### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **mōraínō**, represented by `{{G3471}}`, carries a dual meaning: "to become insipid" or, figuratively, to "become fool" or "make foolish." It is derived from μωρός and appears **5 times** across **4 unique verses** in the Bible. The word is used to describe both a literal loss of quality and a spiritual or intellectual descent into foolishness.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical usage, `{{G3471}}` illustrates two distinct concepts. First, it is used literally to describe salt that has lost its essential quality. In both [[Matthew 5:13]] and [[Luke 14:34]], the question is posed that if salt should **lose savour** `{{G3471}}`, it becomes useless. Second, it is used figuratively to denote foolishness. In [[Romans 1:22]], those who reject God, while "Professing themselves to be wise," ultimately **became fools** `{{G3471}}`. In [[1 Corinthians 1:20]], God himself is the agent who has **made foolish** `{{G3471}}` the wisdom of the world.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the contexts in which `{{G3471}}` appears:
* `{{G217}}` **hálas** (salt): This is the substance that is at risk of becoming insipid. It refers to literal salt but is also used figuratively for prudence, as in the instruction for speech to be "seasoned with **salt**" [[Colossians 4:6]].
* `{{G4680}}` **sophós** (wise): This term represents the state directly opposed to becoming a fool. It is the condition that people in [[Romans 1:22]] claimed for themselves before they **became fools** `{{G3471}}`.
* `{{G4678}}` **sophía** (wisdom): This is the concept of "worldly or spiritual" wisdom. It is the worldly **wisdom** that God has **made foolish** `{{G3471}}`, contrasting it with the wisdom that comes from above [[1 Corinthians 1:20]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G3471}}` is significant, serving as a powerful warning.
* **Loss of Purpose:** The metaphor of salt that has **lost his savour** `{{G3471}}` signifies a disciple who has lost their distinctive, preserving influence. Such salt is good for nothing but to be "cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men" [[Matthew 5:13]].
* **The Folly of Pride:** The word is used to describe the outcome of human pride. By "Professing themselves to be wise," individuals who reject God's truth actively **became fools** [[Romans 1:22]], demonstrating that self-exaltation leads to spiritual degradation.
* **Divine Judgment on Worldly Wisdom:** God actively subverts human standards by making the world's wisdom foolish. By asking, "hath not God **made foolish** the wisdom of this world?" the scripture establishes that worldly intellect is worthless when pitted against divine truth [[1 Corinthians 1:20]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G3471}}` is a potent term that bridges the concepts of uselessness and foolishness. Whether describing salt that has become insipid or a mind that has become simple through pride, it underscores the importance of maintaining spiritual substance and acknowledging divine wisdom. The word illustrates how a departure from God's truth results in both a loss of purpose and a descent into folly.
TRV