Original Word: πειράομαι
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: peiraomai
Pronunciation: pi-RAH-oh-my
Phonetic Spelling: (pi-rah'-o)
Definition: To attempt, to try, to test, to tempt
Meaning: mid: I try, attempt, endeavor.

assay.

From peira; to test (subjectively), i.e. (reflexively) to attempt -- assay.

see GREEK peira

Word Origin
from peira
Definition
to try, attempt
NASB Translation
tried (1).

STRONGS NT 3987: πειράω

πειράω: imperfect middle 3 person (singular and plural), ἐπειρᾶτο, ἐπειρῶντο; perfect passive participle πεπειραμενος (see below); common in Greek writings from Homer down; to try; i. e.:

1. to make a trial, to attempt (A. V. to assay), followed by an infinitive; often so from Homer down; also so in the middle in Acts 9:26 R G; (Xenophon, symp. 4, 7; Cyril 1, 4, 5, etc.; often in Polybius; Aelian v. h. I, 34; 2 Macc. 2:23; 3Macc. 1:25; 4 Macc. 12:2, etc.); hence, πεπειραμενος taught by trial, experienced, Hebrews 4:15 in certain manuscripts and editions ((Rec.st), Tdf. formerly) (see below, and cf. πειράζω, d. α.).

2. In post-Homer usage with the accusative of a person to test, make trial of one, put him to the proof: his mind, sentiments, temper, Plutarch, Brut. 10; in particular, to attempt to induce one to commit some (especially a carnal) crime; cf. Passow, under the word, 3{a}; (Liddell and Scott, under the word, A. IV. 2). Hence, πεπειραμενος in Hebrews 4:15 (see 1 above) is explained by some (cf. Winer's Grammar, § 15. Note at the end) tempted to sin; but the passive in this sense is not found in Greek writings; see Delitzsch at the passage.

Word Origin: Middle voice of the Greek verb πειράω (peiráō), which means "to attempt" or "to try."

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: • H5254 נָסָה (nasah): To test, to try, to prove. This Hebrew term is often used in the Old Testament to describe God's testing of His people, similar to the Greek concept of testing or proving.
• H974 בָּחַן (bachan): To examine, to try, to prove. This term is used in contexts where individuals or their actions are tested or examined, aligning with the Greek understanding of testing.

This entry provides a comprehensive understanding of the Greek term πειράομαι, its usage in the New Testament, and its theological significance, along with corresponding Hebrew terms that convey similar meanings.

Usage: The verb πειράομαι is used in the New Testament to describe the act of testing or trying, often in the context of trials or temptations. It can refer to both divine testing and human temptation.

Context: • Contextual Overview: In the New Testament, πειράομαι is used to describe situations where individuals or groups are tested or tempted. This can involve both external trials and internal temptations. The term is often used in contexts where faith and character are being examined or challenged.
• Theological Implications: Theologically, πειράομαι highlights the dual nature of testing and temptation. While God may test individuals to strengthen their faith (as seen in James 1:2-4), temptation to sin is not from God (James 1:13-14). Instead, it arises from one's own desires or from external sources.
• Key Scriptural References:
• James 1:13-14 (BSB): "When tempted, no one should say, 'God is tempting me.' For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He tempt anyone. But each one is tempted when by his own evil desires he is lured away and enticed."
• Hebrews 4:15 (BSB): "For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who was tempted in every way that we are, yet was without sin."
• 1 Corinthians 10:13 (BSB): "No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide an escape, so that you can stand up under it."
• Practical Application: Believers are encouraged to view trials as opportunities for growth and to rely on God's faithfulness in times of temptation. The assurance of divine support and the provision of a way out of temptation are central to the Christian understanding of enduring trials.

επειρωντο ἐπειρῶντο epeironto epeirônto epeirōnto epeirō̂ntoInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts