Topical Encyclopedia
The term "perplexed" in the Bible often conveys a state of confusion, bewilderment, or being at a loss. It is used to describe situations where individuals face uncertainty or are unable to understand the circumstances they are in. This entry explores the usage of "perplexed" in the Scriptures, providing insight into its theological and practical implications.
Old Testament ContextIn the Old Testament, the concept of being perplexed is often associated with the challenges and trials faced by the people of Israel. Although the specific term "perplexed" is not frequently used, the idea is present in narratives where individuals or groups encounter situations beyond their understanding or control. For example, the Israelites often found themselves perplexed during their wilderness journey, facing challenges that tested their faith and reliance on God.
New Testament UsageThe New Testament provides a more explicit use of the term "perplexed." In
2 Corinthians 4:8, the Apostle Paul writes, "We are hard pressed on all sides, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair." Here, Paul acknowledges the reality of confusion and uncertainty in the Christian life but emphasizes that such perplexity does not lead to hopelessness. This passage highlights the resilience of believers who, despite being perplexed, maintain their trust in God's sovereignty and purpose.
Theological ImplicationsThe state of being perplexed is a common human experience, reflecting the limitations of human understanding in the face of divine mysteries. From a theological perspective, perplexity can serve as a catalyst for deeper faith and reliance on God. It reminds believers of their dependence on God's wisdom and guidance, encouraging them to seek His will and trust in His plans, even when circumstances are unclear.
Practical ApplicationsFor Christians, encountering perplexity can be an opportunity for spiritual growth. It challenges believers to turn to prayer, Scripture, and the counsel of fellow believers for clarity and direction. The Bible encourages believers to cast their anxieties on God, as seen in
1 Peter 5:7, "Cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you." This act of surrender allows Christians to find peace amidst confusion, knowing that God is in control.
Biblical ExamplesSeveral biblical figures experienced moments of perplexity. Joseph, when sold into slavery by his brothers, must have felt perplexed about God's plan for his life. Yet, he remained faithful, and God used his circumstances for a greater purpose (
Genesis 50:20). Similarly, Mary, the mother of Jesus, was initially perplexed by the angel Gabriel's announcement of her miraculous pregnancy (
Luke 1:29). Her response of faith and submission serves as a model for believers facing bewildering situations.
ConclusionWhile the Bible acknowledges the reality of being perplexed, it consistently points believers to a God who is not perplexed. His wisdom and understanding are infinite, and He invites His people to trust Him, even when they cannot see the full picture. Through faith, prayer, and the support of the Christian community, believers can navigate perplexity with hope and assurance in God's unfailing love and purpose.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
imp. & p. p.) of Perplex.
2. (a.) Entangled, involved, or confused; hence, embarrassed; puzzled; doubtful; anxious.
Greek
639. aporeo -- to be at a loss, beperplexed... to be at a loss, be
perplexed. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: aporeo Phonetic
Spelling: (ap-or-eh'-o) Short Definition: I am in difficulties, am at my
...1280. diaporeo -- to be greatlyperplexed or at a loss
... to be greatlyperplexed or at a loss. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: diaporeo
Phonetic Spelling: (dee-ap-or-eh'-o) Short Definition: I am in trouble...
1298. diatarasso -- to agitate greatly
... Lk 1:29). Word Origin from dia and tarasso Definition to agitate greatly
NASB Word Usage veryperplexed (1). trouble. From dia and...
Strong's Hebrew
7672. shebash -- to beperplexed... 7671, 7672. shebash. 7673 . to be
perplexed. Transliteration: shebash Phonetic
Spelling: (sheb-ash') Short Definition:
perplexed. Word Origin (Aramaic) a prim
...943. buk -- to perplex, confuse
... be entangled,perplexed. A primitive root; to involve (literally or figuratively) --
be entangled, (perplexed). 942, 943. buk. 944 . Strong's Numbers.
