Refiner Word Study peirao (G3987)
G3987  ·  Greek  ·  Strong's Concordance
πειράω
peirao
2 occurrences in Scripture Greek

"to try, attempt, essay, endeavor, Acts 26:21*"

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Definition and meaning

What does peirao mean in Greek?

2
Occurrences in Scripture
G3987
Strong's number
Greek
Original language

to try, attempt, essay, endeavor, Acts 26:21*

In the original Greek the word is written: πειράω

Historical context

What was happening when this word was written?

Early Church Period (c. AD 30-62)

The Roman Empire provided infrastructure no previous civilization had built — roads, sea routes, a common language in Greek, and relative peace across the Mediterranean. Jewish synagogues existed in every major city, giving Paul a starting point everywhere he traveled. The early church had no buildings, no political power, no social standing — and spread faster than any movement in ancient history.

The people who first heard this word were not reading a book — they were living through empires, oppression, exile, and covenant. Every word carried the weight of that reality. Understanding it changes how you read Scripture.

Scripture references

Top 2 Bible verses with peirao

These are the most notable occurrences of peirao (G3987) across the King James Bible.

Acts 9:26

And when Saul was come to Jerusalem, he assayed to join himself to the disciples: but they were all afraid of him, and believed not that he was a disciple.

Acts 26:21

For these causes the Jews caught me in the temple, and went about to kill me.

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Common questions

Frequently asked questions about peirao

What does peirao mean in Greek?

Strong's G3987 (peirao) is a Greek word that means: to try, attempt, essay, endeavor, Acts 26:21* It appears 2 times in the King James Bible.

How many times does peirao appear in the Bible?

The word peirao (G3987) appears 2 times in the original Greek text.

What is Strong's number G3987?

Strong's G3987 is peirao, a Greek word defined as: to try, attempt, essay, endeavor, Acts 26:21*. James Strong catalogued this in his 1890 concordance to help English readers study the original languages of the Bible.

Is peirao in the Old Testament or New Testament?

peirao is a Greek word found in the New Testament.