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μωρολογία

mōrología

G3473 noun

SILEX Entry

Definition

Speech that is characterized by foolishness or senselessness; specifically, talk that lacks seriousness, demonstrates poor judgment, or is trivial in content. In contexts such as moral instruction (e.g., in paraenetic lists), refers to conversations or humor that are inappropriate, irreverent, or lacking in thoughtful consideration.

Semantic Range

foolish speech, senseless talk, silly or trivial conversation, buffoonery, inappropriate or irreverent humor, morally frivolous or thoughtless words

Root / Etymology

From μωρός (foolish, dull, lacking sense) and λέγω (to say, speak), thus meaning ‘foolish or senseless speech’. Formed as a compound noun.

Historical & Contextual Notes

μωρολογία is a rare term not widely attested in classical literature prior to the Koine period. Its main attestation comes in early Christian texts, notably Ephesians 5:4, where it occurs in a list of behaviors deemed inappropriate within assemblies (alongside 'scurrilous talk' and 'improper joking'). The term emphasizes not simply humorous speech, but talk that is thoughtless, frivolous, or morally inappropriate—a type of levity at odds with ethical seriousness. While standard English translations often use 'foolish talk' or 'silly talk', these may not convey the potential nuance of moral criticism implied in some contexts. There is overlap in sense with λοιδορία (abusive talk) but μωρολογία is more focused on the lack of discernment or seriousness rather than malicious intent. Its semantic development tracks with contemporary Jewish and Greco-Roman moral instruction, where self-control over one’s speech was a recurring virtue.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from a compound of μωρός and λέγω; silly talk, i.e. buffoonery:--foolish talking.

Root Family

μωρολόγ- (mōrología) — to speak foolishly, to say something senseless

Root μωρολόγ- to speak foolishly, to say something senseless

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G3473-01 μωρολογία morologia N NOM F SG foolish talking foolish speech foolish speech 1

Occurrences in Scripture

1 occurrence

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G3473-01 Ephesians 5:4 μωρολογία morologia N NOM F SG foolish talking foolish speech foolish speech
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