middle voice from ἐκ and ἀπορέω; to be utterly at a loss, i.e. despond:--(in) despair.
Transliteration:exaporéomai
Pronunciation:ex-ap-or-eh'-om-ahee
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb exaporéomai (`{{G1820}}`) is a compound word derived from the preposition ek (`{{G1537}}`), meaning "out of" or "from," often intensifying the following word, and the verb aporéō (`{{G639}}`), which means "to be at a loss," "to be without a way," or "to be perplexed." The root of aporéō is a- (negative prefix) and poros (a way, passage, resource). Thus, aporéō signifies being without a path or resource.
When ek is prefixed to aporéō, it intensifies the meaning to "be utterly without a way," "to be completely at a loss," or "to be utterly perplexed." This extreme state of perplexity leads directly to a sense of hopelessness or despair. The middle voice inflection of exaporéomai emphasizes that the subject is experiencing this profound state of being at a loss, often to the point of despondency. Its semantic range extends from intense bewilderment to absolute despair, a condition where one perceives no possible path forward or solution.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term exaporéomai (`{{G1820}}`) appears exclusively in the New Testament within Paul's Second Epistle to the Corinthians, occurring twice. Its rare usage underscores its potent and specific meaning.
1. **[[2 Corinthians 1:8]]**: "For we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about the affliction we experienced in Asia. For we were so utterly burdened beyond our strength that we despaired of life itself."
In this passage, Paul describes an overwhelming affliction that he and his companions endured. The phrase "we despaired of life itself" (ὥστε ἐξαπορηθῆναι ἡμᾶς καὶ τοῦ ζῆν) indicates a state where their suffering was so extreme, so far beyond their human capacity to bear, that they lost all hope of survival. This was not mere difficulty, but a profound crisis that brought them to the brink of giving up on life. The context immediately following this verse, however, reveals God's purpose: "Indeed, we felt that we had received the sentence of death. But that was to make us rely not on ourselves but on God who raises the dead" [[2 Corinthians 1:9]]. Thus, their utter despair served to redirect their trust entirely to divine power.
2. **[[2 Corinthians 4:8]]**: "We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair."
Here, exaporéomai (ἐξαπορούμενοι) is used in direct contrast with its base verb aporéō (ἀπορούμενοι). Paul states, "perplexed (ἀπορούμενοι), but not driven to despair (οὐκ ἐξαπορούμενοι)." This powerful antithesis highlights the nuanced distinction:
* aporéō (perplexed) acknowledges that Paul and his co-workers faced situations where they did not know the way forward, were without immediate answers, or found themselves in difficult dilemmas. This is a state of uncertainty.
* exaporéomai (driven to despair) signifies a more severe, ultimate state of hopelessness, where one believes there *is* no way forward, no solution, no hope whatsoever.
Paul's statement is a testament to the sustaining power of God's grace. While they experienced genuine perplexity and hardship, they were prevented from succumbing to utter despair, a state that would imply a complete loss of faith in God's ability to provide a way.
### Related Words & Concepts
Understanding exaporéomai (`{{G1820}}`) is enhanced by examining its relationship to other Greek terms and theological concepts:
* **aporéō (`{{G639}}`)**: As the base verb, aporéō signifies "to be at a loss," "to be perplexed," or "to be without a way." exaporéomai intensifies this state, moving from mere perplexity to utter hopelessness.
* **thlipsis (`{{G2347}}`)**: "Affliction," "tribulation," or "distress." This word often describes the external circumstances that can lead to a state of exaporéomai, as seen in [[2 Corinthians 1:8]].
* **anankē (`{{G318}}`)**: "Necessity," "distress," "hardship." Similar to thlipsis, this term denotes the severe pressure that can induce feelings of being utterly lost.
* **elpis (`{{G1680}}`)**: "Hope." exaporéomai stands in stark opposition to hope. To be in despair is to be without hope, particularly hope in a positive outcome or divine intervention.
* **kakopatheō (`{{G2553}}`)**: "To suffer evil," "to endure hardship." This describes the experience of suffering that can precipitate the feeling of exaporéomai.
* **syntribō (`{{G4937}}`)**: "To crush," "to break in pieces." In [[2 Corinthians 4:8]], Paul states they are "afflicted in every way, but not crushed (οὐ στενοχωρούμενοι)," indicating that while under pressure, they were not utterly destroyed or broken in spirit, which aligns with not being driven to despair.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of exaporéomai (`{{G1820}}`) is profound, particularly within the Pauline corpus:
1. **Human Vulnerability and Limits:** The term starkly illustrates the reality of human weakness and the limits of human endurance. Even the apostle Paul, a man of immense faith and spiritual power, reached points where he "despaired of life itself" [[2 Corinthians 1:8]]. This underscores that profound suffering and the feeling of utter hopelessness are not foreign to the Christian experience, even for the most devout.
2. **God's Sovereignty and Sustaining Grace:** Crucially, Paul's experience of exaporéomai is always framed within the context of God's ultimate power and faithfulness. In [[2 Corinthians 1:9]], the despair served to redirect their reliance from self to "God who raises the dead." In [[2 Corinthians 4:8]], the "not driven to despair" clause is a powerful testimony to God's sustaining grace, preventing His servants from being utterly overcome. It highlights that while perplexity may be a human reality, utter despair is not the final state for those who trust in God.
3. **The Paradox of Christian Suffering:** Paul's use of exaporéomai contributes to his theology of suffering, where weakness becomes a conduit for divine power. The experience of being utterly at a loss forces a deeper reliance on God, revealing His strength in human weakness [[2 Corinthians 12:9]]. It demonstrates that God's deliverance is not merely from suffering, but often *through* it.
4. **The Triumph of Hope:** Despite facing circumstances that naturally lead to despair, the Christian is ultimately anchored by a hope that transcends earthly difficulties. The "not driven to despair" of [[2 Corinthians 4:8]] is a powerful affirmation that the hope of the gospel, rooted in Christ's resurrection and the promise of eternal glory, provides an unshakeable foundation even when all human pathways seem closed.
### Summary
Exaporéomai (`{{G1820}}`) denotes an intense state of being utterly at a loss, completely without a way, leading to profound despair. This powerful Greek verb appears exclusively in 2 Corinthians, where Paul uses it to describe the extreme suffering he endured, leading him to "despair of life itself" [[2 Corinthians 1:8]]. However, he immediately contextualizes this experience as a means for him to rely solely on God, who raises the dead. In [[2 Corinthians 4:8]], Paul contrasts exaporéomai with aporéō (perplexed), affirming that while he faced genuine perplexity, he was not driven to ultimate despair, underscoring the sustaining power of God's grace. The term highlights human vulnerability in the face of overwhelming affliction but ultimately serves to magnify God's sovereignty, His ability to deliver, and the triumph of Christian hope over the deepest forms of despondency.
TRV