### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **asýnetos**, represented by `{{G801}}`, is derived from Α (as a negative particle) and συνετός. It means **unintelligent** and, by implication, **wicked**, often translated as **foolish** or **without understanding**. This term appears **5 times** in **5 unique verses** of the Bible, highlighting a specific type of spiritual and moral dullness.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical text, `{{G801}}` is used to describe a state of willful ignorance. In Romans, it characterizes those who, after knowing God, refused to glorify Him and became vain in their **imaginations** `{{G1261}}`, resulting in their **foolish** `{{G801}}` heart being **darkened** `{{G4654}}` [[Romans 1:21]]. The term is also part of a list of sinful attributes, appearing alongside **covenantbreakers** `{{G802}}`, those **without natural affection** `{{G794}}`, the **implacable** `{{G786}}`, and the **unmerciful** `{{G415}}` [[Romans 1:31]]. Jesus uses the term to rebuke his disciples, asking, "Are ye also yet **without understanding**?" [[Matthew 15:16]] and "Are ye so **without understanding** also?" [[Mark 7:18]], pointing to their failure to grasp spiritual truth. It is also used to describe a **foolish** nation God would use to provoke Israel [[Romans 10:19]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the meaning of `{{G801}}` by context:
* `{{G1261}}` **dialogismós** (imagination, reasoning, thought): Defined as "discussion" or "internal consideration," this term is linked to `{{G801}}` in [[Romans 1:21]], where vain **imaginations** precede the development of a **foolish** heart.
* `{{G4654}}` **skotízō** (darken): Meaning "to obscure," this word describes the direct consequence of a **foolish** `{{G801}}` heart, which "was **darkened**" [[Romans 1:21]].
* `{{G802}}` **asýnthetos** (covenant-breaker): This word, meaning "treacherous to compacts," appears immediately after **without understanding** `{{G801}}` in the list of vices in [[Romans 1:31]], showing their close association.
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G801}}` is significant, connecting a lack of understanding directly to moral and spiritual failure.
* **Consequence of Rejecting God:** The state of being **without understanding** is not presented as an intellectual failing, but as a direct result of rejecting God. When people refused to honor God, their hearts became **foolish** [[Romans 1:21]].
* **Spiritual Dullness:** Jesus uses the term to challenge his disciples' inability to perceive spiritual truths, indicating that being **without understanding** is a form of spiritual blindness ([[Matthew 15:16]], [[Mark 7:18]]).
* **Component of Wickedness:** By its inclusion in a list of grave sins in [[Romans 1:31]], `{{G801}}` is framed as an attribute of a wicked character, on par with being **unmerciful** `{{G415}}` and **implacable** `{{G786}}`.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G801}}` is not merely about a lack of intelligence but describes a culpable state of being **foolish** and **without understanding**. It is a condition that arises from turning away from God, leading to a darkened heart and wicked behavior. Whether used to describe the moral decay of a culture or the spiritual slowness of disciples, the word consistently links a failure to understand with a failure to honor God.
TRV