μωρός (mōros)

The Greek adjective mōros describes a state of dullness or stupidity, often translated as "foolish." In the New Testament, it carries significant moral weight rather than merely indicating low intelligence. Jesus uses it to describe those who hear His words but do not put them into practice, comparing them to a person building a house on sand (Matthew 7:26). This usage suggests that foolishness is a failure of will and application, not just a lack of knowledge.

The term appears frequently in Paul’s letters to address spiritual pride. In 1 Corinthians, he contrasts human wisdom with divine power, stating that what the world considers foolish is actually wiser than human wisdom (1 Corinthians 1:25). Here, mōros describes God’s chosen methods, which seem absurd to those relying on their own understanding. The word also appears in pastoral epistles like Titus, where believers are reminded that they were once foolish themselves before experiencing grace (Titus 3:3).

Its root likely connects to ideas of sluggishness or numbness, implying a mind that is slow to perceive truth. This etymology supports its use for those who are spiritually insensitive or morally blind. Translators often render it as "foolish," though this English word can sometimes sound too mild for the Greek term’s sharp critique of spiritual blindness.