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πειρασμός

peirasmós

G3986 noun

SILEX Entry

Definition

Test, trial, or attempt; a situation in which a person or group is put to the test to demonstrate character, fidelity, or resolve. In some contexts, refers to enticement or solicitation toward unworthy or wrongful action (moral temptation), but more generally describes circumstances of ordeal, adversity, or testing, whether the outcome is intended to be positive (proving) or negative (enticement to fail).

Semantic Range

test, trial, attempt, ordeal, adversity, situation of proving, enticement, solicitation (to wrongdoing), circumstance of testing

Root / Etymology

From the verb πειράζω (to try, test, attempt), which is related to the root πειρά- meaning 'to attempt' or 'to make trial.'

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical Greek, πειρασμός generally referred to a trial, test, or attempt—any process of trying or putting something or someone to the proof. In the Hellenistic and Koine periods, including the Septuagint and New Testament, the term often takes on a dual sense: (1) a circumstance in which loyalty, faithfulness, or character is tested (an ordeal or proving), and (2) a situation of moral challenge or enticement (temptation), particularly the lure toward improper action. The context typically clarifies whether the emphasis is on proving (as in a refining process) or on the danger of being led astray (as in a temptation to sin or disloyalty). Notably, standard English Bibles often translate πειρασμός as 'temptation,' but this can obscure the broader and more neutral sense found in Greek usage, which does not always imply a moral or negative outcome. In Second Temple Jewish literature and the New Testament, πειρασμός frequently refers both to periods of communal trial (adversity or testing) and to events where individuals confront choices between loyalty and betrayal. The word does not inherently specify whether the trial comes from God, hostile forces, or ordinary circumstances.

Translation Consistency

primary "test" 17 occurrences

‘Test’ is the most frequent and natural English equivalent and covers the primary semantic range (trial, ordeal, proving) while still being usable for contexts of enticement/temptation (a ‘test’ of faith). It is versatile, idiomatic, and will read naturally across all forms of πειρασμός without forcing a narrower sense like ‘temptation’ or ‘trial.’

Alternatives (4 occurrences):
"trials" (4x)

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from πειράζω; a putting to proof (by experiment (of good), experience (of evil), solicitation, discipline or provocation); by implication, adversity:--temptation, X try.

Root Family

πειρασμός (peirasmos) — test, trial, attempt, ordeal

Root πειρα- to try, to test, to attempt

Word Forms

5 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G3986-03 πειρασμόν peirasmon N ACC M SG temptation a test a test 12
G3986-05 πειρασμοῦ peirasmou N GEN M SG of temptation of testing of testing 4
G3986-02 πειρασμοῖς peirasmois N DAT M PL trials tests trials 3
G3986-01 πειρασμῷ peirasmo N DAT M SG temptation to a test test 1
G3986-04 πειρασμὸς peirasmos N NOM M SG temptation a test a test 1

Occurrences in Scripture

21 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G3986-03 Matthew 6:13 πειρασμόν peirasmon N ACC M SG temptation a test a test
G3986-03 Matthew 26:41 πειρασμόν peirasmon N ACC M SG temptation a test a test
G3986-03 Mark 14:38 πειρασμόν peirasmon N ACC M SG temptation a test a test
G3986-03 Luke 4:13 πειρασμὸν peirasmon N ACC M SG temptation a test test
G3986-05 Luke 8:13 πειρασμοῦ peirasmou N GEN M SG of temptation of testing of testing
G3986-03 Luke 11:4 πειρασμόν peirasmon N ACC M SG temptation a test a test
G3986-02 Luke 22:28 πειρασμοῖς peirasmois N DAT M PL trials tests trials
G3986-03 Luke 22:40 πειρασμόν peirasmon N ACC M SG temptation a test a test
G3986-03 Luke 22:46 πειρασμόν peirasmon N ACC M SG temptation a test a test
G3986-03 Acts 20:19 πειρασμῶν peirasmon N GEN M PL trials a test trials
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