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G3984 (πεῖρα)

Summary

Quick facts

Strong’s Number: G3984
Original Word: πεῖρα
Transliteration: peîra
Pronunciation: pi'-rah
Part of Speech: noun
Category: Unique Words
Root / Etymology: from the base of G4008 (πέραν) (through the idea of piercing);
Frequency: 2×
Gematria: 196

Where it appears

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Definition

Strong 1890 a test, i.e. attempt, experience

assayingtrial

from the base of G4008 (πέραν) (through the idea of piercing);

Commentary

Contributors:

Strong's G3984: A primary noun meaning trial, attempt, or experience. Used for testing through experience or attempting something. In NT context, appears in Hebrews discussing both faith attempts and trials. Carries connotations of experiential knowledge gained through testing or attempting.

U- Unveiling the Word

Πεῖρα represents the concept of gaining knowledge through experience or testing. In Hebrews, it describes both attempting actions in faith and experiencing trials. Early church writers understood it as expressing the experiential nature of faith development. Today, it reminds us that faith involves both active attempts and enduring trials.

N - Necessary Information

Greek Word: πεῖρα, peira, [PAY-rah]
Detailed pronunciation: PAY-rah (emphasis on first syllable)
Part of Speech: Noun

Etymology:

Primary root *per- (to try)
Related to πειράζω (to test)
Forms noun of experience/attempt
Connected to Latin peritus (experienced)

D - Defining Meanings

Trial, testing
Attempt, endeavor
Experience
Experimental knowledge

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

Translation Options:

Trial - When emphasizing testing aspect
Attempt - When emphasizing effort
Experience - When emphasizing knowledge gained

E - Exploring Similar Words

πειρασμός [peirasmos, pay-ras-MOSS] - temptation/testing
δοκιμή [dokimē, do-kee-MAY] - testing, proof
ἐμπειρία [empeiria, em-pay-REE-ah] - experience

R - Reviewing the Word's Morphology

First Declension
Feminine Gender
Nominative: πεῖρα
Genitive: πείρας
Dative: πείρᾳ
Accusative: πεῖραν
Cross-references: πειράζω (to test), ἐμπειρος (experienced)

S - Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes experiential aspect. Thayer's notes both attempt and trial meanings. LSJ traces development in scientific contexts. Vine's highlights its use in Hebrews. Moulton and Milligan show technical usage in papyri.

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T - Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
"By faith they passed through the Red Sea as by dry land, whereas the Egyptians, attempting [πεῖρα] to do so, were drowned." (Hebrews 11:29)

Additional References:
Hebrews 11:36

A - Analyzing Classical Usage

Author: Work	Text
Plato: Laws	"Learning through experience [πεῖρα]."
Thucydides: History	"Making an attempt [πεῖρα] at the walls."
Hippocrates: Medicine	"Knowledge comes from trial [πεῖρα]."

N - Noteworthy Summary

Πεῖρα teaches us that faith involves both active attempts and learned experience through trials. Like Israel crossing the Red Sea, true faith steps out in obedience while learning through experience. This encourages us that growth in Christ comes through both active faith and enduring trials.

D - Did You Know?

Used in ancient scientific method discussions
Key term in Greek educational theory
Influenced development of empirical terminology

Part of speech: Noun

Tags: #Trial #Experience #Testing #Faith #Attempt #Learning #Hebrews #Perseverance #BiblicalHistory #SpiritualGrowth

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