ἀπορία (aporia)
aporia
perplexity
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun aporia describes a state of deep perplexity or confusion, where one is at a loss for what to do or think. In the New Testament, it appears only once, in Luke 21:25, describing the distress of people on earth who are bewildered by the roaring and crashing of the sea.
This word captures more than simple uncertainty; it implies a sense of being overwhelmed or paralyzed by circumstances that seem impossible to navigate. The imagery suggests a reaction to chaotic natural forces that defy human control, leaving observers in a state of anxious doubt about how to respond.
Its usage highlights the human tendency to feel lost when faced with events beyond comprehension. By placing this word in the context of cosmic signs and earthly turmoil, the text emphasizes the intensity of the fear and confusion experienced by those who do not yet understand the unfolding events.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word aporia describes a deep sense of being lost or paralyzed by circumstances that seem impossible to navigate. It captures the feeling of standing before chaotic forces beyond human control, where anxiety replaces clarity and direction vanishes. This is not merely simple uncertainty but a profound confusion that leaves observers at a loss for what to do or think.
In Luke 21:25, this perplexity arises from the roaring of the sea and its waves, symbols of natural turmoil that defy understanding. When life feels overwhelming and events seem chaotic, it is natural to feel this kind of distress. The text acknowledges this human tendency to feel lost when faced with the unknown.
Yet even in such moments of deep confusion, there is space for hope. Recognizing our limits does not mean abandonment; rather, it invites trust in a sovereignty that holds all things together. You are not alone in feeling overwhelmed, and peace can still be found amidst the noise.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- perplexity1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἀπορίᾳ1×
Key Verses
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Luke 21:25
“There will be signs in the sun, moon, and stars; and on the earth anxiety of nations, in perplexity for the roaring of the sea and the waves;
This occurrence matters because it links aporia specifically to cosmic signs and natural chaos, showing how external turmoil can trigger internal paralysis.