Topical Encyclopedia
The term "idiot" is not directly found in the Bible; however, the concept of foolishness, lack of wisdom, or senseless behavior is addressed extensively throughout Scripture. In biblical times, the understanding of wisdom and folly was deeply rooted in one's relationship with God and adherence to His commandments.
Old Testament ContextIn the Old Testament, the Hebrew word often translated as "fool" is "kesil," which denotes someone who is morally deficient or lacking in judgment. Proverbs, a book dedicated to imparting wisdom, frequently contrasts the wise with the foolish.
Proverbs 1:7 states, "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline." Here, the fool is characterized by a rejection of divine instruction and a lack of reverence for God.
The Psalms also address the concept of foolishness.
Psalm 14:1 declares, "The fool says in his heart, 'There is no God.' They are corrupt; their acts are vile. There is no one who does good." This verse highlights the spiritual and moral implications of denying God's existence, equating such denial with foolishness.
New Testament ContextIn the New Testament, the Greek word "moros" is often translated as "fool" and carries a similar connotation of senselessness or lack of understanding. Jesus uses this term in the Sermon on the Mount, warning against calling others fools in a spirit of contempt (
Matthew 5:22): "But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to his brother, 'Raca,' will be subject to the Sanhedrin. But anyone who says, 'You fool!' will be subject to the fire of hell."
The Apostle Paul also addresses the concept of foolishness in his epistles. In
1 Corinthians 1:18 , he writes, "For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God." Here, Paul contrasts worldly wisdom with the divine wisdom found in the gospel, suggesting that what the world deems foolish is, in fact, the profound wisdom of God.
Theological ImplicationsFrom a theological perspective, the biblical concept of foolishness is not merely an intellectual deficiency but a spiritual and moral failing. It is often associated with a rejection of God's wisdom and a reliance on human understanding.
Proverbs 3:5-6 advises, "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight."
The Bible encourages believers to seek wisdom, which is portrayed as a gift from God.
James 1:5 promises, "If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him." This wisdom is not merely intellectual but is deeply connected to living a life that honors God and follows His commandments.
Practical ApplicationIn practical terms, the biblical admonition against foolishness calls believers to cultivate a life of wisdom through prayer, study of Scripture, and obedience to God's will. It challenges individuals to evaluate their actions and decisions in light of God's truth and to seek His guidance in all aspects of life. The pursuit of wisdom is seen as a lifelong journey that aligns one's heart and mind with the purposes of God, leading to a life that reflects His glory and grace.
Topical Bible Verses
Matthew 5:21-22You have heard that it was said of them of old time, You shall not kill; and whoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment:
Topicalbible.orgRomans 14:10-12
But why do you judge your brother? or why do you set at nothing your brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.
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Matthew 12:35-37
A good man out of the good treasure of the heart brings forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth evil things.
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John 13:34-35
A new commandment I give to you, That you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another.
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John 14:21
He that has my commandments, and keeps them, he it is that loves me: and he that loves me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.
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Luke 10:25-28
And, behold, a certain lawyer stood up, and tempted him, saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?
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Luke 18:9-14
And he spoke this parable to certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others:
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Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
n.) A man in private station, as distinguished from one holding a public office.
2. (n.) An unlearned, ignorant, or simple person, as distinguished from the educated; an ignoramus.
3. (n.) A human being destitute of the ordinary intellectual powers, whether congenital, developmental, or accidental; commonly, a person without understanding from birth; a natural fool; a natural; an innocent.
4. (n.) A fool; a simpleton; -- a term of reproach.
Greek
2399. idiotes -- a private or unskilled person... ignorant, rude, unlearned. From idios; a private person, ie (by implication) an
ignoramus (compare "
idiot") -- ignorant, rude, unlearned. see GREEK idios.
...Strong's Hebrew
5014. nabab -- to hollow out... Definition: hollow. Word Origin a prim. root Definition to hollow out NASB
Word Usage hollow (3),
idiot* (1). hollow, vain. A primitive
...376. ish -- man
... 1), fellow (3), fellows (2), friend* (1), friends* (1), high* (1), himself (1),
hunter* (1), husband (65), husband's (1), husbands (4),idiot* (1), Ishi (1...
Library
Useless Sacrifice
... something moves. You go up to it, in spite of the entreaties of your guide,
and find an agedidiot gibbering in her rags. Who is she? Oh...
The Annunciation of Jesus the Messiah, and the Birth of his...
... But if, even in this Temple-beginning, and in the communication to, and selection
of anidiot priest,' there was marked divergence from the Rabbinic ideal...
The Fatherhood of God
... A man hath a child; that child on a sudden is bereaved of its senses; it
becomes anidiot. What a grief that is to a father, for...
Moral Insanity.
... Suppose the case of a Webster. His brain becomes softened; he is Anidiot!... What!
Daniel Webster"that great man, anidiot! How have the mighty fallen!...
Election no Discouragement to Seeking Souls
... If I did, I should be anidiot or madman; or if in my senses, I should starve myself
on such a pretence, I should richly deserve the burial of a suicide....
The Spirit and the Flesh
... but that it has no rule, no law to go by; it does not know right from wrong; and
therefore it does simply what it likes, as a dumb beast or anidiot might; and...
Gracious Ability.
... Suppose he has by his own fault made himself anidiot or a lunatic; all men know
absolutely, and in their practical judgment assume, that in this state he is...
The Holy Spirit and Prayer
... The marvelous facts of Christ's life told by hearts unanointed by the Holy Spirit
will be dry and sterile, or "like a story told by anidiot, full of sound and...
The Progress of the Gospel
... great first Cause of all, is proof that sin has darkened and depraved the noblest
powers of the soul, and degraded man into the state of an inattentiveidiot....
Converting Sinners a Christian Duty.
... moral responsibilities. Anidiot, lacking this element of constitutional
character, is not a moral agent and can not be a sinner. He...
Thesaurus
Idiot (1 Occurrence)... Multi-Version Concordance
Idiot (1 Occurrence). Job 11:12 An empty-headed man becomes
wise when a man is born as a wild donkey's colt. (See NAS).
...Drivel (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (vi) To slaver; to let spittle drop or flow from the
mouth, like a child,idiot, or dotard.... 5. (n.) A driveller; a fool; anidiot....
Idle (33 Occurrences)
Natural (49 Occurrences)
... 15. (n.) A native; an aboriginal. 16. (n.) Natural gifts, impulses, etc. 17. (n.)
One born without the usual powers of reason or understanding; anidiot. 18....
Innocent (97 Occurrences)
... 7. (n.) An innocent person; one free from, or unacquainted with, guilt or sin. 8.
(n.) An unsophisticated person; hence, a child; a simpleton; anidiot. Int....
Identified (2 Occurrences)
Fool (95 Occurrences)
... called gooseberry fool. 2. (n.) One destitute of reason, or of the common
powers of understanding; anidiot; a natural. 3. (n.) A...
Soft (36 Occurrences)
... etc. 17. (n.) A soft or foolish person; anidiot. 18. (adv.) Softly; without
roughness or harshness; gently; quietly. 19. (interj...
Resources
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