The Greek word apeírastos, represented by G551, is defined as untried or not temptable. It appears only 1 time in 1 unique verse, making its single use highly significant. The word is formed from a negative particle and a root related to testing, conveying the idea of being inherently immune to or unacquainted with temptation.
The sole biblical appearance of G551 is in the context of defining the nature of God in relation to evil. The verse states, "Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man" James 1:13. Here, apeírastos is used to assert a foundational truth: God is intrinsically impervious to being tempted by what is evil, establishing His absolute moral purity and separation from sin.
Several related words in the passage help clarify the meaning of G551:
- G3985 peirázō (to test (objectively), i.e. endeavor, scrutinize, entice, discipline): This is the action that apeírastos negates. While humans are tempted G3985, the verse uses G551 to show that God is fundamentally "not to be tempted" James 1:13. The same root word is used to describe how believers may be tried Revelation 2:10.
- G2316 theós (a deity, especially (with ὁ) the supreme Divinity): This identifies the subject possessing the quality of being untemptable. The entire theological weight of G551 rests on it being a description of God himself James 1:13.
- G2556 kakós (worthless (intrinsically, such; whereas πονηρός properly refers to effects), i.e. (subjectively) depraved, or (objectively) injurious): This word specifies that which God cannot be tempted by. His nature is incompatible with evil, a concept seen elsewhere when believers are told not to render "evil for evil" 1 Peter 3:9.
The theological weight of G551 is focused on the character of God.
- Divine Infallibility: The word confirms that God's nature is perfect and cannot be compromised or enticed by evil. It reinforces the idea that He is the "Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning" James 1:17.
- Clarification of Temptation: G551 is crucial for distinguishing between divine testing and evil temptation. The passage firmly establishes that God is never the source of an enticement to sin, as He Himself is "not temptable" and does not tempt anyone with evil James 1:13.
- Moral Absoluteness: The term establishes God's absolute separation from and opposition to evil. His character is not just resistant to evil but is inherently "untried" by it, meaning evil has no point of entry or influence. The scripture affirms that the "face of the Lord is against them that do evil" 1 Peter 3:12.
In summary, apeírastos G551 is a remarkably concise and powerful word. Though used only once, it provides a definitive statement on God's holy character. It draws an absolute distinction between the untemptable nature of God G2316 and the trials faced by humanity, affirming that God cannot be the author or victim of evil G2556.
TRV