Lexical Summary mória: Foolishness, folly Original Word: μωρία Strong's Exhaustive Concordance foolishness. From moros; silliness, i.e. Absurdity -- foolishness. see GREEK moros HELPS Word-studies Cognate: 3472 mōría (from 3474 /mōrós) – folly; literally, dull (lacking sharpness). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom móros Definition foolishness NASB Translation foolishness (5). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3472: μωρίαμωρία, μωρίας, ἡ (μωρός), first in Herodotus 1, 146 (Sophocles, others). foolishness: 1 Corinthians 1:18, 21, 23; 1 Corinthians 2:14; 1 Corinthians 3:19 (Sir. 20:31). Topical Lexicon Semantic Scope and Word Group μωρία denotes perceived “folly,” a verdict rendered by human evaluation when divine revelation conflicts with natural reason. It is inseparably linked to the cognate adjective μωρός (“foolish,” Strong’s 3474) and stands opposite σοφία (“wisdom”). Within Pauline rhetoric it embodies the chasm between two epistemologies: one grounded in self-autonomous rationality, the other in the self-disclosure of God. Occurrences in the New Testament • 1 Corinthians 1:18 – The proclamation of the cross is branded “foolishness” by those perishing, yet recognized as God’s power by the redeemed. Paul’s Theology of Folly and Wisdom Paul erects a dramatic antithesis. Human wisdom, though rhetorically polished and philosophically admired, is powerless to reconcile sinners. Divine folly—the crucified Messiah—effectively saves. Thus μωρία functions as a theological fulcrum, shifting boasting away from human competence to the grace of God (1 Corinthians 1:29-31). The repetition of the term in one concentrated passage underscores its strategic role in demolishing Corinthian pride in oratory and Greek philosophy. Roots in Old Testament Wisdom Literature While μωρία itself is LXX-rare, its conceptual seedbed lies in Hebrew categories such as אֱוִיל (evîl, fool) and נָבָל (nabal, senseless). Proverbs contrasts the fool’s refusal of discipline with the reverent pursuit of wisdom (Proverbs 1:7). Paul perpetuates this wisdom/foolishness dialectic, but re-centers the axis on Christ crucified, fulfilling Isaiah 29:14 (“I will destroy the wisdom of the wise”). Historical and Cultural Background In the first-century Mediterranean world, crucifixion signified shame reserved for rebels and slaves. For a Jewish messiah to suffer such a death was scandalous; for Greeks steeped in Platonism and Stoicism it was irrational. Paul’s use of μωρία leverages these cultural expectations, presenting the gospel as a counter-cultural paradigm that subverts both Jewish sign-seeking and Greek philosophic speculation (1 Corinthians 1:22-24). Christological Emphasis The “folly” language spotlights the paradox of divine strategy: victory through apparent defeat, glory through humiliation. The cross, judged foolish by observers, is the revelatory centerpiece of God’s salvific wisdom. Christ Himself embodies both categories—He is “the power of God and the wisdom of God” (1 Corinthians 1:24)—nullifying the charge of folly by accomplishing redemption. Ecclesiological and Missional Significance For the Church, μωρία mandates a posture of cruciform proclamation. Methods that rely on cultural prestige risk emptying the cross of its power (1 Corinthians 1:17). Authentic ministry humbly embraces the stigma of folly, trusting the Spirit to awaken faith. This stance preserves unity (1 Corinthians 1:10-13) and prevents boasting in leaders or eloquence. Pastoral and Homiletical Application 1. Preachers guard against diluting unpopular doctrines to court worldly respect. Apologetic Relevance Today Modern secularism, like ancient Corinth, prizes empirical and therapeutic narratives. μωρία reminds apologists that rational argument alone cannot convert; the Spirit must illumine. Nevertheless, articulating the intellectual coherence of the cross has value, provided it remains subordinate to the transformative encounter with Christ. Conclusion μωρία crystallizes the great reversal inherent in the gospel: God’s wisdom concealed within an apparently foolish message. Recognizing this paradox safeguards the Church from worldly conformity, exalts Christ crucified, and anchors confidence in the Spirit’s power rather than human prowess. Forms and Transliterations μωρια μωρία μωριαν μωρίαν μωριας μωρίας moria moría mōria mōría morian morían mōrian mōrían morias morías mōrias mōríasLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 1 Corinthians 1:18 N-NFSGRK: μὲν ἀπολλυμένοις μωρία ἐστίν τοῖς NAS: of the cross is foolishness to those KJV: that perish foolishness; but INT: indeed perishing foolishness is those 1 Corinthians 1:21 N-GFS 1 Corinthians 1:23 N-AFS 1 Corinthians 2:14 N-NFS 1 Corinthians 3:19 N-NFS Strong's Greek 3472 |
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