← G780 G782 →

ἄσοφος

ásophos

G781 substantive adjective

SILEX Entry

Definition

Not wise, lacking in discernment or practical judgment; in some contexts, foolish or lacking prudence. The term indicates an absence of the quality denoted by σοφός (wise), such as practical skill, intelligence, or good sense. Contextually, can denote simply 'uninformed' or 'lacking in good judgment' without the intense moral judgment sometimes implied by 'fool' in English.

Semantic Range

not wise, lacking wisdom, unwise, lacking discernment, imprudent, foolish

Root / Etymology

From the privative prefix ἀ- (alpha privative, indicating negation or absence) + σοφός ('wise'). Effectively, 'not wise.'

Historical & Contextual Notes

The word ἄσοφος is rare in both classical and Koine Greek. Its usage is essentially a straightforward negation of σοφός, ‘wise,’ and as such lacks elaborate semantic development. In Hellenistic and early Christian literature, it retains a neutral or pejorative sense depending on context — from 'not possessing wisdom' to 'foolish.' The semantic field is less broad than that of μωρός (moros, 'foolish, dull-witted'), which can carry stronger connotations of stupidity or moral failing. ἄσοφος appears as a created or relatively artificial term, used in contexts requiring the clear negation of wisdom, without substantial theological freight. In translation history, it is sometimes rendered 'fool,' but 'unwise' or 'lacking wisdom' more accurately reflects its formation and actual usage than 'fool,' which may import stronger pejorative or moralizing overtones. There is little evidence of special usage in the Septuagint or unique freight in the New Testament, as the term is exceptionally rare or unattested there.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from Α (as a negative particle) and σοφός; unwise:--fool.

Root Family

ἄσοφος (asophos) — not wise, lacking discernment, lacking practical judgment

Root σοφ- to be wise, to be skilled, to have discernment

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G781-01 ἄσοφοι asophoi ADJ.S NOM M PL fools unwise ones unwise ones 1

Occurrences in Scripture

1 occurrence

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G781-01 Ephesians 5:15 ἄσοφοι asophoi ADJ.S NOM M PL fools unwise ones unwise ones
← G780 Greek Lexicon G782 →