Lexical Summary diaporeó: To be perplexed, to be in doubt, to be at a loss Original Word: διαπορέω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance be in doubt, be perplexed. From dia and aporeo; to be thoroughly nonplussed -- (be in) doubt, be (much) perplexed. see GREEK dia see GREEK aporeo HELPS Word-studies 1280 diaporéō (from 1223 /diá "thoroughly," which intensifies 639 /aporéō, "no way out") – properly, totally perplexed because having no solution ("way out"). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom dia and aporeó Definition to be greatly perplexed or at a loss NASB Translation great perplexity (1), greatly perplexed (3). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1280: διαπορέωδιαπορέω: διαπόρω imperfect διηπόρουν; middle (present infinitive διαπορεῖσθαι (Luke 24:4 R G)); imperfect διηπορουμην (Acts 2:12 T Tr WH); in the Greek Bible only in (Daniel 2:3 Symm. and) Luke; properly, thoroughly (δ῾ιἀαπορέω (which see), to be entirely at a loss, to be in perplexity: absolutely Acts 2:12; followed by διά τό with an infinitive Luke 9:7; περί τίνος, Luke 24:4 (here the middle is to be at a loss with oneself, for which L T Tr WH read the simple ἀπορεῖσθαι); Acts 5:24; ἐν ἑαυτῷ followed by indirect discourse, Acts 10:17. (Plato, Aristotle, Polybius, Diodorus, Philo, Plutarch, others.) Topical Lexicon Definition and Scope Strong’s Greek 1280, διηπορέω, describes a thorough perplexity—being at a complete loss as one confronts an event or message that defies ordinary categories. While other Greek verbs can speak of puzzlement, διηπορέω emphasizes an impasse of understanding that demands a decision: either deeper inquiry that leads to faith or retreat into unbelief. Its four New Testament appearances cluster in Luke–Acts, Luke’s two-volume narrative of Christ’s ministry and the early Church. The verb therefore frames critical moments when the gospel breaks conventional expectations and forces onlookers to grapple with God’s revelation. Occurrences and Narrative Function 1. Luke 9:7 – Herod Antipas hears of Jesus’ miracles and “was perplexed” (διηπόρει). The Galilean tetrarch embodies political power confronted with Kingdom power. His perplexity is not neutral curiosity; it foreshadows an accountability he will later evade (Luke 23:8-11). The verb exposes the restlessness of a conscience that senses truth yet resists surrender. 2. Acts 2:12 – At Pentecost the crowd hears Spirit-empowered disciples speaking the “mighty deeds of God,” and “they were all astounded and perplexed, saying to one another, ‘What does this mean?’”. Here διηπορέω marks the threshold between astonishment and explanation. Peter’s sermon immediately answers their question, showing how gospel proclamation resolves spiritual confusion. 3. Acts 5:24 – After an angel releases the apostles from prison, the temple captain and chief priests “were perplexed about them, wondering what this might lead to”. The verb highlights the authorities’ impotence before divine intervention. Their political calculus is stalled; God’s purposes advance irrespective of human opposition. 4. Acts 10:17 – Peter, having seen the sheet lowered from heaven, “was perplexed as to what the vision he had seen might mean” (διηπόρει). Unlike Herod or the temple officials, Peter’s perplexity is that of a disciple open to correction. His ensuing obedience to the Spirit (Acts 10:19-48) will open the door of salvation to the Gentiles. Theological Significance Perplexity in Scripture does not signal divine ambiguity but human limitation. When God acts in surprising ways, διηπορέω depicts the crossroads of response. In Luke 9 it exposes unbelief; in Acts 2 it invites inquiry leading to repentance; in Acts 5 it showcases the futility of resisting God; in Acts 10 it prepares a servant for expanded mission. Thus the verb traces a trajectory from bafflement to belief or rejection, underscoring that revelation demands more than intellectual assent—it calls for submission. Discipleship Implications 1. Expectation of Mystery: God’s redemptive acts often shatter settled categories. Believers should not fear seasons of perplexity but view them as invitations to seek Scripture and the Spirit for clarity. Historical and Pastoral Reflection In every era the Church faces phenomena—revivals, reforms, cultural shifts—that leave observers at a loss. Luke employs διηπορέω to remind readers that the living God continuously breaks molds. Pastors can use these passages to shepherd congregations through uncertainties by anchoring them in the unchanging character and mission of God, ensuring that perplexity becomes a gateway to deeper faith rather than a pretext for skepticism. Related Biblical Themes • Divine initiative surpassing human control (Acts 5:17-26). Summary Strong’s Greek 1280 gathers the moments when God’s extraordinary deeds confront human understanding. Whether in a palace, a marketplace, a prison courtyard, or a rooftop in Joppa, διηπορέω captures the pivot point of history and heart alike. The wise respond with humble inquiry that leads to worship and obedience; the foolish allow perplexity to calcify into rejection. The verb thus serves as both mirror and map for every reader who meets the living Christ in the pages of Scripture. Forms and Transliterations διαπορείσθαι διηπορει διηπόρει διηπόρουν διηπορουντο διηποροῦντο dieporei diepórei diēporei diēpórei dieporoun diepóroun diēporoun diēpórounLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Luke 9:7 V-IIA-3SGRK: πάντα καὶ διηπόρει διὰ τὸ NAS: that was happening; and he was greatly perplexed, because KJV: and he was perplexed, because INT: all and was perplexed because Acts 2:12 V-IIM-3P Acts 5:24 V-IIA-3P Acts 10:17 V-IIA-3S Strong's Greek 1280 |
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