Lexical Summary asophos: Unwise, foolish Original Word: ἄσοφος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance fool. From a (as a negative particle) and sophos; unwise -- fool. see GREEK a see GREEK sophos HELPS Word-studies 781 ásophos (an adjective, derived from 1 /A "not" and 4680 /sophós, "wise") – properly, not wise; foolish because rejecting God's leading (His will). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom alpha (as a neg. prefix) and sophos Definition unwise NASB Translation unwise men (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 781: ἄσοφοςἄσοφος, ἀσοφον (σοφός), unwise, foolish: Ephesians 5:15. (From Theognis down.) Topical Lexicon Definition and Conceptual Scope The word translated “unwise” denotes a lack of spiritual discernment, practical understanding, and godly skill for living. It is not a mere absence of information; rather, it describes a moral and volitional deficit that ignores the fear of the Lord, the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 1:7). Occurrence and Context in the New Testament The term appears once, in Ephesians 5:15. Addressing believers who have been “created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness” (Ephesians 4:24), Paul contrasts two manners of life: “Pay careful attention, then, to how you walk, not as unwise but as wise”. Here “unwise” frames a lifestyle out of step with the redemptive calling of the church, while “wise” captures conduct shaped by the gospel and filled with the Spirit (Ephesians 5:18). Theological Framework: Biblical Wisdom vs. Folly 1. Wisdom in Scripture is relational, rooted in knowing and submitting to God (Job 28:28; James 1:5). Historical Background: Greco-Roman and Jewish Wisdom Traditions In the Greco-Roman world, sophia (wisdom) was prized for rhetorical skill and philosophical insight. Paul engages that culture yet redefines wisdom according to the cross: “We preach Christ crucified… the power of God and the wisdom of God” (1 Corinthians 1:23–24). His exhortation in Ephesians calls Gentile converts to abandon pagan patterns that Scripture labels “unwise” and to embrace a life illuminated by divine revelation. Practical Implications for Christian Life and Ministry • Vigilance: The verb “pay careful attention” demands continual evaluation of one’s walk. Relationship to Other Biblical Terms for Folly Though distinct, this term belongs to a family of expressions (moros, aphron, anoetos) that depict foolishness. Each underscores the peril of ignoring God’s revealed will, yet here the emphasis is on a lack of practical, day-to-day judgment rather than intellectual incapacity. Christ as the Embodiment of True Wisdom Jesus Christ personifies wisdom greater than Solomon’s (Matthew 12:42). By union with Him, believers are enabled to exchange unwise patterns for Spirit-saturated insight (1 Corinthians 1:30). Thus the text ultimately drives readers to remain in Christ, “making every effort to add to your faith… knowledge, self-control… and love” (2 Peter 1:5–7). Contemporary Application Modern disciples confront digital distractions, moral relativism, and ideological pressures. Ephesians 5:15 directs the church to cultivate Scripture-saturated minds, Spirit-led habits, and mission-minded stewardship of every opportunity. In so doing, Christians shine as “children of light” amid a culture adrift in unwise paths (Philippians 2:15). Forms and Transliterations ασοφοι άσοφοι ἄσοφοι asophoi ásophoiLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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