πεῖρα
a trial, experiment
Definition
The Greek noun πεῖρα (peira) fundamentally means 'a trial,' 'an experiment,' or 'an attempt.' It refers to the act of testing something to discover its nature, quality, or outcome. In the New Testament, it is used specifically to denote a 'trial' or 'experience' of an event, particularly one that demonstrates the result of faith or action. For example, in Hebrews 11:29, it describes the Israelites' 'attempt' or 'experience' of crossing the Red Sea, while in Hebrews 11:36, it refers to the 'trials' of mocking and scourging endured by the faithful.
Biblical Usage
Πεῖρα is used only twice in the New Testament, both occurrences in Hebrews 11 within the 'Hall of Faith.' It is employed to summarize specific, concrete experiences—both of divine deliverance (the Red Sea crossing in Hebrews 11:29) and of personal suffering (mockery and scourging in Hebrews 11:36). This pattern shows the word functioning to encapsulate a defining event or ordeal that tested and demonstrated faith.
Etymology
Derived from the verb πειράω (peiraō), meaning 'to attempt,' 'to try,' or 'to test.' It is related to the noun πειρασμός (peirasmos, G3986), which more commonly means 'temptation' or 'testing.' The root idea is that of making a practical test or experiment to gain experience or proof.
Semantic Range
Though used only twice, πεῖρα is theologically significant as it highlights the tangible experiences of faith. In Hebrews 11, it connects abstract faith to real-world events—both miraculous deliverance and severe persecution. Understanding this Greek term enriches reading by emphasizing that biblical faith is proven and demonstrated through concrete trials and experiences, not merely internal belief.
In the Greco-Roman world, the concept of 'peira' (trial/experiment) was common in philosophical and scientific discourse, referring to empirical testing. The New Testament usage adapts this idea to the realm of faith, presenting life events as the proving ground where trust in God is validated. This differs from a modern casual 'attempt,' carrying more weight as a definitive experience with an outcome.
πειρασμός (peirasmos, G3986) — more common NT term for 'temptation' or 'testing,' often with a moral or spiritual focus. δοκιμή (dokimē, G1382) — 'proof' or 'tested character,' emphasizing the proven result of a trial.
Word Details
How this works
Definitions are from the Dodson Greek-English Lexicon, a concise public-domain resource suitable for introductory word study. Brief glosses are supplemented by STEPBible TBESG data (CC BY 4.0). For advanced research, standard scholarly references include BDAG (Danker, 3rd ed.) and LSJ.
Full methodology & sources →