SPECIAL TOPIC: GREEK TERMS FOR TESTING AND THEIR CONNOTATIONS
There are two Greek terms which have the connotation of testing someone for a
purpose.
1. Dokimazō, Dokimion, Dokimasia
This term is a metalurgist term for testing the genuineness of something (i.e.,
metaphorically someone) by fire (see
Special Topic: Fire). The fire
reveals the true metal and burns off (i.e., purifies) the dross. This physical process became a powerful
idiom for God and/or Satan and/or humans testing others. This term is only used in a positive sense of
testing with a view towards acceptance (see
Special Topic: God Tests
His People [OT]).
It is used in the NT of testing
a. oxen – Luke 14:19
b. ourselves – 1 Cor. 11:28
c. our faith – James. 1:3
d. even God – Heb. 3:9
The outcomes of these tests were assumed to be positive (cf. Rom. 2:18; 14:22;
16:10; 2 Cor. 10:18; 13:3,7; Phil. 2:27; 1 Pet. 1:7), therefore, the term
conveys the idea of someone examined and approved
a. to be worthwhile
b. to be good
c. to be genuine
d. to be valuable
e. to be honored
2. Peirazō, Peirasmus
This term often has the connotation of examination for the purpose of fault
finding or rejection. It is used in connection to Jesus’ temptation in the
wilderness.
a. It conveys the attempt to trap Jesus (cf. Matt. 4:1; 16:1; 19:3;
22:18, 35; Mark 1:13; Luke 4:2; Heb. 2:18).
b. This term (peirazōn) is used as a title for Satan in Matt. 4:3;
1
Thess. 3:5 (i.e., “the tempter”).
c. Usage
(1) It was used by Jesus warning humans not to test God (cf. Matt. 4:7;
Luke 4:12, [or Christ cf. 1 Cor 10:9]).
(2) It also denotes the attempt to do
something that has failed (cf. Heb.11:29).
(3) It
is used in connection with the temptation and trials of believers (cf. 1 Cor.
7:5; 10:9, 13; Gal. 6:1; 1 Thess. 3:5; Heb. 2:18; James. 1:2, 13, 14; 1 Pet.
4:12; 2 Pet 2:9).
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