The term "puzzled" is not explicitly found in the Bible; however, the concept of being puzzled or experiencing confusion is present throughout Scripture. This state of mind often arises in the context of human encounters with divine mysteries, prophetic visions, or challenging circumstances that require faith and discernment.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, individuals often found themselves puzzled by God's actions or commands. For example, Abraham might have been puzzled when God commanded him to sacrifice his son Isaac, the child of promise (Genesis 22:1-2). This command seemed to contradict God's earlier promise to make Abraham a great nation through Isaac (Genesis 17:19). Abraham's faith, however, led him to trust in God's provision, even when the situation was perplexing.

Similarly, the prophets frequently encountered puzzling visions and messages from God. Daniel, for instance, was deeply troubled and puzzled by the visions he received, which were filled with symbolic imagery and future events (Daniel 7:15-16). Despite his confusion, Daniel sought understanding through prayer and divine revelation.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, the disciples of Jesus often experienced moments of puzzlement, particularly regarding Jesus' teachings and actions. For instance, in John 6:60, after Jesus spoke about eating His flesh and drinking His blood, many of His disciples said, "This is a hard teaching. Who can accept it?" . They were puzzled by the metaphorical language and struggled to grasp the spiritual truth behind His words.

The resurrection of Jesus also left many puzzled. When the women found the empty tomb, they were initially confused and frightened (Luke 24:1-4). It was only after the angels explained that Jesus had risen, as He had foretold, that they began to understand the significance of the event.

Spiritual Implications

Being puzzled can be a natural part of the faith journey. It often reflects the limitations of human understanding when confronted with the divine. The Bible encourages believers to seek wisdom and understanding from God when faced with confusion. James 1:5 states, "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him" .

Moreover, the Apostle Paul acknowledges the partial nature of human knowledge in 1 Corinthians 13:12, saying, "For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known" . This passage reassures believers that while they may be puzzled now, a time will come when all will be made clear.

Practical Application

In moments of puzzlement, Christians are encouraged to trust in God's sovereignty and goodness. Proverbs 3:5-6 advises, "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight" . This trust is rooted in the belief that God's ways, though sometimes mysterious, are ultimately for the good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28).

Believers are also called to support one another in times of confusion, offering encouragement and guidance through the wisdom found in Scripture and the counsel of the Holy Spirit. In doing so, the body of Christ can navigate the complexities of life with faith and unity.(imp. & p. p.) of Puzzle.

Marvel Not
... He was just on the verge of losing himself in this most treasonable despair. Never
was man more puzzled than Nicodemus at the initial statement of this truth. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/drummond/the ideal life/marvel not.htm

The Boyhood of Jesus.
... little boys to them; they thought Him bright and pleasing, and it may be that there
was something in His looks and in His manner which puzzled them, which set ...
/.../anonymous/wee ones bible stories/the boyhood of jesus.htm

His Religious Experience. Tries to be a Methodist. Hopes to Become ...
... Mourners' Bench Experience. Is Puzzled and Disgusted. His Religious Experience. ... Goes
to Love Feast. Mourners' Bench Experience. Is Puzzled and Disgusted. ...
/.../chapter iii his religious experience.htm

An Exposition on the First Ten Chapters of Genesis, and Part of ...
... of sacred scripture, containing the cosmogony of creation"the fall of man"the first
murder"the deluge"and other facts which have puzzled the most ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/an exposition on the first.htm

Annie and Vanie's First Real Prayer
... street needed me. "Again I went out, looked up and down the street, walked
a little way, puzzled to know what I meant. Was my hard ...
/.../annie and vanies first real.htm

The Story of David
... [Illustration: "Surely this is he," murmured Samuel to himself.]. Samuel was puzzled.
What could it mean? ... They were puzzled to know what it all meant. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/steedman/david the shepherd boy/the story of david.htm

Cyrus.
... much shocked to see the court drinking to intoxication, and said wine must be poison,
since it made people lose their senses; and he was much puzzled by the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/lesson xii cyrus.htm

Heroes and Heroines (Whitsunday. )
... He finds himself weak, when he expected to be strong; puzzled when he thought
himself cunning. He is not sure whether he is doing right. ...
/.../kingsley/the good news of god/sermon xiv heroes and heroines.htm

How Sweetness and Tenderness in Prayer Differ from Consolations. ...
... As the understanding is one of the powers of the soul, it puzzled me to see it so
sluggish at times, while, as a rule, the imagination takes flight at once, so ...
/.../teresa/the interior castle or the mansions/chapter i how sweetness and.htm

"For Hereunto were Ye Called; Because Christ Also Suffered for You ...
... other people like me. I'm not asking you to; but what I feel puzzled about
is, what is meant by following Jesus. What do you mean ...
//christianbookshelf.org/sheldon/in his steps/chapter one for hereunto were.htm

Puzzled (3 Occurrences)
...Puzzled (3 Occurrences). ... 1 Corinthians 13:12 For the present we see things as if
in a mirror, and are puzzled; but then we shall see them face to face. ...
/p/puzzled.htm - 7k

Pygarg (1 Occurrence)

/p/pygarg.htm - 9k

Watchtour
... Chronicles 20:24); bachan (Isaiah 32:14 the Revised Version (British and American))):
In Isaiah 2:16 the words sekhiyoth ha-chemdah have puzzled the translators ...
/w/watchtour.htm - 7k

Watch-tour
... Chronicles 20:24); bachan (Isaiah 32:14 the Revised Version (British and American))):
In Isaiah 2:16 the words sekhiyoth ha-chemdah have puzzled the translators ...
/w/watch-tour.htm - 7k

Imperfect (6 Occurrences)
... (WEY RSV NIV). 1 Corinthians 13:12 For the present we see things as if in a mirror,
and are puzzled; but then we shall see them face to face. ...
/i/imperfect.htm - 8k

Perplexed (16 Occurrences)
... 1. (imp. & pp) of Perplex. 2. (a.) Entangled, involved, or confused; hence,
embarrassed; puzzled; doubtful; anxious. Multi-Version Concordance ...
/p/perplexed.htm - 11k

Perplexity (8 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (n.) The quality or state of being perplexed or puzzled;
complication; intricacy; entanglement; distraction of mind through doubt or ...
/p/perplexity.htm - 9k

Puvvah (1 Occurrence)

/p/puvvah.htm - 6k

Abijam (4 Occurrences)
... Rehoboam who succeeded him as king of Judah. See ABIJAH. The name has puzzled
scholars. Some have proposed, by adding one letter, to ...
/a/abijam.htm - 9k

Stick (47 Occurrences)
... stayed. 21. (vi) To be embarrassed or puzzled; to hesitate; to be deterred,
as by scruples; to scruple; -- often with at. 22. (vi ...
/s/stick.htm - 23k

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