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μωρός

mōrós

G3474 substantive adjective

SILEX Entry

Definition

Lacking in wisdom, understanding, or sense; one who is foolish, unwise, or lacking discernment. μωρός most often describes a person whose judgment, actions, or reasoning is characterized by folly, thoughtlessness, lack of prudence, or ignorance. In various contexts it can denote being senseless or lacking in practical wisdom, sometimes with overtones of being morally blameworthy for failing to act prudently or to recognize what is appropriate.

Semantic Range

foolish, lacking sense, lacking understanding, imprudent, senseless, lacking moral discernment, willfully ignorant, acting without attention or care

Root / Etymology

Root uncertain. Sometimes connected with the base of μυστήριον (from μυῶ, 'to close' or 'to shut'), but this is not established. The exact derivation of μωρός is unresolved in modern philology.

Historical & Contextual Notes

μωρός appears in classical Greek literature with the sense of 'foolish' or 'dull-witted,' originally often describing intellectual deficiency rather than solely a lack of education. During the Hellenistic period and in the Koine of the New Testament, it regularly contrasts with σοφός ('wise'), especially in ethical or moral contexts. In the Septuagint, μωρός translates various Hebrew terms for folly, sometimes with a moral component (i.e., 'godless' or rebellious), sometimes simply lacking prudence. In the New Testament, μωρός can be used both for a lack of practical or moral wisdom and, pejoratively, as a form of reproach for flawed judgment. While the English term 'fool' is often used in translations, this may not capture all nuances—English 'fool' today can imply only a lack of intelligence, whereas μωρός often implies culpable foolishness or poor moral discernment. The term does not mean 'crazy' or 'mad' in the sense of insanity. μωρός is the opposite of φρόνιμος ('prudent, sensible'); see especially Matt 7:26; 25:2-8. Modern readers should note that the term's pejorative force could range from mild criticism to strong condemnation depending on its context.

Translation Consistency

primary "foolish" 11 occurrences

μωρός most often describes lack of wisdom or sense; the attested English renderings overwhelmingly use “foolish” (11 of 13). “Foolish” is natural English, fits the typical adjectival/substantive use (e.g. “the foolish”/“a foolish person”), and cleanly captures the SILEX range (lacking wisdom, senseless, imprudent).

Alternatives (2 occurrences):
"fool" (1x) "senseless things" (1x)

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

probably from the base of μυστήριον; dull or stupid (as if shut up), i.e. heedless, (morally) blockhead, (apparently) absurd:--fool(-ish, X -ishness).

Root Family

μωρ- (mōraínō) — to be foolish, to lack sense, to be dull-witted

Root μωρ- to be foolish, to lack sense, to be dull-witted
Strong's Lemma SIBI-P1
G3471 μωραίνω made foolish
G3472 μωρία foolishness

Word Forms

8 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G3474-02 μωραὶ morai ADJ.P NOM F PL foolish foolish ones foolish ones 3
G3474-06 μωροὶ moroi ADJ.S VOC M PL fools foolish ones foolish ones 3
G3474-03 μωρὰς moras ADJ.A ACC F PL foolish things foolish (feminine plural accusative) foolish (feminine plural accusative) 2
G3474-01 μωρὰ mora ADJ.S ACC N PL foolish things senseless things senseless things 1
G3474-04 μωρέ more ADJ.S VOC M SG You fool O foolish one fool 1
G3474-05 μωρῷ moro ADJ.A DAT M SG foolish to a foolish one foolish 1
G3474-07 μωρὸν moron ADJ.S NOM N SG foolishness foolish thing foolish thing 1
G3474-08 μωρὸς moros ADJ.P NOM M SG a fool foolish one foolish one 1

Occurrences in Scripture

13 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G3474-04 Matthew 5:22 μωρέ more ADJ.S VOC M SG You fool O foolish one fool
G3474-05 Matthew 7:26 μωρῷ moro ADJ.A DAT M SG foolish to a foolish one foolish
G3474-06 Matthew 23:17 μωροὶ moroi ADJ.S VOC M PL fools foolish ones foolish ones
G3474-06 Matthew 23:19 μωροὶ moroi ADJ.S VOC M PL fools foolish ones foolish ones
G3474-02 Matthew 25:2 μωραὶ morai ADJ.P NOM F PL foolish foolish ones foolish ones
G3474-02 Matthew 25:3 μωραὶ morai ADJ.S NOM F PL foolish foolish ones foolish ones
G3474-02 Matthew 25:8 μωραὶ morai ADJ.S NOM F PL foolish foolish ones foolish ones
G3474-07 1 Corinthians 1:25 μωρὸν moron ADJ.S NOM N SG foolishness foolish thing foolish thing
G3474-01 1 Corinthians 1:27 μωρὰ mora ADJ.S ACC N PL foolish things senseless things senseless things
G3474-08 1 Corinthians 3:18 μωρὸς moros ADJ.P NOM M SG a fool foolish one foolish one
G3474-06 1 Corinthians 4:10 μωροὶ moroi ADJ.P NOM M PL fools foolish ones foolish ones
G3474-03 2 Timothy 2:23 μωρὰς moras ADJ.A ACC F PL foolish foolish (feminine plural accusative) foolish (feminine plural accusative)
G3474-03 Titus 3:9 μωρὰς moras ADJ.A ACC F PL foolish things foolish (feminine plural accusative) foolish (feminine plural accusative)
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