G3471

Unveiling the Word

The Greek word μωραίνω (mōrainō) is particularly significant in biblical studies as it appears in Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5:13. In this context, Jesus speaks of salt losing its flavor or becoming “foolish” or “worthless.” The word mōrainō carries the weight of meaning related to folly, uselessness, and loss of purpose, making it a powerful image in the New Testament. Understanding this word can deepen our comprehension of how ancient Greek culture viewed wisdom, purpose, and utility, and how these ideas were brought into early Christian teachings.

Necessary Information

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Greek Word: μωραίνω (mōrainō), pronounced mo-RAI-noh.

Etymology: The word is derived from the root word mōros (G3474), which means “foolish” or “dull.” It carries connotations of mental dullness or stupidity, but also of something that has lost its proper function or purpose.

Part of Speech: Verb. Mōrainō is used to describe the process of becoming foolish or senseless, often in the context of losing effectiveness or value.

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Defining Meanings

1. To Become Foolish or Senseless: In the New Testament, mōrainō is primarily used to describe something or someone becoming foolish or devoid of wisdom. In Matthew 5:13, Jesus speaks of salt losing its taste, becoming useless, a metaphor for losing one’s spiritual vitality or effectiveness.

2. To Lose Usefulness or Value: Another primary meaning is the idea of something becoming useless or purposeless. Just as salt that has lost its flavor is no longer good for seasoning, the word is used to convey the loss of inherent value or utility.

3. To Dull or Diminish: In certain contexts, mōrainō can refer to something becoming dull, either in a mental sense (as in dull-mindedness) or in a functional sense (as in something no longer sharp or effective).

Exploring Similar Words

1. μῶρος (mōros) [pronunciation: MOH-ros]: This word refers directly to a foolish or stupid person. It shares the same root as mōrainō and conveys the concept of being without wisdom or sense. It is used in contrast with wisdom.

2. ἀνόητος (anoētos) [pronunciation: a-NOH-ay-tos]: This word means “foolish” or “without understanding.” It differs from mōrainō in that it focuses more on the lack of mental understanding or perception, rather than a loss of usefulness.

3. ἀφρονέω (aphronéō) [pronunciation: af-roh-NEH-oh]: This verb means “to think foolishly” and is more concerned with the act of thinking or reasoning in a foolish manner, rather than losing purpose or value.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Tense, Voice, Mood:

• Mōrainō appears in different tenses, depending on the context. For example, in Matthew 5:13, it is used in the aorist tense, indicating a completed action where salt has already lost its taste. It can be found in the indicative mood, showing statements of fact or reality.

Person and Number:

• The verb mōrainō can be conjugated to reflect different persons and numbers. For example, in the second person singular, it can be rendered as mōrainēs (“you become foolish”).

Here’s a basic conjugation of the Present Indicative Active form:

Person Singular Plural

1st μωραίνω μωραίνομεν

2nd μωραίνεις μωραίνετε

3rd μωραίνει μωραίνουσι(ν)

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Studying Lexicon Insights

According to Greek lexicons, mōrainō is understood in both New Testament and classical contexts as a word referring to becoming foolish or losing one’s usefulness. In the New Testament, it appears most notably in Jesus’ metaphor about salt losing its saltiness (Matthew 5:13), where it carries a significant spiritual and moral lesson about retaining one’s purpose and effectiveness in God’s kingdom. Classical usage also reveals a broader application, such as the diminishing of mental sharpness or clarity. In theological terms, mōrainō warns against spiritual dullness and a failure to live up to one’s intended purpose.

This overview synthesizes insights from BDAG, Thayer’s, LSJ, Vine’s, Strong’s, LEH, and Moulton and Milligan.

Tracing Related Scriptures

1. Matthew 5:13 – “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its flavor [μωρανθῇ], how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men.”

2. Romans 1:22 – “Professing to be wise, they became fools [ἐμωράνθησαν].”

Analyzing Classical Usage

Author Name of Work Greek Usage in Text

Plato Phaedo “He thought his wisdom had dulled [μωρανθῇ] with age.”

Herodotus Histories “The mind becomes foolish [μωρανθῇ] in times of fear.”

Septuagint Isaiah 44:25 “I am the one who frustrates the signs of false prophets and makes fools [μωραίνοντα] of diviners.”

Noteworthy Summary

The Greek verb μωραίνω (mōrainō), meaning “to become foolish” or “to lose usefulness,” provides rich insight into Jesus’ teachings in Matthew 5:13 and other New Testament passages. It conveys the idea of losing purpose or value, particularly in a moral or spiritual sense. By studying this word, we gain a deeper understanding of the expectations placed on believers to maintain their role as the “salt of the earth,” remaining effective and purposeful in their mission.

Did You Know?

1. In ancient Greek society, calling someone mōros (fool) was a strong insult, implying a complete lack of wisdom or common sense.

2. The verb mōrainō was used not only in moral contexts but also in everyday situations, like describing tools that had dulled over time.

3. In the Septuagint, the verb mōrainō is used to describe the actions of false prophets who are rendered ineffective by God.