Lexical Summary exaporeó: To be utterly at a loss, to be in despair Original Word: ἐξαπορέω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance despair. Middle voice from ek and aporeo; to be utterly at a loss, i.e. Despond -- (in) despair. see GREEK ek see GREEK aporeo HELPS Word-studies 1820 eksaporéomai (from 1537 /ek, "out of" intensifying 639 /aporéō, "without exit, passageway") – properly, without passage (no way out); (figuratively) to lack adequate resources (solutions), leaving someone in "utter (complete) despair" (L & N, 1, 25.237). 1820 /eksaporéomai ("completely disoriented") emphasizes the end-impact of having no solution (no way out) – i.e. leaving a person "totally at a loss." 1820 (eksaporéomai) means "incurring dishonor or shame in the eyes of men. . . . Hence it does not spring out of a reverence for right in itself, but from fear of the knowledge and opinion of men" (WS, 175). In sum, 1820 (eksaporéomai) relates to someone (apparently) "left in the straits" (with no way out) – i.e. in "extreme exposure," without a good alternative ("no exit strategy"). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom ek and aporeó Definition to be utterly at a loss, be in despair NASB Translation despaired (1), despairing (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1820: ἐξαπορέωἐξαπορέω and (so in the Bible) deponent passive ἐξαπορέομαι, ἐξαποροῦμαι; 1 aorist ἐξηπορήθην; "to be utterly at a loss, be utterly destitute of measures or resources, to renounce all hope, be in despair" (cf. ἐκ, VI. 6) (Polybius, Diodorus, Plutarch, others): 2 Corinthians 4:8 (where it is distinguished from the simple ἀπορέομαι); τίνος of anything: τοῦ ζῆν, 2 Corinthians 1:8, on this genitive cf. Matthiae, ii., p. 828f (τοῦ ἀργυρίου, to be utterly in want of, Dionysius Halicarnassus 7, 18; active with the dative of respect, τοῖς λογισμοις, Polybius 1, 62, 1; once in the O. T. absolutely, Psalm 87:16 Topical Lexicon Overview of the Term Strong’s Greek 1820 expresses the condition of being utterly at a loss, hemmed in by circumstances beyond human resources. It appears only twice in the New Testament, both in the Second Epistle to the Corinthians, and both in contexts that expose the fragility of human strength and the sufficiency of divine power. Occurrences in the New Testament • 2 Corinthians 1:8 – “We were under a burden far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired even of life.” Paul’s Personal Experience of Despair (2 Corinthians 1:8) Writing to believers who questioned his apostolic integrity, Paul details afflictions suffered in Asia. The verb describes a moment when life itself seemed unattainable. Yet the account is framed by God’s “comfort” (2 Corinthians 1:3-7) and concludes with confident expectation: “He has delivered us… and He will yet deliver us” (2 Corinthians 1:10). The despair is real, but it becomes a stage on which resurrection hope is displayed. Triumphant Perseverance amid Persecution (2 Corinthians 4:8) Later in the letter, the same verb is reused in a deliberate contrast. Paul lists four pressures—“hard pressed… perplexed… persecuted… struck down”—and pairs each with a divine counterweight. The second pair hinges on 1820: human perplexity does not culminate in despair because “the surpassing power is from God and not from us” (2 Corinthians 4:7). The earlier experience of actual despair (1:8) now fuels testimony that despair need not be final (4:8). Theological Themes 1. Sufficiency of Grace: Extreme affliction showcases “the God who raises the dead” (2 Corinthians 1:9). Pastoral Application • Spiritual leaders may face crises so severe they exhaust every natural resource. Scripture neither romanticizes such moments nor treats them as failures; instead, they are catalysts for deeper reliance on divine power. Historical and Ministry Significance 2 Corinthians is often dated to the mid-50s A.D., during intense opposition and persecution. The twofold use of 1820 serves a rhetorical purpose: it traces the apostle’s journey from overwhelming despair to Spirit-enabled perseverance, reflecting the historical movement of the early church—from fragile minority to bold witness—despite external threats. For centuries, missionaries, pastors, and suffering saints have drawn consolation from these verses, finding in Paul a companion in distress and a model of steadfast hope. Related Concepts and Passages • Psalm 42:11; Psalm 60:3-4 – Old Testament laments that move from despair to trust. By tracing the journey from “despairing even of life” to “not in despair,” Strong’s 1820 highlights the gospel paradox: genuine human helplessness becomes the canvas for God’s relentless faithfulness. Forms and Transliterations εξαπορηθηναι εξαπορηθήναι ἐξαπορηθῆναι εξαπορουμενοι εξαπορούμενοι ἐξαπορούμενοι εξηπορήθην exaporethenai exaporethênai exaporēthēnai exaporēthē̂nai exaporoumenoi exaporoúmenoiLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 2 Corinthians 1:8 V-ANPGRK: ἐβαρήθημεν ὥστε ἐξαπορηθῆναι ἡμᾶς καὶ NAS: so that we despaired even KJV: that we despaired even INT: we were burdened so as us to despair we even 2 Corinthians 4:8 V-PPM/P-NMP Strong's Greek 1820 |
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