The word used by Luke to describe the complaining is also used in the Septuagint (the Greek translation of the Old Testament) to describe the murmuring of the Israelites against Moses. They grumbled at his leadership, the food, and the arid conditions (Exodus 16:7; Numbers 14:27; 1 Corinthians 10:10). Elsewhere in the New Testament the same word is also used in a negative sense (Philippians 2:14; 1 Peter 4:9). Even though there was a legitimate reason for concern, grumbling is inappropriate for the Christian. The Greek-speaking Christians were sinfully complaining behind the backs of their Aramaic-speaking brothers and sisters. Sinful attitudes and prejudices which were formed before conversion have now been carried over into the Christian community.
1 Now in these days when the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint by the Hellenists arose against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution.