ἄσοφος (asophos)
asophos
unwise
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The Greek adjective asophos describes a state of being unwise or foolish. It is formed by combining a negative prefix with the root for wisdom, literally meaning "without wisdom." In the New Testament, this word appears only once, in Ephesians 5:15, where Paul urges believers to be careful in how they live.
Its placement in that specific verse highlights its practical nature. The command to walk not as asophoi but as wise people connects intellectual understanding with daily conduct. It suggests that foolishness is not merely a lack of knowledge, but a failure to apply insight to one’s actions and choices.
Translators typically render this term as "foolish" or "unwise." The singular occurrence in Scripture emphasizes the contrast Paul draws between two distinct ways of living. One path relies on discernment, while the other proceeds without it.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word ἄσοφος (asophos) simply means unwise or foolish. It is built from a negative prefix and the root for wisdom, literally describing someone who lacks insight. In Ephesians 5:15, Paul uses this term to urge believers to watch how they walk. He contrasts living without wisdom against living with it.
This word reminds us that wisdom is not just about knowing facts. It is about how we apply what we know in daily life. To be unwise is to move through the world without discernment, making choices that do not reflect God’s truth. Paul invites us to choose a path of careful attention instead.
When you face decisions, remember that wisdom involves both understanding and action. You are called to live with intention, letting your faith guide your steps. This simple contrast between the unwise and the wise offers a clear standard for your journey.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- unwise1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἄσοφοι1×
Key Verses
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Ephesians 5:15
Therefore watch carefully how you walk, not as unwise, but as wise,
This is the only occurrence of the word, where Paul contrasts walking as unwise versus walking as wise to emphasize intentional living.