Brief Overview of πειράζω (Strong’s G3985: peirazō)

Strong’s G3985: From πεῖρα; to test, try, or tempt. Used for both divine testing and malicious temptation. In NT usage, describes Satan’s attempts to cause sin, God’s testing of faith, and human trials. Critically important in understanding spiritual warfare and faith development.

U- Unveiling the Word

Πειράζω encompasses both divine testing and satanic temptation, representing a crucial concept in spiritual life. In the NT, it appears in pivotal moments like Jesus’s wilderness temptation and discussions of Christian trials. Early church writers distinguished between God’s refining tests and Satan’s destructive temptations. Today, it helps believers understand the nature of spiritual testing and temptation in their walk with Christ.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: πειράζω, peirazō, [pay-RAD-zo]
• Detailed pronunciation: pay-RAH-zoh
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• Root: πεῖρα (trial, attempt)
• Suffix: -άζω (causative verb ending)
• Forms verb meaning “to put to test”

D – Defining Meanings

• To test, try
• To tempt
• To prove, examine
• To attempt, endeavor

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

Translation Options:

• Test – When emphasizing examination
• Tempt – When emphasizing enticement to evil
• Try – When emphasizing proving character

E – Exploring Similar Words

• δοκιμάζω [dokimazō, do-kee-MAH-zo] – to test with positive intent
• ἐκπειράζω [ekpeirazō, ek-pay-RAH-zo] – to test thoroughly
• συνδοκιμάζω [syndokimazō, soon-do-kee-MAH-zo] – to examine together

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Verb features:

• Present Active: πειράζω
• Future: πειράσω
• Aorist: ἐπείρασα
• Perfect: πεπείρακα

Shows:

• Regular -άζω pattern
• Both active and passive uses
• Continuous and punctiliar aspects
• Cross-references: πειρασμός (temptation), πεῖρα (trial)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes dual nature of testing/tempting. Thayer’s distinguishes divine/satanic purposes. LSJ traces development from neutral testing to negative tempting. Vine’s highlights NT usage patterns. Moulton and Milligan show legal usage.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
“Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted [πειράζω] by the devil.” (Matthew 4:1)

Additional References:
Mark 1:13, Luke 4:2, 1 Corinthians 10:13, Hebrews 2:18

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Πειράζω reveals both the refining nature of God’s testing and the destructive intent of satanic temptation. Christ’s victory over temptation and promise of help in trials encourages believers that testing can strengthen faith when faced with divine dependence.

D – Did You Know?

1. Used in metallurgy for testing metal purity
2. Key term in ancient educational assessment
3. Influenced development of Christian spiritual direction

Strong’s G3985: From πεῖρα; to test, try, or tempt. Used for both divine testing and malicious temptation. In NT usage, describes Satan’s attempts to cause sin, God’s testing of faith, and human trials. Critically important in understanding spiritual warfare and faith development.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: #Temptation #Testing #SpiritualWarfare #Trials #Faith #JesusTemptation #Perseverance #DivineTesting #Satan #Victory​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​