διαπορέω
diaporéō
G1280 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To be greatly at a loss; to be bewildered or entirely perplexed, often indicating an intense state of confusion or uncertainty in thought or action. The primary sense is of being unable to find a way or a solution, with an added emphasis on completeness or thoroughness in perplexity. Depending on the context, it may range from strong internal doubt or confusion to visible expressions of uncertainty or lack of resolution.
Semantic Range
to be greatly perplexed, to be at a loss, to be thoroughly confused, to be unable to resolve a situation, to be in great doubt, to be in complete uncertainty
Root / Etymology
From διά (through, thoroughly) and the verb ἀπορέω (to be at a loss, to be perplexed, to be without resources). The prefix διά intensifies the root sense, indicating deep or complete perplexity.
Historical & Contextual Notes
The verb διαπορέω occurs primarily in Hellenistic and Koine Greek, with rare attestation in classical sources. Its usage in the New Testament (e.g., Luke 9:7, Acts 5:24, Acts 10:17) consistently denotes a strong or complete state of perplexity—beyond the mere lack of an answer conveyed by ἀπορέω alone. In the Septuagint, the term is employed less frequently but carries similar meaning. The sense sometimes overlaps with closely related verbs meaning to doubt or be confused, but διαπορέω has a distinct emphasis on the overwhelming or all-encompassing nature of the perplexity. Standard English translations render it as 'doubt,' 'be perplexed,' 'be at a loss,' or 'be greatly perplexed,' though the Greek word often connotes a depth of bewilderment not fully captured by simpler terms like 'doubt.'
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from διά and ἀπορέω; to be thoroughly nonplussed:--(be in) doubt, be (much) perplexed.
Root Family
διαπορέω (diaporeō) — to be at a loss, to be perplexed, to doubt deeply
Word Forms
3 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1280-01 |
διηπόρει | dieporei | V IMPF ACT IND 3P SG |
he was perplexed | was deeply perplexed | was deeply perplexed | 2 |
G1280-03 |
διηποροῦντο | dieporounto | V IMPF MID IND 3P PL |
were perplexed | they were being utterly perplexed | they were being utterly perplexed | 1 |
G1280-02 |
διηπόρουν | dieporoun | V IMPF ACT IND 3P PL |
were perplexed | they were thoroughly perplexed | they were thoroughly perplexed | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
4 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1280-01 |
Luke 9:7 | διηπόρει | dieporei | V IMPF ACT IND 3P SG |
he was perplexed | was deeply perplexed | was deeply perplexed |
G1280-03 |
Acts 2:12 | διηποροῦντο | dieporounto | V IMPF MID IND 3P PL |
were perplexed | they were being utterly perplexed | they were being utterly perplexed |
G1280-02 |
Acts 5:24 | διηπόρουν | dieporoun | V IMPF ACT IND 3P PL |
were perplexed | they were thoroughly perplexed | they were thoroughly perplexed |
G1280-01 |
Acts 10:17 | διηπόρει | dieporei | V IMPF ACT IND 3P SG |
was perplexed | was deeply perplexed | was deeply perplexed |