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γογγυσμός

gongysmós

G1112 noun

SILEX Entry

Definition

Low, muffled expression of dissatisfaction, complaint, or discontent, typically occurring in a group or under one's breath; in contexts, refers to murmuring or muttering in disapproval, often covert or sullen in character; also used for secretive complaint or grumbling, especially against authority or circumstances.

Semantic Range

muttered complaint, surreptitious grumbling, quiet discontent, sullen protest, communal murmuring, secretive dissatisfaction

Root / Etymology

From the verb γογγύζω (to mutter, to grumble, to murmur), which is likely of onomatopoeic origin, imitating the sound of low, indistinct complaint. Not derived from a standard Indo-European verbal root.

Historical & Contextual Notes

γογγυσμός is a noun found primarily in Hellenistic and Koine contexts, with sparse attestation in earlier Greek literature; it is attested in the LXX (Exodus, Numbers) and several New Testament passages (e.g., John 7:12; Philippians 2:14; 1 Peter 4:9), usually referring to discontent directed subversively at leaders (such as Moses) or at God. In LXX usage, it often translates the Hebrew לוּן/תְּלוּנָּה (to murmur, complain), preserving the motif of the Israelites’ covert murmuring in the wilderness. In the New Testament and other Koine sources, the term generally designates interpersonal or intra-community complaint, secretive or suppressed protest, rather than open or formal opposition. English renderings (“murmuring,” “grumbling,” “complaining,” “grudging”) only partially convey the word’s emphasis on the sullen, surreptitious, and communal nature of the complaint. γογγυσμός is distinct from ἔρις (strife, open contention) and more akin to σιγὴ (murmur, silence) in its subdued character, yet it implies discontent rather than pure muttering.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from γογγύζω; a grumbling:--grudging, murmuring.

Root Family

γογγυσμός (gongysmos) — murmuring, grumbling, complaint

Root γογγυζ- to murmur, to grumble, to complain

Word Forms

3 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G1112-02 γογγυσμὸς goggusmos N NOM M SG murmuring muttered grumbling grumbling 2
G1112-01 γογγυσμῶν goggusmon N GEN M PL grumbling of muttered complaints muttered complaints 1
G1112-03 γογγυσμοῦ goggusmou N GEN M SG complaint of murmured complaint murmured complaint 1

Occurrences in Scripture

4 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G1112-02 John 7:12 γογγυσμὸς goggusmos N NOM M SG murmuring muttered grumbling grumbling
G1112-02 Acts 6:1 γογγυσμὸς goggusmos N NOM M SG murmuring muttered grumbling muttered grumbling
G1112-01 Philippians 2:14 γογγυσμῶν goggusmon N GEN M PL grumbling of muttered complaints muttered complaints
G1112-03 1 Peter 4:9 γογγυσμοῦ goggusmou N GEN M SG complaint of murmured complaint murmured complaint
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