ἀπορέω

From the study of 2 Corinthians 4:8

Range of meaning

From a- ('without') and poros ('passage, ford, way through, resource'). To be without a way, to be at a loss or not know what to do, to be in doubt or embarrassed. It can also mean to be without means or resources. In the NT: Mark 6:20 (Herod 'greatly perplexed' by John); Luke 24:4; John 13:22; Acts 25:20; Gal 4:20 ('I am at a loss about you').

Against the English

Every major English version has 'perplexed.' Today that usually means puzzled or confused, an intellectual state. The Greek is more practical and situational: no road ahead, not knowing what to do next, running out of options.

How it drifted

'Perplexed' (Latin perplexus, 'entangled') once had a stronger sense of being caught in a tangled situation. In modern use it has thinned to mild bafflement.

Used elsewhere in the period

Common in classical and Hellenistic Greek. Philosophers' aporia is the state of being at an impasse in argument, and everyday Greek uses the word for lacking resources or a way out. The Vulgate simply borrows the word: aporiamur.

From the study of John 13:22

Range of meaning

From a- ("without") + poros ("passage, way through"). The basic picture is having no way through: being at a loss, stuck, not knowing what to do or think. It can also mean being in want or need. In philosophy the related noun aporia names a puzzle with no exit. In the New Testament it means bewilderment or helpless uncertainty, sometimes with distress.

Against the English

BSB and WEB have "perplexed," ESV "uncertain," NIV and NASB "at a loss." All of these are accurate. The KJV's "doubting" was accurate in 1611, when "doubt" commonly meant to be uncertain or to hesitate between options. Today "doubting" mostly suggests skepticism or failing faith, which is not what the verb says.

How it drifted

The verb itself has not drifted. The English "doubt" has: its sense narrowed toward disbelief, especially in religious language ("doubting Thomas").

Used elsewhere in the period

Mark 6:20: Herod listened to John and "was greatly perplexed" (polla ēporei). Luke 24:4: the women at the empty tomb are "at a loss" (aporeisthai). Acts 25:20: Festus is "at a loss" how to investigate. Gal 4:20: Paul "is perplexed" about the Galatians. 2 Cor 4:8 plays on the word: "perplexed (aporoumenoi) but not utterly at a loss (exaporoumenoi)." The LXX uses it for Jacob's anxious distress before meeting Esau (Gen 32:8 LXX). In classical Greek (e.g. Plato) it is common for a debater stuck with no answer.

From the study of Luke 24:4

Range of meaning

Built from a- ("without") and poros ("a way through, a passage, a means"). It means to be without resources or a way forward: to be at a loss, baffled, unable to decide what to do. In the middle voice, as here, it describes the inner state of being stuck or bewildered.

Against the English

BSB "puzzling over this" sounds like calm thinking through a riddle. KJV "much perplexed" and WEB "greatly perplexed" are stronger, but they follow a later text (see variants). "At a loss" fits the Greek best: not curiosity but helplessness.

Used elsewhere in the period

Common in classical and Koine Greek for helplessness, including in the papyri for being without means. In the Greek Old Testament, Gen 32:8 (32:7 Eng.) uses it for Jacob's distress, and Isa 8:23 for the gloom of the land. In the NT: Mark 6:20 (Herod at a loss over John), John 13:22 (the disciples at a loss over who would betray Jesus), Acts 25:20, 2 Cor 4:8 ("at a loss, but not in despair"), Gal 4:20.