diaporeo describes being at a loss over the meaning or explanation of what has been seen or heard.

Across the attested verses, the verb describes sustained uncertainty as people try to understand an event, report, or vision: a gathered crowd asks what an occurrence means, leaders consider what news may mean, Herod responds to conflicting reports, and Peter reflects on a vision.

1. Being at a loss about what something means · dominant

   In Acts 2:12, the plural imperfect form occurs as those present are amazed and ask, “What does this mean?” In Acts 5:24, the same plural imperfect form is used as the captain and chief priests consider what the reported events might mean; Acts 10:17 and Luke 9:7 likewise place the singular imperfect form with Peter's vision and Herod's reports about what was happening.

   Acts 2:12Acts 5:24Acts 10:17Luke 9:7

In the Anselm Project Bible: The APB uses “perplexed” in all four verses, adding “in himself” for Peter in Acts 10:17 and “greatly” for the leaders in Acts 5:24. These additions are features of the verse rendering rather than separate meanings of the term.