ἐκπειράζω
ekpeirázō
G1598 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To test or try thoroughly, to make a complete trial of, to scrutinize by means of testing; in some contexts, to attempt to trap or entrap by setting a challenge or a test, or to tempt in a manner designed to induce failure or wrongdoing. The primary sense is to subject to examination or scrutiny through testing, which may include the sense of temptation or provocation depending on context.
Semantic Range
to test thoroughly, to scrutinize, to tempt, to provoke, to try (in the sense of making a complete trial), to attempt to entrap or induce failure
Root / Etymology
From the preposition ἐκ (out of, from) and the verb πειράζω (to test, try, attempt), forming a compound verb which intensifies the sense of testing to a full or complete degree.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical Greek, ἐκπειράζω appears with the sense of trying or testing someone or something thoroughly, often with the nuance of putting to the test to discover quality or character. In Hellenistic and Koine Greek, including the Septuagint and the New Testament, the verb can imply a more adversarial form of testing; for example, attempting to trap or provoke a person, especially in legal, ethical, or religious contexts. In the New Testament, ἐκπειράζω is used to describe both the testing of humans by God or by adversaries, and the act of testing God (i.e., challenging or demanding signs from God, implying a lack of trust or submission). Standard translations as 'tempt' may overly restrict the range to leading toward sin, but the broader semantic field includes testing, scrutiny, and provocation. The word contrasts with πειράζω, which can mean to try, attempt, or test more generally, while ἐκπειράζω emphasizes the thoroughness or intensity of the test.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from ἐκ and πειράζω; to test thoroughly:--tempt.
Root Family
ἐκπειράζω (ekpeirazō) — to try, to test, to attempt
Word Forms
4 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1598-01 |
ἐκπειράσεις | ekpeiraseis | V FUT ACT IND 2P SG |
you shall test | you will thoroughly test | 2 |
G1598-02 |
ἐκπειράζωμεν | ekpeirazomen | V PRS ACT SUBJ 1P PL |
let us tempt | let us thoroughly test | 1 |
G1598-04 |
ἐκπειράζοντες | ekpeirazontes | V PRS ACT PTCP NOM M PL |
testing | those thoroughly testing | 1 |
G1598-03 |
ἐκπειράζων | ekpeirazon | V PRS ACT PTCP NOM M SG |
testing | thoroughly testing | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
5 total occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1598-01 |
Matthew 4:7 | ἐκπειράσεις | ekpeiraseis | V FUT ACT IND 2P SG |
you will thoroughly test | |
G1598-01 |
Luke 4:12 | ἐκπειράσεις | ekpeiraseis | V FUT ACT IND 2P SG |
you shall test | you will thoroughly test |
G1598-03 |
Luke 10:25 | ἐκπειράζων | ekpeirazon | V PRS ACT PTCP NOM M SG |
testing | thoroughly testing |
G1598-04 |
John 8:4 | ἐκπειράζοντες | ekpeirazontes | V PRS ACT PTCP NOM M PL |
testing | those thoroughly testing |
G1598-02 |
1 Corinthians 10:9 | ἐκπειράζωμεν | ekpeirazomen | V PRS ACT SUBJ 1P PL |
let us tempt | let us thoroughly test |