"a putting to the proof, proof, trial, 1 Pet. 4:12; Heb. 3:8; direct temptation to sin, Lk. 4:13; trial, temptation, Mt. 6:13; 26:41; 1 Cor. 10:13; trial, calamity, affliction, Lk. 22:28"
Definition and meaning
a putting to the proof, proof, trial, 1 Pet. 4:12; Heb. 3:8; direct temptation to sin, Lk. 4:13; trial, temptation, Mt. 6:13; 26:41; 1 Cor. 10:13; trial, calamity, affliction, Lk. 22:28
In the original Greek the word is written: πειρασμός
Historical context
Rome had controlled Judea since 63 BC. Herod the Great rebuilt the Temple into one of the most magnificent structures in the ancient world — and simultaneously murdered members of his own family. The common people paid multiple layers of taxation and were politically powerless. Into that world a carpenter from Galilee began teaching that the kingdom of God had arrived.
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
These are the most notable occurrences of peirasmos (G3986) across the King James Bible.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.
Watch ye and pray, lest ye enter into temptation. The spirit truly is ready, but the flesh is weak.
And when the devil had ended all the temptation, he departed from him for a season.
They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away.
And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil.
Ye are they which have continued with me in my temptations.
And when he was at the place, he said unto them, Pray that ye enter not into temptation.
And said unto them, Why sleep ye? rise and pray, lest ye enter into temptation.
Serving the Lord with all humility of mind, and with many tears, and temptations, which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews:
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Common questions
Strong's G3986 (peirasmos) is a Greek word that means: a putting to the proof, proof, trial, 1 Pet. 4:12; Heb. 3:8; direct temptation to sin, Lk. 4:13; trial, temptation, Mt. 6:13; 26:41; 1 Cor. 10:13; trial, calamity, affliction, Lk. 22:28 It appears 20 times in the King James Bible.
The word peirasmos (G3986) appears 20 times in the original Greek text.
Strong's G3986 is peirasmos, a Greek word defined as: a putting to the proof, proof, trial, 1 Pet. 4:12; Heb. 3:8; direct temptation to sin, Lk. 4:13; trial, temptation, Mt. 6:13; 26:41; 1 Cor. 10:13; tri. James Strong catalogued this in his 1890 concordance to help English readers study the original languages of the Bible.
peirasmos is a Greek word found in the New Testament.