μωραίνω
mōrainō
be foolish
Lexicon Entry
Lexicon data from STEPBible TIPNR, Tyndale House, Cambridge. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
What Original Readers Understood
ExploredThe Greek word μωραίνω (mōrainō) is defined as "be foolish." This verb is part of the semantic domain of Cognition & Perception, indicating its connection to the realm of thought and understanding. With four occurrences in the Bible, μωραίνω is a relatively rare but significant term. In its usage, μωραίνω suggests a lack of wisdom, prudence, or discernment. It implies a state of being uninformed, lacking in insight, or incapable of making sound judgments. This word is not about intentional foolishness, but rather a natural or habitual state of being unwise. The biblical authors use μωραίνω to describe individuals who are prone to making poor decisions or acting impulsively, often with negative consequences. The significance of μωραίνω lies in its portrayal of the human condition. It highlights the importance of wisdom, discernment, and thoughtful decision-making in everyday life. By using this word, the biblical authors emphasize the need for individuals to cultivate wisdom, seek guidance, and avoid acting impulsively.
Source data & methodology
Occurrences in Scripture
4 total occurrences across the text
“You are the salt of the earth, but if the salt has lost its flavor, with what will it be salted? It is then good for nothing, but to be cast out and trodden under the feet of men.
Luke 14:34Salt is good, but if the salt becomes flat and tasteless, with what do you season it?
Romans 1:22Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,
1 Corinthians 1:20Where is the wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the lawyer of this world? Hasn’t God made foolish the wisdom of this world?