[Greek] πειράζω (peirazō), [Latin] experiri, [Latin] temptare, [German] prufen, [French] toucher, [French] essayer: to explore, to test, to try, to examine, to attempt, to prove, to put to the test, to go about, to make proof of, to learn, to strive, to make an effort, to lead into temptation, to put someone to the test, to know by experience, to test the truth of, to try someone; 2Cor.13:5, Mt.16:1, Jn.8:6, Heb.11:37, Mk.1:13, Act.5:3, Act.9:26, Mt.4:3, 1Thess.3:5, 1Cor.10:13, 1Cor.7:5, Jm.1:13, Jm.1:2, Rom. 3:10, Mt. 6:13, Mt. 14:38, Heb. 3:8, Heb. 2:18, Lk.4:13
The Sacrifice Of Isaac: painting by Caravaggio (1603)
Background Information:
Greek Hellenism: This term is used in a variety of ways in secular Greek. This term means to attempt, to strive, to make an effort, to put to the test, to lead into temptation, to stir up, to try someone, to test a thing, and to know by experience.
Homer’s Illiad 2:8: “Bid him arm the long-haired Achaeans with all speed, since now he may take the broad-wayed city of the Trojans.”
Herodotus’ The Histories 6.82: “He thought it best not to make any attempt on the city until before he learned from the sacrifices whether the god would deliver it to him or withstand him.”
Homer’s Odyssey 9.281: “So he spoke, tempting me, but he trapped me not because of my great cunning, and I made answer again in crafty words.”
Old Testament: This is used in a secular and a primarily spiritual sense. The important theme of testing is illustrated by God testing man, man testing God, and man being tested by Satan. God puts Abraham’s faith and obedience to the test. Abraham withstands the test by obeying the will of God. Adam and Eve fail as result of being tempted (tested) by the serpent. This leads to the story of the fall in Genesis. Job ultimately submits to God’s will in the midst of incomprehensible suffering. In the Wisdom books, the purpose of God’s testing is further illustrated and defined. Testing (and suffering) can provide instruction, trust, refining, purification, education, and eschatological redemption.
New Testament: Like the Old Testament, this term can be used in a secular and spiritual sense. The three predominant testing themes are man being tempted, man tempting God, and Jesus being tempted. Testing (and suffering) attains greater meaning and purpose in God’s providence. When one undergoes suffering, one will not be tried beyond their endurance. Testing and suffering allows one to share in Christ’s suffering and to experience joy, grace, and blessing in the midst of difficulties. Man often defies God by tempting the Holy Spirit and imposing unnecessary restrictions. Jesus was also tempted during His life on earth. This provides encouragement to those who are also experiencing temptations in life.
Notable scripture:
Acts 5:9: To test the Holy Spirit
Acts 5:10: Putting God to the test
Acts 16:7: The Spirit of Jesus did not allow them
Acts 24:6: He tried (attempted) to desecrate the Temple
2Cor. 13:5: Examine yourselves to see whether your are living in faith
Jas. 1:13: Being tempted by God
Jas. 1:14: Each person is tempted when he/she is lured and enticed by his/her desires
Conclusion:
Empirical, empiric, experience, proof, tempt, temptation, touch, essay
I was surprised by the many varied and nuanced examples of testing. It was interesting to see how this idea also occurs in the sphere of the gods and oracles. Even man will often test the gods and oracles. This becomes a precursor to man testing God in the Old Testament.
I think it is quite significant that the Old Testament begins the development of the understanding of testing and suffering. This provides some insight and meaning for testing and suffering that God permits. Abraham provides an important illustration of this. Other examples provide purpose of God’s testing.
The New Testament culture further develops this understanding of testing and suffering. In some situations, testing and suffering can be a participation in Christ’s sufferings, a joy, and a grace. Jesus’ suffering, death, and resurrection provide a profound meaning for suffering.
Empirical evidence is based on experiment, observation, and practical experience. Perhaps it is providential that I first started looking at this term this past Good Friday. The empirical evidence has shown that I have experienced much testing and struggles in my life! Perhaps it is not surprising that 1Cor.10:13 is one of my favorite scriptures.
I have never been good on trust, always needing to work on this. It’s often like “God, you’re killing me! Why are you taking so long to help me!” I have always been a moderate optimist (or pessimist), expecting the worst but hoping for the best. But at the end of the day, I am often reminded that there are so many others out there who are in more difficult situations that I am in.
It is very important to note that sinning against the Holy Spirit is the only unforgivable sin.
Update: Each of us must examine ourselves in whether or not we are living in faith.
We now have politicians, celebrities, and other influential persons who champion abortion rights.
We now have a president who claims to be a “faithful Catholic”.