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Unveiling the Word

In biblical studies, understanding the original Greek words enriches our interpretation of Scripture. The word μωρός (mōrós), used in Matthew 5:22, is particularly significant as it refers to someone who is “foolish” or “senseless.” In Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, He warns against calling others mōrós, highlighting the severity of unjustly labeling someone as a fool. The use of this word in biblical contexts, along with its cultural and philosophical background in ancient Greek society, underscores a broader understanding of foolishness, wisdom, and the heart’s intentions.

Necessary Information

Greek Word: μωρός (mōrós), pronounced mo-ROS.

Etymology: Mōrós stems from the root meaning “dull” or “foolish.” It relates to mental dullness or moral deficiency, describing someone who lacks sound judgment or discernment. The word connects with other Greek terms like μωρία (mōría), meaning foolishness or folly.

Part of Speech: Adjective. In Scripture, mōrós is often used to describe people or actions that lack wisdom or good judgment.

The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Defining Meanings

1. Foolish or Senseless: The primary meaning of mōrós refers to someone who is foolish, senseless, or lacking good judgment. Jesus uses this term in Matthew 5:22 to caution against labeling others as fools, suggesting a deeper concern about the moral implications of such speech.

2. Lacking Insight or Wisdom: Mōrós can also refer to someone who lacks spiritual insight or understanding. In biblical texts, foolishness is often linked to a rejection of God’s wisdom and truth.

3. Morally Corrupt or Unwise: Beyond intellectual foolishness, mōrós sometimes conveys a sense of moral deficiency, describing someone who fails to live according to wisdom or righteousness.

Exploring Similar Words

1. ἄφρων (áphrōn) [pronunciation: AH-fron]: While mōrós refers to foolishness, áphrōn means “without reason” or “thoughtless.” It emphasizes a lack of careful consideration, often leading to rash decisions.

2. ἀνόητος (anóētos) [pronunciation: a-NO-ay-tos]: This word means “unintelligent” or “foolish” but is more focused on a lack of understanding rather than moral failure.

3. ἄσοφος (ásophos) [pronunciation: AH-so-fos]: Meaning “unwise,” ásophos highlights the absence of wisdom, in contrast to those who live in accordance with godly wisdom.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Case, Number, Gender:

Mōrós is an adjective that can be used in different genders (masculine, feminine, neuter), numbers (singular and plural), and cases (nominative, genitive, dative, accusative). Here is an example of its declension in the masculine form:

Declension (Masculine Singular):

Case Singular

Nominative μωρός

Genitive μωροῦ

Dative μωρῷ

Accusative μωρόν

Click here for a beginners guide to reading Greek.

Studying Lexicon Insights

The lexicons reveal mōrós as a term rich with moral and ethical implications. It is used to describe someone who is not just intellectually deficient but also morally unwise, often failing to grasp the deeper truths of life and godliness. In New Testament contexts, calling someone mōrós carries a heavy weight, especially as Jesus emphasizes in Matthew 5:22, where such speech leads to judgment. Classical Greek literature also employs mōrós to describe individuals lacking in wisdom, often in a philosophical or ethical sense.

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

Tracing Related Scriptures

1. Matthew 5:22 – “But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother will be liable to the council; and whoever says, ‘You fool [μωρός],’ will be liable to the hell of fire.”

2. Matthew 7:26 – “And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not act on them will be like a foolish [μωρός] man who built his house on sand.”

3. 1 Corinthians 3:18 – “Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you thinks that he is wise in this age, let him become a fool [μωρός] so that he may become wise.”

Analyzing Classical Usage

Author Name of Work Greek Usage in Text

Plato Apology “To act against wisdom is to be μωρός, devoid of insight.”

Herodotus Histories “The μωρός king brought ruin to his people.”

Septuagint Proverbs 14:7 “Leave the presence of a fool [μωρός], for there is no knowledge in him.”

Noteworthy Summary

The word mōrós highlights a person’s intellectual and moral deficiency. In biblical contexts, it is especially associated with a failure to live in godly wisdom. Jesus’ warning in Matthew 5:22 underscores the severity of calling others mōrós, linking it to judgment and emphasizing the importance of our words. This Greek term encapsulates both foolish actions and attitudes, serving as a reminder to pursue wisdom and avoid careless speech.

Did You Know?

1. The word mōrós is related to the English word “moron.”

2. In classical Greek literature, mōrós is often used to describe leaders who lacked wisdom, leading to their downfall.

3. The Septuagint, the Greek translation of the Hebrew Scriptures, frequently uses mōrós to describe those who reject God’s wisdom, especially in the book of Proverbs.