"to make proof or trial of, put to the proof, whether with good or mischievous intent, Mt. 16:1; 22:35; absol. to attempt, Acts 16:7; 24:6; in NT to tempt, Mt. 4:1; to try, subject to trial, 1 Cor. 10:13"
Definition and meaning
to make proof or trial of, put to the proof, whether with good or mischievous intent, Mt. 16:1; 22:35; absol. to attempt, Acts 16:7; 24:6; in NT to tempt, Mt. 4:1; to try, subject to trial, 1 Cor. 10:13
In the original Greek the word is written: πειράζω
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 peirazo (G3985) across the King James Bible.
Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil.
And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.
The Pharisees also with the Sadducees came, and tempting desired him that he would shew them a sign from heaven.
The Pharisees also came unto him, tempting him, and saying unto him, Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife for every cause?
But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, Why tempt ye me, ye hypocrites?
Then one of them, which was a lawyer, asked him a question, tempting him, and saying,
And he was there in the wilderness forty days, tempted of Satan; and was with the wild beasts; and the angels ministered unto him.
And the Pharisees came forth, and began to question with him, seeking of him a sign from heaven, tempting him.
And the Pharisees came to him, and asked him, Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife? tempting him.
Shall we give, or shall we not give? But he, knowing their hypocrisy, said unto them, Why tempt ye me? bring me a penny, that I may see it.
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Common questions
Strong's G3985 (peirazo) is a Greek word that means: to make proof or trial of, put to the proof, whether with good or mischievous intent, Mt. 16:1; 22:35; absol. to attempt, Acts 16:7; 24:6; in NT to tempt, Mt. 4:1; to try, subject to trial, 1 Cor. 10:... It appears 35 times in the King James Bible.
The word peirazo (G3985) appears 35 times in the original Greek text.
Strong's G3985 is peirazo, a Greek word defined as: to make proof or trial of, put to the proof, whether with good or mischievous intent, Mt. 16:1; 22:35; absol. to attempt, Acts 16:7; 24:6; in NT to te. James Strong catalogued this in his 1890 concordance to help English readers study the original languages of the Bible.
peirazo is a Greek word found in the New Testament.