Understanding ἀπορέω (aporeo) Strong’s G639: When God’s Ways Leave Us Perplexed Yet Point Us to Deeper Trust

Pronunciation Guide: ah-por-EH-oh

Basic Definition

Strong’s G639: ἀπορέω (aporeo) expresses a state of genuine perplexity, uncertainty, or being at a loss about what to do. It literally means “to be without a way” or “to have no path through.” This verb captures the experience of being in a situation where one feels thoroughly stuck, confused, or unable to determine the right course of action.

Etymology and Morphology

• Verb (Present Active Indicative)
• Derived from ἄπορος (aporos, “without passage/way”)
• Compound word: ἀ- (negative prefix) + πόρος (poros, “way/path”)
• Primarily used in narrative and epistolary literature
• Common in classical philosophical discourse

ἀπορέω Morphology:

• ἀπορέω (present active) – I am perplexed
• ἀπορεῖ (3rd person singular present) – he/she is perplexed
• ἀπορούμενοι (present passive participle) – being perplexed
• ἠπόρουν (imperfect active) – they were perplexed
• ἀπορηθῆναι (aorist passive infinitive) – to be perplexed

Origin & History

The term ἀπορέω has deep roots in classical Greek philosophy, particularly in Platonic and Socratic dialogues where it described the state of intellectual perplexity that often preceded breakthrough insights. Plato’s “Meno” frequently uses this term to describe the beneficial confusion that leads to true learning. In the Septuagint, it appears in passages like Genesis 32:7 where Jacob is deeply perplexed and troubled about meeting Esau.

The early church fathers, particularly Origen in his “Contra Celsum,” employed ἀπορέω to discuss the mystery of divine providence and the limits of human understanding. John Chrysostom, in his homilies on John’s Gospel, uses it to explore the disciples’ confusion before the crucifixion and resurrection.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• State of mental uncertainty or confusion
• Being at a loss about what to do
• Experience of having no way forward
• Feeling hemmed in or restricted by circumstances

ἀπορέω Translation Options:

• “to be perplexed” – Best captures the mental state of confusion
• “to be at a loss” – Emphasizes the inability to find a solution
• “to be uncertain” – Highlights the doubt aspect but misses the emotional weight
• “to be bewildered” – Captures both mental and emotional aspects
• “to be thoroughly stuck” – Contemporary rendering that maintains the core meaning

Biblical Usage

In the New Testament, ἀπορέω appears at crucial moments of spiritual and theological significance. Its first appearance in John 13:22 occurs during the Last Supper when the disciples are utterly perplexed about Jesus’ prediction of betrayal. The term perfectly captures their mental and emotional state – they had no way to process or respond to this shocking revelation.

The Apostle Paul uses this word powerfully in 2 Corinthians 4:8 to describe the paradox of Christian suffering – being perplexed but not in despair. This usage reveals how perplexity can coexist with faith.

• “The disciples looked at one another, being perplexed [ἀπορούμενοι] about whom He was speaking.” John 13:22
• “we are perplexed [ἀπορούμενοι], but not in despair” 2 Corinthians 4:8
• “And he was perplexed [ἠπόρει] because it was said by some that John had been raised from the dead” Luke 9:7
• “But when Simon Peter saw that, he fell down at Jesus’ feet, saying, ‘Go away from me Lord, for I am a sinful man!’ For amazement had seized him and all his companions because of the catch of fish which they had taken; and James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus said to Simon, ‘Do not fear, from now on you will be catching men.’ being utterly perplexed [ἀπορούμενοι]” Luke 5:8-10

Cultural Insights

In ancient Jewish thought, perplexity was often seen as a natural response to divine mystery. The Hebrew concept of היָָה נָבוֹךְ (hayah navokh), which ἀπορέω often translates in the Septuagint, was associated with the experience of being confronted by God’s ways that transcend human understanding. This connects to the rabbinic tradition of “holy perplexity” – the idea that being confused about divine matters can actually be a sign of spiritual depth rather than weakness.

The philosophical schools of Athens, where Paul would later preach, viewed ἀπορέω as a necessary stage in the pursuit of wisdom. This cultural background helps explain why the New Testament writers could present perplexity not as a failure of faith but as an opportunity for deeper trust.

Theological Significance

The use of ἀπορέω in Scripture reveals a profound truth about the nature of faith and divine revelation. It acknowledges that following God often leads us into situations where human wisdom and understanding reach their limits. This perplexity is not presented as a negative state but as a crucial part of spiritual growth.

The juxtaposition in 2 Corinthians 4:8 between being “perplexed but not in despair” reveals that Christian faith doesn’t eliminate confusion but provides an anchor of hope within it. This reflects the Messiah’s own experience in Gethsemane, where deep perplexity coexisted with perfect trust in the Father.

When the disciples experienced ἀπορέω at the Last Supper, it marked the beginning of their journey from confusion to clarity about God’s redemptive plan. This pattern suggests that divine perplexity often precedes spiritual breakthrough.

Personal Application

When we find ourselves in situations where we are ἀπορούμενοι – thoroughly perplexed with no clear way forward – we’re in good biblical company. Rather than seeing such moments as failures of faith, we can recognize them as opportunities to deepen our trust in God’s wisdom beyond our understanding.

This word teaches us that it’s okay to admit when we’re confused or uncertain about God’s leading, as long as we maintain our grip on His faithfulness. Like Paul, we can be perplexed without falling into despair, knowing that our confusion is often the prelude to deeper revelation.

Related Words

• διαπορέω (diaporeo) – to be utterly at a loss, thoroughly perplexed (intensified form) – See G1280
• ἀμηχανέω (amechaneo) – to be at a loss, without resources – See G114
• θαυμάζω (thaumazo) – to wonder, marvel, be amazed (often accompanies perplexity) – See G2296
• ταράσσω (tarasso) – to trouble, disturb (emotional aspect of perplexity) – See G5015

Did you Know?

• The philosophical term “aporia,” used in modern academic discourse to describe a logical impasse or puzzle, comes directly from the same root as ἀπορέω.
• In ancient Greek medicine, ἀπορέω was sometimes used to describe a doctor’s perplexity when facing an unknown illness, suggesting that even experts encounter moments of uncertainty in their field.
• The compound structure of ἀπορέω (ἀ + πόρος) literally paints a picture of someone standing before a river with no way to cross – a vivid metaphor for feeling stuck that would have resonated with ancient audiences familiar with travel by foot.

Remember This

ἀπορέω reminds us that moments of holy perplexity are not failures of faith but invitations to trust God more deeply when our own understanding reaches its limits.