תְּלֻנָּה
te.lu.nah
murmuring
Lexicon Entry
Lexicon data from STEPBible TIPNR, Tyndale House, Cambridge. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
What Original Readers Understood
Supported# Telunnah (תְּלֻנָּה): Murmuring in Biblical Hebrew The Hebrew word *telunnah* refers to murmuring—a form of vocal discontent or complaint expressed in low tones or undertones. Based on its eight occurrences in the biblical text, this term denotes a specific type of speech: not loud accusation or open rebellion, but rather the quieter expression of displeasure or grievance. The word's linguistic structure suggests an action that is continuous or habitual in nature, capturing the sense of sustained, repeated complaining rather than a single outburst. The narrowness of *telunnah's* distribution in Scripture (appearing only eight times) indicates it was used in specific contextual situations, likely those emphasizing the nature of complaint as murmuring rather than other forms of protest or objection. This precision in usage suggests the biblical authors chose this term deliberately when they wanted to highlight discontent expressed in a particular manner—characterized by its subdued, repetitive quality. The word carries no neutral connotation; murmuring in biblical usage represents a mode of expression associated with dissatisfaction and complaint, often directed at authority figures or circumstances.
Source data & methodology
Occurrences in Scripture
8 total occurrences across the text
In the morning, you shall see Yahweh’s glory; because he hears your murmurings against Yahweh. Who are we, that you murmur against us?”
Exodus 16:8Moses said, “Now Yahweh will give you meat to eat in the evening, and in the morning bread to satisfy you, because Yahweh hears your murmurings which you murmur against him. And who are we? Your murmurings are not against us, but against Yahweh.”
Exodus 16:8Moses said, “Now Yahweh will give you meat to eat in the evening, and in the morning bread to satisfy you, because Yahweh hears your murmurings which you murmur against him. And who are we? Your murmurings are not against us, but against Yahweh.”
Exodus 16:9Moses said to Aaron, “Tell all the congregation of the children of Israel, ‘Come close to Yahweh, for he has heard your murmurings.’ ”
Exodus 16:12“I have heard the murmurings of the children of Israel. Speak to them, saying, ‘At evening you shall eat meat, and in the morning you shall be filled with bread. Then you will know that I am Yahweh your God.’ ”
Numbers 14:27“How long shall I bear with this evil congregation that complain against me? I have heard the complaints of the children of Israel, which they complain against me.
Numbers 17:5It shall happen that the rod of the man whom I shall choose shall bud. I will make the murmurings of the children of Israel, which they murmur against you, cease from me.”
Numbers 17:10Yahweh said to Moses, “Put back the rod of Aaron before the covenant, to be kept for a token against the children of rebellion; that you may make an end of their complaining against me, that they not die.”