English · KJV
G3986

πειρασμός

peirasmós /pi-ras-mos'/ Ask about this word
Rootfrom πειράζω
Meaninga putting to proof (by experiment (of good), experience (of evil), solicitation, discipline or provocation); by implication, adversity
KJV usagetemptation, X try.

Word Study

In depth

A plain-language study of peirasmós — the range of meaning it carries, how Scripture actually uses it, and where it points. Written for readers who don’t know the original language.

Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Greek word peirasmós, represented by G3986, refers to a temptation or a putting to proof. It appears 21 times across 20 unique verses in the Bible. The term's base definition is "a putting to proof (by experiment (of good), experience (of evil), solicitation, discipline or provocation); by implication, adversity."

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

In scripture, G3986 describes various trials faced by believers. It can refer to general hardships that test one's faith, as believers are told to "count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations" James 1:2 and may experience "heaviness through manifold temptations" 1 Peter 1:6. The word is also used in the context of spiritual discipline, with a command to "watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation" Matthew 26:41. The Lord's Prayer includes a plea for divine guidance: "lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil" Matthew 6:13. While God provides a way to escape 1 Corinthians 10:13, a time of temptation can also cause those with no root to "fall away" Luke 8:13.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words help clarify the meaning of G3986:

  • G3985 peirázō (to test (objectively), i.e. endeavor, scrutinize, entice, discipline): This is the verb form from which peirasmós is derived. It is used to describe the act of being "tempted" and God's promise not to allow believers to be tested beyond what they can bear 1 Corinthians 10:13.
  • G5278 hypoménō (to undergo, i.e. bear (trials), have fortitude, persevere): This describes the proper response to trials. A man is called blessed when he "endureth temptation" James 1:12, highlighting the need for perseverance.
  • G4506 rhýomai (to rush or draw (for oneself), i.e. rescue): This word signifies the deliverance sought in prayer. It appears in the Lord's Prayer, where the plea to not be led into temptation is followed by the request to "deliver us from evil" Matthew 6:13.
  • G868 aphístēmi (to remove, i.e. (actively) instigate to revolt; usually (reflexively) to desist, desert, etc.): This word describes the potential negative outcome of a trial, as seen when some who believe for a while will "in time of temptation fall away" Luke 8:13.

Theological Significance

The theological weight of G3986 is significant, outlining a core element of the Christian life.

  • A Test of Faith: Temptation often serves as a trial to prove one's faith. Those who endure are promised a "crown of life" James 1:12, and what is called a "fiery trial" is intended to "try" believers 1 Peter 4:12.
  • Divine Sovereignty and Deliverance: Scripture affirms that God is in control of these trials. He is faithful and will not allow believers to be tempted beyond their ability but will "make a way to escape" 1 Corinthians 10:13. The Lord knows how to "deliver the godly out of temptations" 2 Peter 2:9.
  • The Need for Spiritual Vigilance: Believers have a responsibility to be watchful. Jesus commands his disciples to "watch and pray, lest ye enter into temptation," acknowledging that "the flesh is weak" Mark 14:38.

Summary

In summary, G3986 is a complex term that extends beyond simple enticement to sin. It defines the trials, adversity, and tests of faith that are part of the human experience. The concept frames a key spiritual dynamic: the believer's need for watchfulness and prayer, God's promise to deliver the faithful, and the potential for a great reward for those who endure.

How the KJV Renders It

Translation

Strong’s lists the renderings but not their weight. These are counted from the King James text of the tagged verses — the bar under each is how often the translators actually reached for it. Select one to filter the occurrences below.

Grammatical Forms

Morphology

In the Greek New Testament, this word appears as a noun across 21 occurrences, inflected in 6 grammatical forms — each row is one form, and the bar is how often it is that form. Select any form to read what each part of its name means, and to filter the occurrence list to it.

  • πειρασμόν
  • πειρασμοῦ
  • πειρασμοῖς
  • πειρασμῷ
  • πειρασμῶν
  • πειρασμὸς

Related Words

Related

Other entries the study above points to — each one is drawn from a reference it makes. Follow the trail to see how the words connect.

G3985 πειράζω to test (objectively), i.e. endeavor, scrutinize, entice, discipline G5278 ὑπομένω to stay under (behind), i.e. remain G4506 ῥύομαι to rush or draw (for oneself), i.e. rescue G868 ἀφίστημι to remove, i.e. (actively) instigate to revolt

Theographic Context

Context

The people, places, and span of history the verses containing this word touch on — drawn from the theographic tagging of Scripture. Select any name to isolate its verses in the occurrence list.

Biblical Distribution

Distribution

Appears in 20 verses across 12 of the 27 books. Most frequent in Luke (6 verses); never once in the other 15.

2
Matthew
1
Mark
6
Luke
1
Acts
1
1 Corinthians
1
Galatians
1
1 Timothy
1
Hebrews
2
James
2
1 Peter
1
2 Peter
1
Revelation

Every Occurrence

Concordance

Every verse where the word is tagged in the King James text. Filter by book, by the English word the translators chose, by grammatical form, or search within the verses.

Sources. Definition and numbering: James Strong, Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible (1890). Morphology: STEPBible / Tyndale House (CC BY). Verse tagging: the King James text keyed to Strong’s numbers. Every count on this page is computed from the tagged corpus, not estimated.