In the context of the Bible, the term "muttered" often refers to the act of speaking in a low, indistinct voice, typically conveying discontent, complaint, or secretive communication. This term is closely associated with murmuring or grumbling, which is frequently addressed in Scripture as a negative behavior, reflecting a lack of faith or trust in God's provision and plan.

Old Testament Context

The concept of muttering is notably present in the Old Testament, particularly in the narratives concerning the Israelites during their wilderness journey. The Hebrew word often translated as "mutter" or "murmur" is "לָּנוּן" (lanun), which conveys a sense of complaining or grumbling. One of the most prominent examples is found in the Book of Exodus, where the Israelites frequently muttered against Moses and Aaron due to their hardships in the desert. In Exodus 16:2-3 , it is recorded: "And there in the desert they all grumbled against Moses and Aaron. 'If only we had died by the LORD’s hand in the land of Egypt,' they said. 'There we sat by pots of meat and ate our fill of bread, but you have brought us into this desert to starve this whole assembly to death!'"

This behavior is seen as a direct challenge to God's authority and a lack of gratitude for His deliverance and ongoing provision. The Israelites' muttering is met with divine displeasure, as it reflects a heart of unbelief and rebellion.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, muttering is also addressed, often in the context of the Pharisees and religious leaders who muttered against Jesus. For instance, in Luke 15:1-2 , it is noted: "Now all the tax collectors and sinners were gathering around to listen to Jesus. So the Pharisees and scribes began to grumble: 'This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.'"

Here, the muttering of the Pharisees reveals their self-righteousness and inability to comprehend the grace and mercy of God extended through Jesus Christ. Their grumbling is indicative of a hardened heart, resistant to the transformative message of the Gospel.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, muttering is often seen as symptomatic of a deeper spiritual issue—namely, a lack of faith and trust in God. It is a verbal manifestation of inner discontent and rebellion against divine authority. The Bible consistently calls believers to a posture of gratitude, trust, and submission to God's will, contrasting the negative example of those who mutter and grumble.

The Apostle Paul, in his epistles, exhorts believers to do all things without grumbling or disputing, as seen in Philippians 2:14-15 : "Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may be blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and perverse generation, in which you shine as lights in the world."

Practical Application

For contemporary believers, the biblical admonition against muttering serves as a reminder to cultivate a heart of thankfulness and trust in God's sovereignty. It encourages Christians to express their concerns and needs through prayer and supplication rather than through murmuring, which can lead to spiritual stagnation and discord within the community of faith. By focusing on God's faithfulness and promises, believers can overcome the temptation to mutter and instead live lives marked by peace and contentment.(imp. & p. p.) of Mutter.

Of the Sacraments.
... By the word we ought to understand not one which, muttered without meaning and without
faith, by its sound merely, as by a magical incantation, has the effect ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 14 of the sacraments.htm

"The Pharaoh Drew Nigh"
... "By this time to-morrow night, I may content myself in a bed of sand with a
covering of hyena-fending stones," the cup-bearer muttered. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter xliii the pharaoh drew.htm

The Earthquake
... No sooner had she gone than Arcadius angrily muttered to himself words which, had
she heard them, might have cost him his life by poison or the dagger. ...
/.../chapter xlvi the earthquake.htm

First Impressions
... Philip was literally boiling over with indignation as he watched the receding
group. These be your Christian bishops!' he muttered. ...
/.../chapter xx first impressions.htm

Meanwhile Florian Varillo had not Gone to Naples. ...
... "It was all an impulse," he muttered,""Just a hot impulse, nothing more! ... "She could
not possibly live," he muttered""Not after such a well directed blow. ...
/.../corelli/the master-christian/xxxi meanwhile florian varillo had.htm

Christ's Authority to Forgive
... The short, snarling sentences of their muttered objections, as given in the Revised
Version, may be taken as shared among three speakers, each bringing his ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture d/christs authority to forgive.htm

To the Saddest of the Sad
... I doubt not they muttered to themselves, "This Moses is a mad philosopher
who has grand mouthfuls of words; but what are words to us? ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 34 1888/to the saddest of the.htm

"He Has Trusted Me," Said the Cardinal, -- "I have Found Him...
... Patoux muttered something inaudible, and went his way. ... "She killed her child, they
say," muttered the old vegetable-seller- -"But no one knows"". ...
//christianbookshelf.org/corelli/the master-christian/v he has trusted me.htm

Meanwhile, the Marquis Fontenelle had Been Nearly a Fortnight in ...
... The name "MIRAUDIN" glared at him in big, fat, red letters on a bright yellow
ground; and involuntarily he muttered,. "D"n the fellow! ...
/.../corelli/the master-christian/xxiii meanwhile the marquis fontenelle.htm

The Heir Intervenes
... "Out upon the man, I offered all I could," Rameses muttered, but immediately he
arose and hurried to the well of the stairway. "Hotep!" he called. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter xxvii the heir intervenes.htm

Muttered (3 Occurrences)
... (imp. & pp) of Mutter. Multi-Version Concordance Muttered (3 Occurrences). ... John
7:12 Among the mass of the people there was much muttered debate about Him. ...
/m/muttered.htm - 7k

Mutter (6 Occurrences)

/m/mutter.htm - 9k

Imposing (8 Occurrences)
... See Impose, vt, 4. Multi-Version Concordance Imposing (8 Occurrences). John 7:12
Among the mass of the people there was much muttered debate about Him. ...
/i/imposing.htm - 9k

Enchantments (12 Occurrences)
... (2.) The rendering of the Hebrew keshaphim, "muttered spells" or "incantations,"
rendered "sorceries" in Isaiah 47:9, 12, ie, the using of certain formulae ...
/e/enchantments.htm - 11k

Debate (13 Occurrences)
... "How can this man," they argued, "give us his flesh to eat?" (WEY). John 7:12 Among
the mass of the people there was much muttered debate about Him. ...
/d/debate.htm - 11k

Mass (65 Occurrences)
... release Barabbas to us; (DBY). John 7:12 Among the mass of the people there
was much muttered debate about Him. Some said, "He is a ...
/m/mass.htm - 27k

Muttereth (1 Occurrence)

/m/muttereth.htm - 6k

Perverseness (46 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 59:3 For your hands are defiled with blood, and your fingers with iniquity;
your lips have spoken lies, your tongue hath muttered perverseness. ...
/p/perverseness.htm - 18k

Uttered (60 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 59:3 For your hands are defiled with blood, and your fingers with iniquity;
your lips have spoken lies, your tongue hath muttered perverseness. ...
/u/uttered.htm - 23k

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