from διά and ἀπορέω; to be thoroughly nonplussed:--(be in) doubt, be (much) perplexed.
Transliteration:diaporéō
Pronunciation:dee-ap-or-eh'-o
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term διαπορέω (diaporéō, `{{G1280}}`) is a compound word derived from the preposition διά (dia), meaning "through" or indicating thoroughness/completeness, and the verb ἀπορέω (aporéō, `{{G639}}`), which means "to be at a loss," "to be without resources," or "to be perplexed." The prefix διά intensifies the base meaning, conveying a state of being "thoroughly perplexed," "utterly at a loss," "greatly distressed by uncertainty," or "completely nonplussed." It denotes a profound mental state of bewilderment, where one is at a complete impasse, unable to find a way forward, an answer, or a solution. This is not mere confusion, but a deep, overwhelming sense of being stumped or utterly without recourse in thought.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
διαπορέω appears five times in the New Testament, primarily in the Gospel of Luke and the book of Acts, consistently highlighting moments of profound bewilderment:
* **[[Luke 9:7]]**: "Now Herod the tetrarch heard of all that was happening, and he was greatly perplexed, because it was said by some that John had risen from the dead." Herod's perplexity (διηπορεῖτο) stems from the conflicting reports about Jesus' identity, particularly the possibility that John the Baptist had been resurrected. This highlights his spiritual blindness and inability to comprehend the divine activity before him.
* **[[Luke 24:4]]**: "While they were perplexed about this, behold, two men stood by them in dazzling apparel." The women who came to the tomb were utterly perplexed (διηποροῦντο) by the empty tomb and the absence of Jesus' body. Their bewilderment serves as a prelude to the angelic announcement of the resurrection, demonstrating human limitation in the face of divine mystery.
* **[[Acts 2:12]]**: "And all were amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, 'What does this mean?'" Following the miraculous outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost and the apostles speaking in various tongues, the crowd was greatly perplexed (διηποροῦντο). This profound confusion sets the stage for Peter's Spirit-empowered sermon, which provides the divine explanation.
* **[[Acts 5:24]]**: "Now when the captain of the temple and the chief priests heard these words, they were greatly perplexed about them, wondering what this would come to." The temple authorities were utterly bewildered (διηπόρουν) by the apostles' miraculous escape from prison. Their perplexity underscores their inability to thwart God's redemptive plan and highlights the supernatural nature of the events.
* **[[Acts 10:17]]**: "Now while Peter was greatly perplexed in himself as to what the vision which he had seen might mean, behold, the men who had been sent from Cornelius, having asked directions for Simon’s house, appeared at the gate." Peter's internal perplexity (διηπορεῖτο) regarding the vision of the sheet with unclean animals prepares him for a radical paradigm shift concerning the inclusion of Gentiles into God's family, demonstrating how God uses moments of human confusion to lead to deeper understanding and obedience.
In each instance, διαπορέω describes a state of intense mental struggle or being at a complete loss, often preceding a divine revelation, a miraculous event, or a significant turning point in the narrative.
### Related Words & Concepts
The core of διαπορέω is ἀπορέω (aporéō, `{{G639}}`), which means "to be at a loss, perplexed." The intensive διά prefix elevates this to a deeper level of bewilderment. Other related concepts include:
* ἐκπλήσσω (ekplēssō, `{{G1605}}`): To be astonished, amazed, or struck with wonder. While similar in evoking surprise, διαπορέω emphasizes the mental struggle to comprehend, whereas ἐκπλήσσω focuses more on the emotional or intellectual impact of something extraordinary.
* ταράσσω (tarassō, `{{G5015}}`): To trouble, stir up, or agitate. This word often describes emotional turmoil or disturbance, whereas διαπορέω is more focused on intellectual or cognitive bewilderment.
* ἀμφιβάλλομαι (amphiballomai, `{{G293}}`): To be in doubt or hesitate. This suggests a wavering mind, while διαπορέω implies a more complete mental deadlock.
* The concept of a "quandary," "dilemma," or "impasse" also aligns with the semantic range of διαπορέω, emphasizing a situation where one is without a clear path or answer.
### Theological Significance
The consistent use of διαπορέω in the New Testament carries significant theological weight. It often serves as a crucial narrative device, highlighting the limitations of human understanding in the face of divine power and mystery.
1. **Preparation for Revelation**: διαπορέω frequently sets the stage for God's direct intervention or revelation. When humans are utterly perplexed, it creates an openness for divine illumination, as seen with the women at the tomb and Peter regarding his vision. This state of being "at a loss" can be a necessary precursor to receiving God's truth, demonstrating that human reason alone cannot fully grasp divine realities.
2. **Highlighting Spiritual States**: The term differentiates between those who are genuinely seeking understanding (like Peter or the women) and those whose perplexity stems from resistance or spiritual blindness (like Herod and the temple authorities). For the former, perplexity leads to deeper faith; for the latter, it underscores their inability to comprehend or accept God's work.
3. **Demonstration of God's Incomprehensibility**: The events that cause διαπορέω—resurrection, Spirit outpouring, miraculous escapes, visions—are inherently beyond ordinary human experience and logic. The state of perplexity thus underscores the transcendence and incomprehensibility of God's ways to the unspiritual mind, and even to the spiritual mind before divine clarification.
4. **Affirmation of Divine Sovereignty**: The bewilderment of those who oppose God's plan (Herod, the Sanhedrin) serves to emphasize that no human power or cunning can thwart the purposes of the Almighty. Their perplexity is a testimony to God's unassailable sovereignty.
### Summary
διαπορέω (diaporéō, `{{G1280}}`) signifies a state of being "thoroughly perplexed," "utterly at a loss," or "completely nonplussed." This intense bewilderment in the New Testament narratives often functions as a critical moment where human understanding reaches its limit, thereby creating an opening for divine revelation or intervention. Whether it leads to deeper faith and understanding (as with Peter) or exposes spiritual blindness and futile opposition (as with Herod and the temple authorities), διαπορέω consistently underscores the profound nature of God's work, which often transcends human comprehension and necessitates a divine explanation or act. It is a powerful descriptor of a mind profoundly challenged by the supernatural and the divine.