μωρία

From the study of 1 Corinthians 1:18

Range of meaning

Folly, stupidity, absurdity; from μωρός, 'dull, stupid' (the source of English 'moron'). It means something senseless that no reasonable person would accept, not a pleasant naivety. In the NT it appears only in 1 Corinthians (1:18, 21, 23; 2:14; 3:19), where Paul uses it to build a running contrast with σοφία, 'wisdom'.

Against the English

'Foolishness' (all major versions) is accurate. Today, though, it can sound soft or old-fashioned, like 'silliness'. The Greek is closer to 'idiocy' or 'absurd nonsense'. NLT's 'foolish' keeps the meaning but loses the noun's bluntness.

How it drifted

Modern 'foolishness' is often used lightly. The Greek word carried contempt.

Used elsewhere in the period

Classical Greek uses μωρία for stupidity and senseless behavior (e.g., Xenophon, Herodotus). LXX Sirach uses it for folly a person ought to hide (Sir 20:31; 41:15). Outsiders later voiced exactly this verdict on Christian belief: Justin Martyr reports that pagans called it 'madness' (mania) to rank a crucified man next to God (1 Apology 13). Pliny calls Christianity a 'depraved, excessive superstition' (Letters 10.96).

From the study of 1 Corinthians 1:21

Range of meaning

Foolishness, folly, stupidity, absurdity. The related adjective mōros ('dull, stupid') is where English 'moron' comes from. In the NT it appears only in 1 Corinthians (1:18, 21, 23; 2:14; 3:19).

Against the English

English 'foolishness' can sound mild, like silliness. The Greek is harsher: something contemptible and absurd, unworthy of a serious person.

Used elsewhere in the period

Roman writers treated crucifixion as unmentionable. Cicero says the very word 'cross' should be kept far from a Roman citizen's thoughts, eyes and ears (Pro Rabirio 16). Justin Martyr, in the 2nd century, reports critics saying Christians' 'madness' was to put a crucified man second only to God (1 Apology 13). Paul uses the Greek Old Testament's language of folly ironically, turning it against the 'wise'.

From the study of 1 Corinthians 1:23

Range of meaning

Folly, stupidity, idiocy. Related to mōros, "dull, stupid" (source of English "moron"). It names a lack of sense that deserves ridicule.

Against the English

"Foolishness" is accurate, though some modern ears hear it as harmless silliness. ESV's "folly" and NLT's "nonsense" lean in different directions. The Greek carries educated contempt: this is absurd, laughable, the mark of an ignorant mind.

Used elsewhere in the period

Pagan reactions confirm the tone. Pliny calls Christianity "a depraved, excessive superstition" (Letters 10.96). Lucian mocks Christians for worshipping "that crucified sophist" (Peregrinus 13). Justin says outsiders call it "madness" (mania) to rank a crucified man second after God (1 Apology 13.4). A graffito on the Palatine Hill in Rome (perhaps c. AD 200) shows a man saluting a crucified figure with a donkey's head: "Alexamenos worships his god."