Lexical Summary peiraomai: To attempt, to try, to test, to tempt Original Word: πειράομαι Strong's Exhaustive Concordance assay. From peira; to test (subjectively), i.e. (reflexively) to attempt -- assay. see GREEK peira NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom peira Definition to try, attempt NASB Translation tried (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3987: πειράωπειράω: imperfect middle 3 person (singular and plural), ἐπειρᾶτο, ἐπειρῶντο; perfect passive participle πεπειραμενος (see below); common in Greek writings from Homer down; to try; i. e.: 1. to make a trial, to attempt (A. V. to assay), followed by an infinitive; often so from Homer down; also so in the middle in Acts 9:26 R G; 2. In post-Homer usage with the accusative of a person to test, make trial of one, put him to the proof: his mind, sentiments, temper, Plutarch, Brut. 10; in particular, to attempt to induce one to commit some (especially a carnal) crime; cf. Passow, under the word, 3{a}; (Liddell and Scott, under the word, A. IV. 2). Hence, πεπειραμενος in Hebrews 4:15 (see 1 above) is explained by some (cf. Winer's Grammar, § 15. Note at the end) tempted to sin; but the passive in this sense is not found in Greek writings; see Delitzsch at the passage. Strong’s 3987 conveys the idea of making an earnest attempt. In Acts 26:21 it captures the lethal effort of Paul’s opponents to silence him, a brief yet vivid window onto the wider New Testament landscape of gospel opposition. Biblical Occurrence Acts 26:21 – “For this reason the Jews seized me in the temple courts and were trying to kill me.” Paul, recounting events of Acts 21:27–32, selects this verb to stress the deliberate, continuous nature of the assault. The imperfect tense shows the attempt was underway until halted by Roman troops, highlighting divine preservation amid mortal danger. Theological Themes 1. Opposition to the Gospel The single use of the word epitomizes the relentless hostility faced by Christ’s witnesses (Acts 4:3; Acts 14:19). The gospel inevitably provokes resistance, yet the narrative assures readers that no plot can derail God’s plan. 2. Perseverance and Witness Paul’s response to the attempt—bold testimony before Agrippa—turns threat into opportunity (Acts 26:22–23). His life models steadfastness under fire, reflecting Jesus’ promise that His followers would testify before rulers (Matthew 10:18). 3. Sovereign Protection Human attempts are bound by divine limits. The thwarted plot fulfills God’s word to Paul: “Take courage... you must also testify in Rome” (Acts 23:11). The verb stands as evidence that the Lord governs even the timing of His servants’ sufferings. Historical Context Around AD 57, tensions in Jerusalem were high. Roman law allowed Jewish authorities to punish temple violations swiftly. When Paul was accused of defiling the sanctuary, a mob dragged him outside to execute him. Luke’s summary term underscores that their effort was neither accidental nor momentary but a concerted, sanctioned attempt at execution. Related Biblical Concepts • Testing and Temptation – The same semantic family embraces both neutral testing (James 1:2) and satanic temptation (Matthew 4:1), illustrating the spectrum from benign examination to active malice. Applications for Ministry • Expect opposition: faithful preaching often draws determined resistance (John 15:18–20). Summary Though it appears only once, Strong’s 3987 crystallizes a central New Testament reality: deliberate human efforts to hinder the gospel are real, yet God turns them into occasions for greater witness. Opposition, perseverance, and providence converge in this single word, demonstrating that the advance of Christ’s kingdom is certain even when His messengers are under deadly assault. Englishman's Concordance Acts 26:21 V-IIM/P-3PGRK: τῷ ἱερῷ ἐπειρῶντο διαχειρίσασθαι NAS: me in the temple and tried to put me to death. KJV: the temple, and went about to kill INT: the temple attempted to kill |
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