Brief Overview of διαπορέω (G1280: diaporeō)

Word Details

• Transliteration: διαπορέω (diaporeō) [dee-ah-po-REH-oh]
• Etymology: From the root words διά (G1223: diá) meaning through, by means of and πορέω (G4198: poreúomai) meaning to go, to pass through, to proceed. The prefix διά emphasizes the thoroughness or difficulty of the passage, often implying a state of being perplexed or at a loss.
• Part of Speech: Verb
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon

Primary Meanings

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• To be perplexed or at a loss: Refers to a state of confusion or being unsure about what to do.
• To be in doubt or uncertainty: Indicates a mental state where one is unsure of the correct course of action or understanding.
• To be puzzled or confounded: Emphasizes the feeling of confusion or being overwhelmed by a situation.

Further Insights

• Person: First person
• Number: Singular
• Tense: Present
• Voice: Active
• Mood: Indicative

Further Insights Explained:

• The word διαπορέω is in the first person singular form, which would translate as “I am perplexed” or “I am at a loss” in English. The present tense indicates an ongoing state, the active voice shows that the subject is experiencing this state, and the indicative mood reflects a statement of fact.

Disclaimer: The morphological details provided above reflect the specific form of διαπορέω in its present, active, indicative form. These details may change depending on its use in different contexts or sentence structures.

Lexicon Descriptions

BDAG (Bauer, Danker, Arndt, and Gingrich):

• διαπορέω is described as being perplexed, puzzled, or at a loss. It often refers to a mental state of confusion or uncertainty, where one struggles to find clarity or make a decision.
• Scripture References: Luke 9:7

Thayer’s Greek Lexicon:

• Thayer defines διαπορέω as meaning to be in doubt or uncertainty, highlighting a state of perplexity or confusion. It suggests a situation where a person is unsure how to proceed or what to think.
• Scripture References: Luke 9:7

Vine’s Expository Dictionary:

• Vine’s explains διαπορέω as to be at a loss or in doubt, emphasizing the feeling of being puzzled or confounded by circumstances or decisions. It often conveys a sense of mental struggle or indecision.
• Scripture References: Luke 9:7

LSJ (Liddell, Scott, Jones):

• LSJ defines διαπορέω as to be perplexed or at a loss, particularly in situations where one is faced with difficult decisions or unclear circumstances. It reflects the struggle to understand or decide in the face of uncertainty.
• Scripture References: Luke 9:7

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance:

• Strong’s defines διαπορέω as a compound word from διά (G1223: diá) and πορέω (G4198: poreúomai), meaning to be thoroughly perplexed or at a loss. It is used to describe the mental state of confusion or indecision.
• Scripture References: Luke 9:7

Usage in Classical Greek Literature

• Plato, Theaetetus: Plato uses διαπορέω to describe the state of being puzzled or confused during a philosophical inquiry, where the characters struggle to understand complex ideas.
• Aristotle, Metaphysics: Aristotle employs the term to discuss the state of perplexity that arises when faced with difficult philosophical questions or paradoxes, emphasizing the intellectual challenge of such situations.
• Herodotus, Histories: Herodotus uses διαπορέω to describe the confusion and uncertainty experienced by leaders and soldiers during moments of crisis, where decisions are difficult and outcomes are uncertain.

Summary

διαπορέω (G1280: diaporeō) is a Greek verb that primarily means to be perplexed, at a loss, or in doubt. Derived from διά (through, by means of) and πορέω (to go, to proceed), the term emphasizes a thorough or intense state of confusion or uncertainty. In the New Testament, διαπορέω is used to describe the mental state of individuals who are confused or unsure about what to do, as seen in Luke 9:7. The word is also prevalent in classical Greek literature, where it frequently appears in philosophical and historical contexts to describe the intellectual and emotional struggles of individuals facing difficult decisions or unclear circumstances. Overall, διαπορέω is a term that underscores the human experience of confusion and uncertainty, making it an important concept in understanding both ancient and biblical perspectives on doubt and perplexity.