πειράω (peiraō)
peiraō
to try
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb peiraō means to make a trial of something or someone, often with the sense of attempting an action or testing a person’s character. In Acts 26:21, Paul describes how he preached to both Jews and Gentiles, urging them to turn from their sins and return to God, a message that involved testing the resolve of his listeners through the call to repentance.
Its root connects to experiences of proof or examination, suggesting not just a casual attempt but a deliberate effort to see how someone responds under pressure. Translators often render it as "try" or "test," though the context determines whether the focus is on the action itself or the outcome of the trial.
Unlike words that emphasize failure, peiraō carries a neutral tone, leaving room for either success or difficulty in the trial. This flexibility allows it to describe everything from personal efforts to divine testing, making it a versatile term in biblical narratives.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word peiraō reminds us that life often involves moments of testing, where our resolve is put to the question. In Acts 26:21, Paul faced a violent trial when opponents tried to kill him in the temple. This was not a gentle suggestion but a severe attempt to silence his message. Such trials can feel overwhelming, yet they reveal the depth of our commitment and the reality of the opposition we may face for doing what is right.
When you encounter resistance or danger because of your faith, remember that Paul’s experience was part of his calling. These moments do not mean God has abandoned you; rather, they show that your witness matters enough to provoke a strong reaction. Trust that God sees these attempts against you and uses them to strengthen your spirit.
Even in the face of hostility, there is hope. Paul continued preaching despite the threat, showing that courage comes from trusting God’s purpose. You are not alone in your struggles. God walks with you through every trial, offering strength when you feel weak and peace when fear rises.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- they were attempting1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐπειρῶντο1×
Key Verses
-
Acts 26:21
For this reason the Jews seized me in the temple and tried to kill me.
This verse shows peiraō used in a life-threatening context where opponents tried to kill Paul, highlighting the word's sense of aggressive testing or attempted harm.