Greek] πειρασμός (peirasmos), [Latin] temptatio: experiment, trial, temptation, testing, putting to proof, examination, putting to the test; Mt.6:13, Mt.26:41, Mk.14:38, Lk.4:13, Lk.8:13, Lk.11:4, Lk.22:28,40,46, Acts 20:19, 1Cor.10:13, Gal.4:14, 1Tim.6:9, Heb.3:8, Jas.1:2,12, 1Pet.1:6, 1Pet.4:12, 2Pet.2:9, Rev.3:10
The Sacrifice of Isaac: painting by Caravaggio (1602)
Background information:
Greek Hellenism: This term, used in both active and passive senses, refers to the trials, testing, temptation, and adversity that one may undergo. This testing often reveals the character, morality, and “what a person is made of”. Something outside (circumstances or hardships) is often imposed on the person beyond his control who is “being put to the test”. Testing of a person may be used to confirm that person’s character and capabilities. Testing may also be done to determine the person’s trustworthiness. Testing may also find a person in an impossible situation where that person may act out of character.
Aristophanes’ Knights 517 states “Nothing is more difficult to cultivate the cosmic Muse; many court her, but very few secure her favors.” Plato’s Letters 6.323a states “To you, Hermeias, I, who have made trial of Erastus and Coriscus, more fully than you, affirm, proclaim, and testify that you will not easily discover more trustworthy characters than these your neighbors.” Xenophon’s Memorabilia 2.5.5 states “I think over such matters and reflect that, when a man sells a bad slave, he takes anything he can get for him; and perhaps it is tempting to sell a bad friend when there is a chance of getting more than he is worth. Good servants, I find, are not offered for sale, nor are good friends betrayed.” Hesiod’s Works and Days 101 states “But the rest, countless plagues wander amongst men, for earth is full of evils, the sea is full. Of themselves diseases come upon men continually by day and by night.”
Old Testament: Although this term is found in both a secular and religious sense, the religious sense predominates. Testing involves both God testing man and man testing God. God, testing individuals (and also the people of Israel), seeks to test man’s faith and to lead him to redemption. Wisdom literature contains both testing and education. Man has often tempted God in seeking knowledge in the Garden of Eden, in complaining against Moses, and in disregarding the prophets. To test or tempt God essentially means failing to acknowledge His power and His will. Testing God is an expression of unbelief, doubt and disobedience. Loving God and keeping His commandments helps us to not to question or doubt Him.
I know now how devoted you are to God, since you did not withhold from me your own beloved son (Gen.22:12). Do not be afraid, for God has come to you only to test you and put His fear upon you, lest you should sin (Exo.20:20). I know that you can do all things, and that not purpose of yours can be hindered (Job 42:2). A man with training gains wide knowledge; a man of experience speaks sense (Sir.34:9). Many shall be refined, purified, and tested, but the wicked shall prove wicked (Dan.12:10). You shall not put the Lord, your God, to the test (Deut.6:16). But Ahaz answered, ‘I will not ask! I will not tempt the Lord!’(Isa.7:12).
New Testament: This term means temptation, testing, trials, and examination of one’s situation. The Our Father prayer cautions one not to be lead into temptation. Hebrews cautions about the temptations of wealth. Jesus undergoes the test in the Garden of Gethsemene. Satan tests Jesus in the desert. The Parable of the Sower warns that a weak faith, without a foundation, may fall away during trials. Even as we all endure struggles and trials, God will provide a way out. God will not let us be tried beyond our capability to handle such struggles.
Scripture:
“And do not subject us to the final test, but deliver us from the evil one.” Mt.6:13
This scripture is perhaps more commonly known as “And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil”. We say the Our Father prayer for God to helps us in our daily lives.
“Those on rocky ground are the one who, when they hear, receive the word with joy, but they have not root; they believe only for a time and fall away in time of trial.” Lk.8:13
A faith, built upon a weak foundation, may often wither away. Such faith may disappear when one faces a trial or difficulty. A strong faith is needed and essential in order to endure struggles.
“No trial has come to you but what is human. God is faithful and will not let you be tried beyond your strength; but with the trial He will also provide a way out, so that you may be able to bear it.” 1Cor.10:13
It is oftentimes a mystery why we must go through struggles and difficulties. However, God is always on the journey with us in our struggles. In some way God will provide us with a way out of these struggles. We will not be tried beyond our endurance.
Conclusion:
Tempt, temptation, empiricism
I found that this term has a very interesting backstory, reaching into all aspects of life. It was also interesting to discover the motivations of testing and being tested. The Greek plays and literature genre often provided a commentary on the human condition. Homer’s epics provides many examples of testing and trials. Xenophon reflects on the character of what a good friend is. Men often tested the gods.
The Old Testament introduces the notion that God often tests the faithfulness of man. Wisdom introduces education along with testing. God tests Abraham’s faithfulness in offering his son Isaac to be sacrificed. God rewarded Abraham for his faithfulness to Him. Man, because of his fallen nature, often tests God. It is significant to note that God’s greatest commandment is related to faithfulness, not testing.
The Our Father prayer touches upon asking God’s help in not being led into temptation. It does make sense that those, lacking in faith, will be more likely to lose one’s faith during trials. Perhaps, this can help shed some light on many of those who have left the Church during this sexual abuse crisis. Those, who choose to leave the Church, perhaps may not realize that the Church is much larger and more important than the ones who are causing the crisis. In fact, those who leave are actually harming themselves by removing themselves from the sacraments and graces that the Church offers. The fact that the Church has still remained in existence is a great testimony to the promise Jesus made in establishing His Church. The Church still remains in spite of all those many people (inside the Church) who have who have failed, faltered, or caused trouble throughout history.
I think many do not realize that God also “walks” with us in our journey through trials and tribulations. In some way, God will provide us with the means to get through these troubles. This is why 1Cor.10:13 is my favorite scripture. I also have gone through a lot of struggles. To be honest, trust has really has not been one of my strong suits here. Yet, oftentimes, many of us often feel like saying : “Come on, God, you’re killing me here!”
Through careful observation, study and empirical analysis, I have decided that I should end this post.