6323. pun -- be distracted
... Word Origin another reading for aphunah, qv. be distracted A primitive root meaning
to turn, ie Beperplexed -- be distracted. 6322, 6323. pun. 6324 ....
Library
Herod Antipas Supposes Jesus to be John.
... 63.] ^c the tetrarch heard of all that was done ^a heard the report concerning Jesus,
^b for his name had become known: ^c and he wasperplexed, because that...
A Soul's Tragedy
... 'And kept him safe'"from Herodias, that is. 'And when he heard him he was
perplexed'"drawn this way and that... 'When he heard him, he was muchperplexed.'....
1 John iv. 4-6
... Those who still adhere to the whole simple truth, may beperplexed at seeing these
errors increasing with seemingly irresistible power, and perverting many...
Some Time Ago, Macarius, a Man of Distinction from his Faith, his...
... appearance of a ship far off upon the sea coming towards him, which ship, when it
entered the port, was to solve all the knotty points which hadperplexed him....
Thoughts on a Revelation.
... inquiries of other kinds, have raised their several difficulties; and, in consequence,
infidels have rejoiced, candid inquirers have beenperplexed, and even...
Perpetual Covenants
... We find in our Meetings persons who areperplexed by the doctrinal statements
about Holiness or entire Sanctification and equivalent terms....
2 Cor. Iv. 8, 9
... Homily IX. 2 Cor. iv. 8, 9. 2 1 Corinthians 4:8, 9 We are pressed on every side,
yet not straitened;perplexed, yet not unto despair; pursued, yet not forsaken....
The Mystery of the Tabernacles.
... I am much moved, O Gregorion, considering within myself in how great anxiety of
mind Domnina must be from the character of the discourses,perplexed in heart...
Would that the Memory of the Fathers Would Exhale from the Tombs
... 3. How strangelyperplexed are all the heretics by simple things! For... faces.
The beholders were astonied andperplexed at thee....
The Marriage of Church Dignitaries.
... Now, when we saw that some who have been married twice may be much better than those
who have been married once, we wereperplexed why Paul does not at all...
Thesaurus
Perplexed (16 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Perplexed (16 Occurrences).
... And when he heard him,
he was much
perplexed; and he heard him gladly. (ASV NAS RSV).
...Perplexity (8 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (n.) The quality or state of beingperplexed or puzzled;
complication; intricacy; entanglement; distraction of mind through doubt or...
Greatly (297 Occurrences)
... Luke 9:7 Now Herod the tetrarch heard of all that was done by him; and he was very
perplexed, because it was said by some that John had risen from the dead...
Despair (23 Occurrences)
... de-spar': The substantive only in 2 Corinthians 4:8, "perplexed, but not in (the
Revised Version (British and American) "yet not unto") despair," literally...
Bewildered (11 Occurrences)
... & pp) of Bewilder. 2. (a.) Greatlyperplexed; as, a bewildered mind.... The king and
Haman sat down to drink; but the city of Shushan wasperplexed. (See NIV)....
Baffled (4 Occurrences)
... (See NIV). 2 Corinthians 4:8 We are hard pressed, yet never in absolute distress;
perplexed, yet never utterly baffled; (WEY). Ezekiel...
Mean (93 Occurrences)
... (WEY). Acts 2:12 They were all amazed, and wereperplexed, saying one to another,
"What does this mean?" (WEB KJV WEY ASV DBY WBS NAS RSV NIV)....
Perpetuity (5 Occurrences)
Habakkuk (3 Occurrences)
... oppressors. 1:5-11: Yahweh announces that He is about to send the Chaldeans
to execute judgment. 1:12-17: The prophet isperplexed. He...
Stood (491 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV ASV DBY WBS YLT RSV NIV). Luke 24:4 It happened, while they were greatly
perplexed about this, behold, two men stood by them in dazzling clothing....
Resources
What does the Bible say about despair? | GotQuestions.orgWho are the super-apostles Paul mentions in 2 Corinthians 11:5? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Herod Agrippa II? | GotQuestions.orgPerplexed: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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