← G1110 G1112 →

γογγύζω

gongýzō

G1111 verb

SILEX Entry

Root γογγυζ- to murmur, to grumble, to complain in a low voice

Definition

To murmur, to express discontent or dissatisfaction in a low voice, to grumble. The verb denotes both private muttering and low-voiced complaint, often directed against a leader or authority, or out of general disapproval. In context, it can refer to whispered complaint, covert criticism, or subdued protest, typically expressing displeasure or objection. The word can also convey a sense of disquiet or unhappiness voiced in a non-confrontational way.

Semantic Range

to murmur, to grumble, to express dissatisfaction quietly, to complain under one's breath, to utter discontent in a subdued tone, to criticize covertly

Root / Etymology

Rooted in onomatopoeic imitation of low, inarticulate sounds of complaint; etymology uncertain. No clear cognates attested in earlier Greek; related in sense to words like γογγύλος (rounded, murmuring) but the origin is not definitively established.

Historical & Contextual Notes

γογγύζω occurs rarely in classical Greek and appears more frequently in later or Hellenistic sources, and the Septuagint, typically translating Hebrew words for 'murmur' or 'complain' (e.g., לוּן - to grumble). In the New Testament, the verb describes the quiet, often covert complaining of crowds or disciples—sometimes in the face of perceived injustice, divine actions, or about teachings considered difficult or offensive. Unlike φθονέω or διαβάλλω, it does not denote slander or overt accusation but rather a subdued or whispered discontent. English translations render it as 'murmur' or 'grumble,' but these may not fully capture its connotations of low, suppressed protest. In Greek literature, it often carries a negative evaluation, implying unreasonable or faithless complaint, especially against legitimate authority. Its occurrence in Jewish-Greek literature often echoes the motif of Israelite murmuring against Moses or God in the wilderness narratives.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

of uncertain derivation; to grumble:--murmur.

Root Family

γογγύζω (gongyzō) — to murmur, to grumble, to complain in a low voice

Word Forms

5 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 Occurrences
G1111-02 ἐγόγγυζον egogguzon V IMPF ACT IND 3P PL were grumbling they were murmuring 3
G1111-03 γογγύζετε gogguzete V PRS ACT IMP 2P PL grumble keep grumbling 2
G1111-04 γογγύζοντος gogguzontos V PRS ACT PTCP GEN M SG murmuring of the one grumbling 1
G1111-05 γογγύζουσιν gogguzousin V PRS ACT IND 3P PL were grumbling they are grumbling 1
G1111-01 ἐγόγγυσαν egoggusan V AOR ACT IND 3P PL murmured they grumbled 1

Occurrences in Scripture

8 total occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1
G1111-02 Matthew 20:11 ἐγόγγυζον egogguzon V IMPF ACT IND 3P PL they were murmuring
G1111-02 Luke 5:30 ἐγόγγυζον egogguzon V IMPF ACT IND 3P PL were grumbling they were murmuring
G1111-02 John 6:41 ἐγόγγυζον egogguzon V IMPF ACT IND 3P PL were grumbling they were murmuring
G1111-03 John 6:43 γογγύζετε gogguzete V PRS ACT IMP 2P PL grumble keep grumbling
G1111-05 John 6:61 γογγύζουσιν gogguzousin V PRS ACT IND 3P PL were grumbling they are grumbling
G1111-04 John 7:32 γογγύζοντος gogguzontos V PRS ACT PTCP GEN M SG murmuring of the one grumbling
G1111-03 1 Corinthians 10:10 γογγύζετε gogguzete V PRS ACT IMP 2P PL grumble keep grumbling
G1111-01 1 Corinthians 10:10 ἐγόγγυσαν egoggusan V AOR ACT IND 3P PL murmured they grumbled
← G1110 Greek Lexicon G1112 →