Brief Overview of πειρασμός (Strong’s G3986: peirasmos)

Strong’s G3986: From πειράζω; a testing, trial, or temptation. Refers to both external trials and internal temptations. In NT usage, particularly significant in Lord’s Prayer and teachings about spiritual warfare. Describes experiences that test faith and character through adversity or enticement.

U- Unveiling the Word

Πειρασμός represents the dual reality of testing and temptation in Christian life. Appearing critically in the Lord’s Prayer and teachings about spiritual warfare, it encompasses both divinely permitted trials and satanic attempts to lead astray. Early church writers extensively discussed its implications for spiritual formation. Today, it helps believers understand trials as opportunities for growth while recognizing temptation’s dangerous nature.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: πειρασμός, peirasmos, [pay-ras-MOSS]
• Detailed pronunciation: pay-rahs-MOSS (emphasis on final syllable)
• Part of Speech: Noun

Etymology:

• Root: πειράζω (to test/tempt)
• Suffix: -μός (forms noun of action/result)
• Shows process or result of testing

D – Defining Meanings

• Trial, testing
• Temptation
• Proving
• Adversity

For compound words: Not applicable as this is a derived noun

Translation Options:

• Trial – When emphasizing testing aspect
• Temptation – When emphasizing enticement
• Testing – When emphasizing process

E – Exploring Similar Words

• δοκιμή [dokimē, do-kee-MAY] – approved testing
• δοκιμασία [dokimasia, do-kee-ma-SEE-ah] – examination
• πεῖρα [peira, PAY-rah] – trial, attempt

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

• Second Declension
• Masculine Gender
• Nominative: πειρασμός
• Genitive: πειρασμοῦ
• Dative: πειρασμῷ
• Accusative: πειρασμόν
• Cross-references: πειράζω (to test), πειραστής (tempter)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its range from testing to temptation. Thayer’s notes theological significance in prayer contexts. LSJ traces development in moral literature. Vine’s highlights NT usage patterns. Moulton and Milligan show usage in testing situations.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
“And do not lead us into temptation [πειρασμός], but deliver us from the evil one.” (Matthew 6:13)

Additional References:
Luke 11:4, 1 Corinthians 10:13, James 1:2, 1 Peter 1:6

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Πειρασμός teaches us that trials and temptations, while challenging, can strengthen faith when faced with dependence on God. Christ’s victory over temptation and promise of help in trials assures believers that God provides escape routes and uses trials for spiritual growth.

D – Did You Know?

1. Central term in desert fathers’ writings on spiritual warfare
2. Used in ancient athletic training contexts
3. Key concept in development of Christian asceticism

Strong’s G3986: From πειράζω; a testing, trial, or temptation. Refers to both external trials and internal temptations. In NT usage, particularly significant in Lord’s Prayer and teachings about spiritual warfare. Describes experiences that test faith and character through adversity or enticement.

Part of speech: Noun

Tags: #Temptation #Trials #Testing #LordsPrayer #SpiritualWarfare #Faith #Adversity #Victory #Perseverance #ChristianLife​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​