Introduction: Those Who Were Foolish
In Matthew 25:3, part of Jesus’ parable of the Ten Virgins, the foolish group is introduced with the phrase:
Αἵτινες μωραὶ, λαβοῦσαι τὰς λαμπάδας αὐτῶν, οὐκ ἔλαβον μεθ’ ἑαυτῶν ἔλαιον.
“Those who were foolish, having taken their lamps, did not take oil with them.”
The use of αἵτινες instead of the regular relative αἵ gives the clause a classifying tone, functioning like “such as were foolish.” Grammatically, it creates a restrictive and descriptive clause that labels this subgroup of virgins and signals their defining characteristic: lack of preparation.
Αἵτινες μωραὶ, λαβοῦσαι τὰς λαμπάδας αὐτῶν, οὐκ ἔλαβον μεθ’ ἑαυτῶν ἔλαιον.
Let’s explore the relative pronoun construction in:
Αἵτινες μωραὶ… — “Who were foolish…”
This opening phrase of Matthew 25:3 introduces part of the Parable of the Ten Virgins, and the focus here is on the indefinite relative pronoun αἵτινες paired with the predicate adjective μωραὶ. This structure is not just syntactically elegant—it carries semantic weight by subtly classifying the virgins being discussed and highlighting their moral or practical deficiency.
Morphological Breakdown of Αἵτινες μωραὶ
- Αἵτινες {haitines} –
Root: ὅστις {hostis};
Form: nominative feminine plural, indefinite relative pronoun;
Meaning: “those who,” “such as”;
Notes: Used instead of regular οἵ/αἵ to provide categorical or character-defining information. Adds rhetorical sharpness. - μωραὶ {mōrai} –
Root: μωρός {mōros};
Form: nominative feminine plural adjective;
Meaning: “foolish,” “senseless”;
Usage: predicate adjective describing the subject (αἵτινες);
Notes: Morally loaded word in both Greek philosophy and biblical usage—often connotes spiritual dullness.
Syntactical Analysis: Indefinite Relative with Predicate Adjective
The structure αἵτινες μωραὶ functions as:
– Subject: αἵτινες (“those who…”)
– Predicate adjective: μωραὶ (“were foolish”)
No explicit verb of being is stated, but Greek allows for an elliptical construction where εἰσίν (“are”) is implied:
> “Those who [are] foolish…”
This is a classic use of the indefinite relative pronoun:
– It introduces a subgroup from a previous set (in this case, from the ten virgins).
– It characterizes them not just as a random subset, but a thematically loaded one.
Semantic and Theological Implications
The grammatical use of αἵτινες rather than αἵ subtly shifts the tone:
– Instead of merely saying “who,” it says “such as were foolish,” signaling moral evaluation.
– It allows the statement to function as both description and judgment.
The adjective μωραὶ is crucial:
– In biblical usage, foolishness is not about intellect, but about lack of wisdom, readiness, or fear of God.
– These virgins had external preparation (lamps), but internal deficiency (no oil).
Literary and Narrative Significance
This phrase introduces the central binary of the parable: wise vs. foolish.
– The parable does not begin by labeling them, but reveals their nature through this construction.
– αἵτινες μωραὶ provides a grammatical hinge: their behavior reveals their nature.
It is a stylistic way of saying:
> “Let me now tell you about the ones who were foolish…”
This draws the hearer into the lesson of preparedness.
Such as Were Foolish
The phrase αἵτινες μωραὶ is more than identification—it is judgment wrapped in grammar.
– Not all are foolish.
– But these were.
– And their foolishness was fatal.
The indefinite relative clause defines them—and the parable invites the reader to consider:
> Which group do you belong to?
