γογγύζω (gonguzō)
gonguzō
to murmur
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 7 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb gonguzō describes murmuring or grumbling in a low, discontented tone. In the New Testament it captures the quiet resentment of those who feel wronged rather than open confrontation. This sense of secret complaint appears when Jesus’ followers question his teachings, such as in John 6:41 and 61, where they mutter against him because he claims to have come down from heaven.
The word often carries a negative theological weight, highlighting unbelief or dissatisfaction with God’s provision. Paul uses it in 1 Corinthians 10:10 to warn the church against grumbling like the Israelites in the wilderness, who complained about their circumstances despite God’s miracles. The image is not of loud protest but of inward bitterness that erodes faith and community.
Its root meaning relates to a low, continuous sound, like the cooing of doves or the muttering of people conferring secretly. This nuance distinguishes it from more overt forms of rebellion. Translators typically render it "murmur" or "grumble," preserving the sense of private discontent that can quietly undermine trust in divine guidance.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word gonguzō describes a quiet, low-level complaint. It is the inward murmur of resentment that often goes unheard by others but is deeply felt within the heart. Unlike open rebellion, this kind of grumbling is subtle. It creeps in when we feel overlooked or when circumstances do not match our expectations.
In John 6, Jesus notices His followers murmuring about His teaching on heavenly bread. He does not ignore their quiet discontent but addresses it directly, asking if these thoughts are causing them to stumble. This shows that God sees even the silent struggles of faith. He invites us to bring these hidden doubts into the light rather than letting them fester.
Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 10 that such grumbling has serious consequences for our spiritual journey. It can erode trust and lead us away from God’s provision. Instead of focusing on what we lack, we can choose to reflect on His faithfulness. This shift in perspective helps protect our hearts from bitterness and keeps our hope anchored in Christ.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 7 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- do grumble2×
- were grumbling1×
- they were grumbling1×
- murmuring1×
- grumbled,1×
- are grumbling1×
- Were grumbling1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐγόγγυζον2×
- γογγύζετε2×
- Ἐγόγγυζον1×
- ἐγόγγυσαν,1×
- γογγύζουσιν1×
- γογγύζοντος1×
Key Verses
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John 6:41
The Jews therefore murmured concerning him, because he said, “I am the bread which came down out of heaven.”
This verse shows Jesus addressing the specific theological doubt behind the murmuring about His heavenly origin.
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John 6:61
But Jesus knowing in himself that his disciples murmured at this, said to them, “Does this cause you to stumble?
Here Jesus directly identifies the disciples' internal struggle and asks if it is causing them to stumble in their faith.
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I Corinthians 10:10
Don’t grumble, as some of them also grumbled, and perished by the destroyer.
Paul uses this warning to illustrate how quiet grumbling can lead to spiritual destruction, linking it to Israel's wilderness failures.
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Luke 5:30
Their scribes and the Pharisees murmured against his disciples, saying, “Why do you eat and drink with the tax collectors and sinners?”
This occurrence highlights how religious leaders used murmuring to express their judgment against Jesus' association with sinners.