from πεῖρα; to test (subjectively), i.e. (reflexively) to attempt:--assay.
Transliteration:peiráō
Pronunciation:pi-rah'-o
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb πειράω (peiráō, `{{G3987}}`) is derived from the noun πεῖρα (peira), which signifies "a trial," "an attempt," or "experience." Consequently, πειράω fundamentally means "to make a trial of," "to test," or "to try." The definition provided emphasizes a subjective testing or, reflexively, "to attempt" or "to assay." This implies an earnest effort to do something, or to put something to the test from the perspective of the one undertaking the action, often with the aim of discerning capability, feasibility, or outcome. It describes an active endeavor, an undertaking that may or may not reach its intended conclusion.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the New Testament, πειράω (peiráō, `{{G3987}}`) appears infrequently, primarily in the book of Acts, where it consistently conveys the sense of "to attempt" or "to try."
* **[[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." Here, the verb describes Saul's earnest endeavor to integrate himself into the community of believers in Jerusalem. It highlights his active attempt to connect, which was initially met with suspicion due to his past persecution of Christians. The disciples' fear rendered his attempt unsuccessful at first.
* **[[Acts 16:7]]**: "After they were come to Mysia, they *assayed* to go into Bithynia: but the Spirit suffered them not." This passage illustrates Paul and his companions' intention and effort to preach the Gospel in Bithynia. The use of πειράω signifies their deliberate attempt to enter that region. However, their well-intentioned effort was divinely restrained, indicating the Holy Spirit's sovereign guidance over their missionary journey, directing them instead towards Macedonia.
These occurrences uniformly depict human agents making conscious efforts or attempts to carry out an action, sometimes successfully, sometimes thwarted by circumstances or divine intervention. The focus is on the initiation of the action or the endeavor itself.
### Related Words & Concepts
πειράω (peiráō, `{{G3987}}`) exists within a semantic field of words related to testing and trying:
* **πειράζω (peirazō, `{{G3985}}`)**: This is a much more common and semantically rich verb, often translated as "to tempt" (with a negative connotation, leading to sin) or "to test" (in a neutral sense, to prove or ascertain character/faith). While sharing the same root, πειράζω frequently carries the implication of a moral or spiritual trial, or an enticement to evil, which πειράω generally lacks. πειράω is more about the practical act of *trying to do something*.
* **δοκιμάζω (dokimazō, `{{G1381}}`)**: This verb means "to test," "to examine," or "to prove," often with the specific aim of discerning genuineness, quality, or fitness, leading to approval or disapproval. It tends to be a more objective process of evaluation, distinct from the subjective *attempt* conveyed by πειράω.
* **ἀποπειράομαι (apopeiraomai, `{{G661}}`)**: A compound form of πειράω, meaning "to try to do something," "to attempt," or "to make trial of." It reinforces the idea of an earnest effort or an experimental attempt.
The key distinction for πειράω (peiráō, `{{G3987}}`) in the New Testament is its consistent focus on the *endeavor* or *attempt* of an agent to perform an action, rather than primarily denoting moral temptation or objective evaluation.
### Theological Significance
Given its limited and specific usage, πειράω (peiráō, `{{G3987}}`) does not contribute to a major theological doctrine in itself. However, its occurrences offer insightful glimpses into the dynamics of human agency within God's overarching plan:
* **Human Initiative and Earnestness**: In [[Acts 9:26]], Saul's *attempt* to join the disciples underscores the human desire for fellowship and integration within the nascent Christian community. It highlights the earnestness of his conversion and his active pursuit of discipleship.
* **Divine Sovereignty and Guidance**: The most significant theological implication arises from [[Acts 16:7]]. Paul and his companions, driven by evangelistic zeal, *attempted* to enter Bithynia. Their effort, though well-intentioned, was superseded by the Holy Spirit's will. This powerfully illustrates the principle that even the most dedicated human endeavors are subject to God's sovereign direction. God's plan often involves redirecting human efforts to achieve His greater purposes, demonstrating that divine guidance can both enable and restrict human action for the sake of the Gospel. It underscores the necessity of discerning and submitting to the Spirit's leading, even when it means abandoning one's own well-laid plans.
### Summary
πειράω (peiráō, `{{G3987}}`) is a Greek verb meaning "to attempt," "to try," or "to endeavor." Derived from πεῖρα (peira), signifying "trial" or "experience," its core sense revolves around making a subjective trial or an earnest effort to accomplish something. In the New Testament, its usage is notably sparse, appearing primarily in the book of Acts. Key instances include Saul's *attempt* to join the disciples in [[Acts 9:26]] and Paul and his companions' *attempt* to enter Bithynia in [[Acts 16:7]]. Unlike πειράζω (peirazō, `{{G3985}}`), which often carries connotations of moral temptation, πειράω focuses purely on the action of trying or endeavoring. Theologically, its occurrences serve to illustrate both the earnestness of human initiative in God's service and, crucially, the overarching sovereignty of the Holy Spirit in directing and sometimes redirecting human plans for the unfolding of God's redemptive purposes.
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