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G454 · Greek · New Testament
ἄνοια
Anoia
Noun, feminine
Folly; madness; lack of understanding

Definition

Anoia appears twice in the New Testament. In 2 Timothy 3:9, Paul says that those who oppose the truth will not advance because "their folly (anoia) will be plain to all, as was that of those two men." In Luke 6:11, the Pharisees were "filled with anoia" after Jesus healed the man with the withered hand on the Sabbath — their rage was itself the sign of their spiritual blindness. The word thus connects intellectual folly with moral fury: those who reject God's wisdom often become enraged at those who walk in it.

Usage & Theological Significance

Anoia (from a-privative + nous, mind) literally means "mindlessness" — the absence of rational thought or spiritual understanding. It encompasses both foolish thinking and the rage that accompanies it, describing behavior that has departed from wisdom.

Key Bible Verses

2 Timothy 3:9 But they will not get very far, for their folly will be plain to all, as was that of those two men.
Luke 6:11 But they were filled with fury and discussed with one another what they might do to Jesus.
Psalm 14:1 The fool says in his heart, "There is no God." They are corrupt, they do abominable deeds; there is none who does good.
Proverbs 9:13 The woman Folly is loud; she is seductive and knows nothing.
Romans 1:22 Claiming to be wise, they became fools.

Related Words

External Resources

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