### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word διαγογγύζω (diagongýzō) `{{G1234}}` is a compound verb formed from the preposition διά (dia), meaning "through" or "throughout," and the verb γογγύζω (gongýzō) `{{G1111}}`, meaning "to murmur" or "to grumble." The prefix διά intensifies the base meaning, indicating a widespread, pervasive, or persistent murmuring that spreads *throughout* a group or crowd. It denotes an audible expression of deep-seated dissatisfaction, discontent, or disapproval, often implying a spirit of opposition or complaint against authority or prevailing circumstances. It is more than a private thought; it is a voiced, often collective, grumbling.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
διαγογγύζω appears sparingly in the New Testament, primarily in the Gospel of Luke, where its specific usage illuminates critical moments of tension and opposition to Jesus' ministry.
* **[[Luke 5:30]]**: "And the Pharisees and their scribes *murmured* against his disciples, saying, 'Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?'" Here, the murmuring is a collective expression of disapproval from the religious elite, directed at Jesus' disciples (and implicitly, at Jesus himself) for their association with those considered ritually unclean or morally reprehensible. It highlights their legalistic judgment and self-righteousness.
* **[[Luke 15:2]]**: "And the Pharisees and the scribes *murmured*, saying, 'This man receives sinners and eats with them.'" This passage echoes the sentiment of [[Luke 5:30]], reinforcing the deep-seated objection of the religious leaders to Jesus' inclusive table fellowship. The murmuring underscores their opposition to Jesus' core mission of reaching out to the marginalized and lost.
* **[[Luke 19:7]]**: "And when they saw it, all *murmured*, saying, 'He has gone in to be the guest of a man who is a sinner.'" In this instance, the murmuring comes from the broader crowd witnessing Jesus' decision to dine with Zacchaeus, a notorious tax collector. It reflects popular moral judgment and astonishment that Jesus would associate with such a person, indicating a widespread sense of scandal.
While διαγογγύζω itself does not appear in [[1 Corinthians 10:10]], the related word γογγύζω (gongýzō) `{{G1111}}` is used there in Paul's warning against grumbling, citing the example of the Israelites in the wilderness. The context of [[1 Corinthians 10]] explicitly links the Old Testament concept of widespread murmuring against God and His leaders to potential grumbling within the Christian community, underscoring its severe consequences. The pervasive nature implied by διαγογγύζω perfectly captures the spirit of the Israelites' collective discontent.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **γογγύζω (gongýzō) `{{G1111}}`**: The root word, meaning "to murmur, grumble, complain." διαγογγύζω intensifies this, emphasizing the spread or pervasiveness of the complaint.
* **ἀγανάκτησις (aganaktēsis) `{{G24}}`**: "Indignation" or "displeasure," often a precursor to or accompanying murmuring.
* **μεμψίμοιρος (mempsímoiros) `{{G3403}}`**: A "faultfinder" or "grumbler," one who is prone to complaining about their lot.
* **Old Testament Parallels**: The concept of "murmuring" is deeply rooted in the Old Testament, particularly in the Septuagint (LXX), where it frequently translates Hebrew terms like לון (lun) `{{H3885}}` or תלונה (telunnah) `{{H8519}}`. These words describe the repeated complaints of the Israelites against Moses and God during their wilderness wanderings (e.g., [[Exodus 16:2]], [[Numbers 14:27]], [[Numbers 16:11]]). This historical precedent provides the theological backdrop for understanding the gravity of διαγογγύζω in the New Testament. The διά prefix in διαγογγύζω aptly conveys the "throughout the camp" nature of the Israelites' grumbling.
### Theological Significance
The pervasive murmuring denoted by διαγογγύζω carries significant theological weight:
* **Rebellion Against Divine Authority**: In both Old and New Testaments, murmuring is rarely a neutral expression of discomfort. It frequently escalates into a direct challenge to God's providence, His appointed leaders, or His revealed will. The murmuring of the Pharisees and scribes against Jesus was, at its core, a rejection of God's redemptive work unfolding through Him.
* **Lack of Faith and Trust**: Murmuring stems from a heart that lacks faith in God's goodness, wisdom, and sovereign control. It indicates an unwillingness to trust God's plan or to accept His dealings, leading to discontent and ingratitude.
* **Hindrance to God's Work**: The widespread grumbling of the religious leaders and crowds created an atmosphere of opposition that sought to undermine Jesus' ministry. It demonstrates how a spirit of complaint can obstruct the advancement of God's kingdom.
* **A Warning for Believers**: The New Testament's use of related terms and Old Testament examples serves as a potent warning to believers. Murmuring is depicted as displeasing to God and can incur divine judgment ([[1 Corinthians 10:10]]). It calls the Church to cultivate a spirit of gratitude, humble submission, and faith, rather than discontent and complaint.
* **Contrast with Thanksgiving**: The act of διαγογγύζω stands in stark contrast to the biblical call for thanksgiving and praise ([[Philippians 2:14]], [[Colossians 3:17]]). It represents a carnal, rather than spiritual, response to life's circumstances and God's dealings.
### Summary
διαγογγύζω (diagongýzō) `{{G1234}}` describes a pervasive and collective murmuring or grumbling that spreads throughout a group. Etymologically rooted in the idea of "murmuring throughout," it signifies an audible expression of deep-seated discontent or disapproval. In the New Testament, particularly in Luke's Gospel, it characterizes the widespread opposition of religious leaders and crowds to Jesus' inclusive ministry and His association with sinners ([[Luke 5:30]], [[Luke 15:2]], [[Luke 19:7]]). Theologically, διαγογγύζω is understood as a manifestation of a lack of faith, a form of rebellion against divine authority, and a hindrance to God's work. Drawing upon the Old Testament paradigm of the Israelites' wilderness grumbling, it serves as a solemn warning against such attitudes within the believing community, emphasizing the vital importance of trust, gratitude, and humble submission to God's sovereign will over a spirit of complaint.
TRV