living?"

This passage highlights the futility and danger of turning to sources other than God for guidance, emphasizing the importance of seeking divine wisdom and instruction.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, muttering is often associated with the Pharisees and religious leaders who grumble against Jesus and His teachings. In Luke 15:1-2 , the Pharisees and scribes mutter about Jesus' association with sinners: "Now all the tax collectors and sinners were gathering around to listen to Jesus. So the Pharisees and scribes began to grumble: 'This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.'"

This muttering reflects a hardened heart and an inability to recognize the grace and mercy embodied in Jesus' ministry. It serves as a cautionary example of how religious pride and self-righteousness can lead to spiritual blindness.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, muttering is indicative of a deeper spiritual issue—namely, a lack of faith and trust in God. It reveals a heart that is not fully surrendered to God's will and purposes. The Bible consistently calls believers to a posture of gratitude and trust, even in difficult circumstances, as seen in Philippians 2:14-15 : "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."

In summary, the biblical treatment of muttering serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining a heart of faith and trust in God, avoiding the pitfalls of discontent and secretive complaints.1897. hagah -- to moan, growl, utter, speak, muse
... declare (1), devise (2), devising (1), growls (1), make a sound (1), meditate (5),
meditates (1), moan (3), moan sadly (1), mutter (2), mutters (1), ponders (1 ...
/hebrew/1897.htm - 6k

Use what You Have.
... Shamgar sets his jaws together hard, gets a fresh grip on his ox-goad, digs his
heels into the ground for a good hold, and mutters to himself, "I guess they ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gordon/quiet talks on service/use what you have.htm

Sky, Earth, and Sea: a Parable of God
... It is set side by side with a vivid picture of an evildoer, a man who mutters in
his own heart his godlessness, and with obstinate determination plans and ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture j/sky earth and sea a.htm

The Pearl, Seven Hymns on the Faith. Hymn i. On a Certain Day a ...
... melodies. The trumpet falters and the thunder mutters; be not thou daring
then; leave things hidden, take things revealed. Thou ...
/.../ephraim/hymns and homilies of ephraim the syrian/the pearl seven hymns on 2.htm

Ill-Temper
... But no"there is no joy on that face, it is the thundercloud. "Brother, indeed,"
he mutters; "the scapegrace! Killed the fatted calf, have they? ...
//christianbookshelf.org/drummond/the ideal life/ill-temper.htm

Concerning Free-Will
... his will, obeys the command through fear, while he dares not say a word of what
he suffers in his unwillingness to do it, but, full of rage, mutters to himself ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/methodius/concerning free-will/concerning free-will.htm

The Sin against the Holy Ghost.
... Of course, he that broods and mutters about his sin outside of the Word can not
escape being haunted by the Cain-thought of a sin too great to be forgiven, and ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/xxxvii the sin against the.htm

The Good Man's Life and Death
... to live is gold." And there you see his humbler clerk, employed in some plainer
work, toiling for his master, and he, perspiring with work mutters between his ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 3 1857/the good mans life and.htm

A Blast of the Trumpet against False Peace
... "Ah! it is all right now," he mutters; he goes to bed, lies down, and quietly rests.
"No hurt will come," he says, "now; for I have made that dog quiet. Ah! ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 6 1860/a blast of the trumpet.htm

The Unity of the Divine Essence in Three Persons Taught, in ...
... either Arius or Sabellius. Arius says that Christ is God, and then mutters
that he was made and had a beginning. He says, that he ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 13 the unity of.htm

Heaven and Hell
... There is one gnashing his teeth at his companion, and mutters, "I was led into hell
by you; you led me astray, you taught me to drink the first time." And the ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/heaven and hell.htm

Mutters (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Mutters (1 Occurrence). Isaiah 59:3 For your hands
are defiled with blood, and your fingers with iniquity ...
/m/mutters.htm - 6k

Mutual (7 Occurrences)

/m/mutual.htm - 8k

Muttering (3 Occurrences)

/m/muttering.htm - 7k

Mutter (6 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 59:3 For your hands are defiled with blood, and your fingers with iniquity;
your lips have spoken lies, your tongue mutters wickedness. ...
/m/mutter.htm - 9k

Astrology
... 2). "A sorcerer" (mekhashsheph) is one who mutters incantations or speaks in
ventriloquial whispers, as if under the influence of the spirits of the dead. ...
/a/astrology.htm - 38k

Fingers (22 Occurrences)
... (BBE). Isaiah 59:3 For your hands are defiled with blood, and your fingers with
iniquity; your lips have spoken lies, your tongue mutters wickedness. ...
/f/fingers.htm - 13k

Defiled (119 Occurrences)
... (See NIV). Isaiah 59:3 For your hands are defiled with blood, and your fingers with
iniquity; your lips have spoken lies, your tongue mutters wickedness. ...
/d/defiled.htm - 38k

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