### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **spermológos**, represented by `{{G4691}}`, is a derogatory term translated as **babbler**. It appears **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the Bible. The word's base definition is "a seed-picker," which figuratively describes a loafer or a trifler in talk.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its sole biblical appearance, `{{G4691}}` is used by certain `{{G5386}}` **philosophers**—specifically Epicureans `{{G1946}}` and Stoicks `{{G4770}}`—to express contempt for the Apostle Paul in Athens. As they `{{G4820}}` **encountered** him, some derisively `{{G3004}}` **said**, "What will this **babbler** say?" [[Acts 17:18]]. This insult was prompted by Paul's message, as he `{{G2097}}` **preached** to them about Jesus and the resurrection, which led others to believe he was a `{{G2604}}` **setter forth** of strange gods.
### Related Words & Concepts
The context of this insult is clarified by several related words from the passage:
* `{{G5386}}` **philósophos** (philosopher): Defined as "fond of wise things, i.e. a 'philosopher'". These were the individuals who encountered Paul and labeled him a **babbler** [[Acts 17:18]].
* `{{G1946}}` **Epikoúreios** (Epicurean): A "follower of Epicurus". This group was among the philosophers who confronted Paul in Athens [[Acts 17:18]].
* `{{G4770}}` **Stōïkós** (Stoick): An "adherent of a certin philosophy". Along with the Epicureans, they dismissed Paul's teaching [[Acts 17:18]].
* `{{G2097}}` **euangelízō** (to announce good news): This describes the action that provoked the insult. Paul `{{G2097}}` **preached** Jesus, which the philosophers perceived as babbling [[Acts 17:18]].
* `{{G2604}}` **katangeleús** (a proclaimer): Meaning "a proclaimer," this term reflects how some interpreted Paul's message, calling him a "setter forth" of foreign deities [[Acts 17:18]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{G4691}}` lies in the contrast it establishes between worldly wisdom and the gospel.
* **A Clash of Worldviews:** The use of **babbler** marks a direct conflict between the prevailing Greek philosophies and the message of Christ. The Athenian `{{G5386}}` **philosophers** initially dismissed the gospel as incoherent chatter [[Acts 17:18]].
* **The World's Perception of Preaching:** Paul was labeled a **babbler** for the act of preaching. This stands in stark contrast to the scriptural view of preaching, which is to `{{G2097}}` **announce good news** [[Luke 2:10]] and peace through Jesus Christ [[Acts 10:36]].
* **Dismissal of the Resurrection:** The contempt was specifically directed at Paul's preaching of "Jesus, and the resurrection" [[Acts 17:18]]. The term **babbler** encapsulates the inability of the philosophers' worldview to comprehend or accept the core tenets of the Christian faith.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G4691}}` is a unique term of contempt used only once in scripture. Its appearance in [[Acts 17:18]] captures a pivotal moment where the gospel is confronted and dismissed by the intellectual elite of the day. The label **babbler** vividly illustrates the profound gap between the worldly perspective of the `{{G5386}}` **philosophers** and the divine truth of the message concerning Jesus and the resurrection.
TRV