from μωρός; silliness, i.e. absurdity:--foolishness.
Transliteration:mōría
Pronunciation:mo-ree'-ah
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun μωρία (mōría), transliterated as *mōría*, derives directly from the adjective μωρός (mōrós) `{{G3474}}`, meaning "foolish" or "stupid." As a noun, it denotes the state or quality of being foolish, encompassing ideas of silliness, absurdity, and intellectual or moral deficiency. Unlike a mere lack of intelligence, *mōría* in its biblical context often carries a connotation of profound spiritual or moral obtuseness, an inability or unwillingness to grasp divine truth, rendering one's perspective absurd in the eyes of God. It points to a fundamental misalignment with divine wisdom, portraying human reasoning as utterly inadequate or even counterproductive when it stands in opposition to God's revealed plan.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term *mōría* appears predominantly in Paul's first letter to the Corinthians, where it serves as a pivotal concept in his exposition of the paradox of the cross and the nature of divine wisdom.
In [[1 Corinthians 1:18]], Paul declares, "For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness [μωρία]; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God." Here, *mōría* describes the world's perception of the gospel message, particularly the crucifixion, which human reason deems illogical and contemptible.
Similarly, [[1 Corinthians 1:21]] states, "For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness [μωρία] of preaching to save them that believe." The "foolishness of preaching" is not that the act of preaching itself is inherently absurd, but that its content—the crucified Christ—is perceived as such by the world. It is God's chosen means, which appears foolish to human eyes, through which He accomplishes salvation.
Paul reiterates this contrast in [[1 Corinthians 1:23]], noting that Christ crucified is "unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness [μωρία]." For the sophisticated Greek mind, the idea of a crucified Messiah was utterly nonsensical.
The concept extends to spiritual discernment in [[1 Corinthians 2:14]], where Paul explains, "But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness [μωρία] unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned." Here, *mōría* describes the inherent inability of the unregenerate mind to comprehend spiritual truths, which appear as nonsense or absurdity without the illumination of the Holy Spirit.
Finally, [[1 Corinthians 3:19]] explicitly states, "For the wisdom of this world is foolishness [μωρία] with God." This verse encapsulates Paul's central argument: what humanity esteems as profound wisdom is utterly devoid of value and indeed absurd in God's perfect sight.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most significant antonym and conceptual counterpart to *mōría* is σοφία (sophía) `{{G4678}}`, meaning "wisdom." Paul's argument in 1 Corinthians is fundamentally a contrast between human wisdom (*sophía* of the world) and divine wisdom (*sophía* of God), with *mōría* representing the former from God's perspective.
Beyond its root μωρός (mōrós) `{{G3474}}`, *mōría* shares semantic space with other Greek terms for foolishness, such as ἀφροσύνη (aphrosynē) `{{G877}}`, which denotes senselessness or thoughtlessness. While related, *mōría* in Paul's usage often carries a sharper theological edge, specifically highlighting the absurdity of human attempts to understand or achieve salvation apart from God's paradoxical revelation in Christ. The concepts of the cross, salvation, spiritual discernment, and the kingdom of God are all intricately linked to the understanding of *mōría*.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of *mōría* is profound and central to Pauline theology, particularly in his understanding of salvation and epistemology. It serves as a radical reorientation of human values, asserting God's absolute sovereignty and wisdom over all human pretensions.
1. **Paradox of the Cross:** *Mōría* underscores the scandalous nature of the cross to the fallen human mind. What appears weak, shameful, and foolish to the world is, in reality, the very power and wisdom of God for salvation. This challenges human pride and self-sufficiency, demanding a humble acceptance of a divine plan that defies worldly logic.
2. **Divine vs. Human Wisdom:** The term highlights an irreducible chasm between God's wisdom and human wisdom. God's ways are often counter-intuitive and appear "foolish" from a worldly perspective, yet they are ultimately superior and effective. Conversely, what humanity esteems as wisdom is revealed as *mōría* in God's eyes, incapable of leading to true knowledge of Him.
3. **Spiritual Discernment:** *Mōría* reveals the spiritual blindness of the "natural man." Without the Holy Spirit, divine truths appear as nonsense, demonstrating that spiritual realities cannot be grasped through human intellect alone but require divine revelation and spiritual transformation.
4. **Humility and Faith:** The concept of *mōría* calls believers to embrace a posture of humility and faith, relying on God's revelation rather than their own reason or worldly philosophies. It necessitates a "foolishness for Christ's sake" ([[1 Corinthians 4:10]]), a willingness to be seen as foolish by the world for the sake of the gospel.
### Summary
The Greek term μωρία (mōría) signifies a profound spiritual foolishness or absurdity. In the New Testament, particularly in Paul's first letter to the Corinthians, it is strategically employed to articulate the radical disjunction between human wisdom and divine wisdom. What the world perceives as *mōría*—specifically the message of the crucified Christ—is revealed as the very power and wisdom of God for salvation. Conversely, what humanity esteems as profound wisdom is exposed as *mōría* in the sight of God. This term underscores the necessity of divine revelation for spiritual understanding, challenging human pride and calling believers to embrace the "foolishness" of God's saving plan as the ultimate source of true wisdom.
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