Jon Tribler

Dr. Neal Windham

11.09.2009

James

Word Study

1. Word study on peirasmos/peirazo. A major difficulty in chapter one surrounds

the
meaning of these Greek words which appear in 1:1-18.

2. Semantic Range
a. Meanings (peirasmos)
i. An attempt to learn the nature or character of something; test,
trial
1. James 1:2- “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face
trials of many kinds” This is my text
ii.An attempt to make one do something wrong, temptation,
enticement
1. Luke 4:12- “Jesus answered, "It says: 'Do not put the Lord your God
to the test.”
iii.Pass. Being tempted
1. James 1:12 – “Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because
when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has
promised to those who love him.” This is my text.
b. Meanings (peirazo)
i. To make an effort to do something; try, attempt
1. Acts 9:26- “When he came to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples,
but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he really was a
disciple.”
ii.To endeavor to discover the nature or character of something; by testing, try,
make trial of, put to the test.
1. Revelation 2:2- “I know your deeds, your hard work and your
perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate wicked men, that you have
tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them
false.”
iii.To attempt to entrap through a process of inquiry, test.
1. Matthew 16:1- “The Pharisees and Sadducees came to Jesus and tested
him by asking him to show them a sign from heaven.”
iv.To entice to improper behavior, tempt.
1. James 1:13- “When tempted, no one should say, "God is tempting me."
For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone;”
3. I believe that the words can be used interchangeably.
4. resources
a. Bdag 3rd edition
b. Greek New Testament Dictionary 4th ed.