πειρασμός

trial, testing, temptation

Definition

The Greek word πειρασμός (peirasmos) carries a dual meaning of both 'testing' and 'temptation.' In a positive sense, it refers to a trial or proving of one's faith and character, as seen when God tested Abraham (Hebrews 11:17) or when believers face various trials (James 1:2). In a negative sense, it denotes enticement to sin, as when Jesus was tempted by the devil (Matthew 4:1) or when one is drawn away by their own desires (James 1:14). It can also refer to a severe calamity or affliction, as in the great tribulation (Revelation 3:10). The specific meaning is determined by the context and the source of the trial.

Biblical Usage

Πειρασμός is used 20 times in the New Testament, appearing in the Gospels, Epistles, and Revelation. In the Gospels, it often refers to temptation to sin, especially in the Lord's Prayer (Matthew 6:13, Luke 11:4) and the Gethsemane narrative (Matthew 26:41). In the Epistles, particularly James and 1 Peter, it emphasizes the testing of faith (James 1:2, 1 Peter 1:6). Revelation uses it for the end-time period of tribulation (Revelation 3:10). A key pattern is that the word's meaning shifts based on whether the context is human vulnerability to sin or divine permission for proving faith.

Etymology

Derived from the verb πειράζω (peirazō, G3985), meaning 'to test, try, or tempt.' The root relates to the idea of making an experiment or attempt. The noun πειρασμός thus denotes the process or result of such testing. Cognates include the adjective πειραστικός (peirastikos), meaning 'able to test.' The semantic range developed to encompass both the neutral act of proving and the malicious act of enticing to evil.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically crucial for understanding the nature of trials and temptation. It highlights that God may allow tests to strengthen faith (James 1:2-4), but he is not the source of temptation to sin (James 1:13). The distinction enriches reading of the Lord's Prayer, where believers ask not to be led into 'πειρασμός'—a plea for protection from both overwhelming trials and succumbing to sin. It connects to doctrines of providence, human free will, theodicy, and spiritual warfare, showing that the same circumstance can be a divine test and a demonic temptation.

In the Greco-Roman world, the concept of 'testing' was associated with proving the quality of metals or the courage of soldiers. The Jewish background, especially from the Septuagint, heavily influenced the New Testament usage, where God tests his people (e.g., Genesis 22:1) and Israel tests God (e.g., Psalm 95:8-9). Unlike a modern view that often sees 'temptation' as purely internal or psychological, the ancient context included a strong sense of external trial or assault, often with a spiritual dimension (e.g., from the devil or in times of persecution).

δοκιμή (dokimē, G1382) — emphasizes the proven character that results from a test. θλῖψις (thlipsis, G2347) — focuses on the pressure or tribulation itself, often more severe. ἐπαγωγή (epagōgē, not a NT word) — a classical term for putting to the test.

Word Details

Scripture References