### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **aphrosýnē**, represented by `{{G877}}`, describes a form of **foolishness**. It appears **4 times** in **4 unique verses**. Its definition points to senselessness, moral recklessness, and egotism.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In Scripture, `{{G877}}` is used to characterize both moral corruption and a specific style of human boasting. It is listed as one of the evils that proceeds from the human heart, alongside sins like thefts, covetousness, and pride [[Mark 7:22]]. In contrast, the Apostle Paul uses the term three times in 2 Corinthians to describe his own boasting, which he adopts as a reluctant necessity. He asks the church to bear with his **folly** [[2 Corinthians 11:1]] and clarifies that he speaks **foolishly**, not "after the Lord," but in a particular "confidence of boasting" ([[2 Corinthians 11:17]], [[2 Corinthians 11:21]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the meaning of `{{G877}}`:
* `{{G5243}}` **hyperēphanía** (pride): Defined as "haughtiness," this term is listed directly alongside **foolishness** in Mark's gospel, indicating a strong connection between the two as evils that originate from within a person [[Mark 7:22]].
* `{{G4189}}` **ponēría** (wickedness): This term for "depravity" or "malice" is also found in the list of sins in [[Mark 7:22]]. Its inclusion with `{{G877}}` frames foolishness not as mere ignorance but as a component of moral evil.
* `{{G5111}}` **tolmáō** (to be bold): Paul connects his "foolish" speaking to being **bold**. While acknowledging his speech as **foolishly**, he declares his intent to be **bold** just as his opponents are [[2 Corinthians 11:21]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G877}}` is centered on its portrayal of human-centered thinking.
* **A Sign of Inner Corruption:** In [[Mark 7:22]], **foolishness** is not a simple intellectual failing but a vice that emerges from the heart. It is grouped with serious moral failings such as **thefts** `{{G2829}}`, **deceit** `{{G1388}}`, **lasciviousness** `{{G766}}`, and **blasphemy** `{{G988}}`.
* **A Contrast to Godly Wisdom:** Paul's repeated use of the term in 2 Corinthians is deliberate. He specifies that he speaks **foolishly**, "not after the Lord," which distinguishes this human-style of boasting from divinely-inspired speech [[2 Corinthians 11:17]].
* **An Expression of Egotism:** The base definition of `{{G877}}` includes "egotism." This is evident in Paul's application of the word to "boasting" [[2 Corinthians 11:17]] and speaking in the context of **reproach** `{{G819}}`, where human weakness and boldness are central themes [[2 Corinthians 11:21]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G877}}` denotes a **foolishness** that is deeply rooted in moral and spiritual conditions. It is presented as a serious vice proceeding from a sinful heart, linked directly to pride and wickedness. However, it is also used in a nuanced, rhetorical sense to describe a self-aware mode of human boasting that stands in contrast to speaking "after the Lord."
TRV