[Greek] βατταλογέω (battalogeō), [French] babiller: Mt. 6:7, to use many words, to babble, to speak much
The Tower of Babel: painting by Peter Bruegel (1560)
Background information:
Old Testament: This term means to babble, to speak incoherently and to speak needlessly. In contrast to God (Yahweh), the pagan gods were not all-knowing (omniscient). Pagan prayers (and requests) were crafted as elaborate, poetic and superfluous speeches in order for the pagan gods to understand their prayer intentions. These pagan prayers were spectacles in themselves.
The Tower of Babel: At this time in history, the whole world had spoken the same language and the same words. The people, taking great pride in themselves in their abilities to build a high reaching tower, sought to make a name for themselves. This tower was built in the region of Babylon. The Hebrew equivalent for this word is Babel. In His anger toward their arrogance, the Lord confused their speech and scattered them from there over all the earth. Ultimately, this was a fool’s errand in the “eyes” of God.
Nimrod: Christian and Hebrew traditions hold that Nimrod led the construction of the Tower of Babel. Nimrod was the great grandson of Noah. Nimrod, a mighty hunter and king, held his kingdom in Babylon, Erech, and Accad. Perhaps it is not surprising that the Tower of Babel is believed to have been located in Babylon.
New Testament: Jesus begins to instruct His disciples in how to pray to the Father. Jesus instructs them to not be like the hypocrites who like to been standing and praying by others. The Pharisees in the synagogues and street corners often like to seek this recognition. In the Old Testament, the pagans also gave elaborate and flowery rhetorical speeches to their gods. In contrast, Jesus instructs His disciples to pray to the Father in secret. The Father will likewise will respond to you in secret. Jesus provides the words for a prayer to the Father which can be repeatedly said. This prayer becomes the Our Father prayer.
Scripture:
“In praying, do not babble like the pagans, who think that they will be heard because of their many words.” Mt.6:7
Jesus instructs His disciples to pray to the Father in secret in a simple way like the Our Father.
Conclusion:
Babble, babbling
In the Old Testament, it is very significant to note that the pagan gods were not all-knowing, in contrast to God (Yahweh). Pagan prayers and petitions were elaborately crafted and superfluous speeches in order to let the pagan gods know of their intentions.
In their arrogance and pride, the people in Babylon constructed a tower reaching into the sky. In response, God saw fit to scatter and confuse the language of these people.
Jesus tells His disciples to pray to the Father in secret with a simple prayer, the Our Father. It is also interesting to note that Jesus never condemned repetition in a prayer appropriate to God. Up until the 16th century, there had been no perceived harm in saying repetitive prayers. The Hebrews (Jews) have been historically known to say repetitive prayers. This later provides the grounds for the Protestant opposition to the Rosary and the Liturgy of the Hours. It is quite interesting that the Pharisees and others followed the example of the pagans in crafting elaborate and superfluous petitions and prayers.
And yet still to this day, Nimrod has never really took hold as a popular name for kids! Why???? ☺☺☺
This term is also an example of onomatopoeia. Babble just sounds like someone is babbbbbbbbbling. Wow! (another example)
Then later Bugs Bunny would mockingly refer to Elmer Fudd as “poor little Nimrod.” In response to these vewy vewy bad words, Elmer Fudd wants to make a statement:
Cancel culture (our modern-day looney tunes) is now also targeting Elmer Fudd.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uM8h22DeTbA
That’s all folks!