### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **mōría**, represented by `{{G3472}}`, defines **foolishness** in the sense of silliness or absurdity. It appears **5 times** across **5 unique verses** in the Bible. Derived from μωρός, this term is used to contrast divine wisdom with worldly perception.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical usage, `{{G3472}}` is exclusively found in 1 Corinthians to describe the world's reaction to the gospel. The core message of Christianity, "the preaching of the cross," is identified as **foolishness** to those who are perishing [[1 Corinthians 1:18]]. This perception is further specified when the message of a crucified Christ is called **foolishness** to the Greeks [[1 Corinthians 1:23]]. The concept demonstrates a divine paradox: the "wisdom of this world is **foolishness** with God" [[1 Corinthians 3:19]]. Consequently, God chose to save believers through what the world considers the **foolishness** of preaching [[1 Corinthians 1:21]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words highlight the contrast between spiritual truth and worldly understanding:
* `{{G4678}}` **sophía** (wisdom): This term is consistently placed in opposition to `mōría`. The Bible explains that the world, through its own **wisdom**, did not know God [[1 Corinthians 1:21]], and that this worldly **wisdom** is foolishness to Him [[1 Corinthians 3:19]].
* `{{G4680}}` **sophós** (wise): As the adjectival form of `sophía`, this describes those who operate by worldly standards. God's plan is shown to confound the **wise** [[1 Corinthians 1:27]], and it is written that He takes the **wise** in their own craftiness [[1 Corinthians 3:19]].
* `{{G4625}}` **skándalon** (stumblingblock): This is used as a parallel response to the gospel. While the message of Christ is **foolishness** to the Greeks, it is a **stumblingblock** to the Jews [[1 Corinthians 1:23]].
* `{{G5591}}` **psychikós** (natural): This describes the state of a person who perceives divine truths as foolishness. The **natural** man cannot receive the things of the Spirit of God because they are **foolishness** to him [[1 Corinthians 2:14]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G3472}}` is centered on the inversion of worldly and divine values.
* **Divine vs. Worldly Wisdom:** The term establishes a sharp distinction between God's ways and human reason. What appears to be **foolishness** from a human perspective is the very mechanism of God's redemptive plan [[1 Corinthians 1:21]].
* **The Message of the Cross:** The concept is inextricably linked to the crucifixion. The cross, a symbol of shame and weakness to the world, is presented as **foolishness** to the perishing but is the power of God for the saved [[1 Corinthians 1:18]].
* **Spiritual Discernment:** The ability to see past the apparent **foolishness** of the gospel is not a matter of intellect but of spiritual state. For the "natural man," spiritual realities are incomprehensible **foolishness** because they require spiritual discernment [[1 Corinthians 2:14]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G3472}}` is a critical theological term that signifies more than simple absurdity. It defines the fundamental conflict between the wisdom of God and the wisdom of the world. By labeling the gospel as **foolishness** from a human standpoint, scripture emphasizes that God's power and salvation operate on a level that defies and subverts worldly expectations and reason.
TRV