Lexical Summary aporia: Perplexity, confusion, state of being at a loss Original Word: ἀπορία Strong's Exhaustive Concordance perplexity. From the same as aporeo; a (state of) quandary -- perplexity. see GREEK aporeo NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom aporeó Definition perplexity NASB Translation perplexity (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 640: ἀπορίαἀπορία, ἀποριας, ἡ (ἀπορέω, which see), the state of one who is ἄπορος, perplexity: Luke 21:25. (Often in Greek writings from (Pindar and) Herodotus down; the Sept..) Topical Lexicon Conceptual ScopeStrong’s Greek 640 depicts a state of bafflement so profound that the mind can find no workable path forward. It portrays paralysis of counsel rather than mere surprise, an inner dead-end reached when human resources prove inadequate. Occurrence in Scripture Luke 21:25 is the sole New Testament instance: “There will be signs in the sun and moon and stars; and on the earth dismay among the nations, bewildered by the roaring of the sea and the surging of the waves” (Berean Standard Bible). Here the word captures the global, inescapable bewilderment that precedes the return of the Son of Man. Immediate Context in Luke Luke 21 records Jesus’ exhortation on the Mount of Olives concerning the destruction of Jerusalem (verses 20-24) and the climactic events of the end of the age (verses 25-36). The term describes the psychological fallout of cosmic and terrestrial upheaval: nations are “bewildered” as normal categories of prediction fail. The imagery of roaring seas echoes Psalm 46:3-4 and Isaiah 17:12-13, amplifying the theme that God alone stills the tumult. Theological Significance 1. Human limitation. The word underscores the bankruptcy of human wisdom when confronted with divine judgment (compare Isaiah 19:3; Isaiah 33:14). Historical and Cultural Background Outside Scripture, contemporary Greek writers employ the term for perplexity in medical diagnoses, legal disputes, and philosophical dilemmas. Luke’s use therefore connects a recognizable cultural idea—stalemate of thought—to an eschatological setting, making plain that no earthly court, healer, or sage will resolve the coming crisis. Relationship to Broader Biblical Themes • Day of the Lord: Zephaniah 1:15 pictures a “day of distress and anguish,” conceptually parallel to the perplexity of Luke 21:25. Pastoral and Homiletical Insights 1. Prepare hearts, not predictions. Sermons can leverage the term to move congregations from speculative timetables to personal readiness. Ministry Applications • Discipleship curricula should teach eschatology in a way that strengthens resilience rather than fuels anxiety. Summary Strong’s 640 captures a climactic moment when human reason reaches its limit, setting the stage for divine intervention. Luke’s solitary use of the term supplies a vivid portrait of end-time bewilderment, yet simultaneously invites believers to steadfast confidence in the Lord who foreknew, foretold, and will ultimately rule over every tumult. Forms and Transliterations απερρύη απορια αποριά απορία ἀπορίᾳ απορίαν απορραγήσεται απορρήξει απορρήξουσι απορρυήσεται aporia aporíāiLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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