The term "essayed" is an archaic English word that means "attempted" or "tried." While the specific word "essayed" does not appear in the Berean Standard Bible , the concept of attempting or trying is prevalent throughout the Scriptures. This entry explores the biblical understanding of human effort and endeavor in the context of faith and obedience to God.

Biblical Context

1. Human Effort and Divine Will: The Bible often depicts human attempts to fulfill God's will, highlighting the importance of aligning personal efforts with divine purposes. In the Old Testament, figures like Noah, Abraham, and Moses essayed to follow God's commands, demonstrating faith through their actions. For instance, Noah "did everything that God had commanded him" (Genesis 6:22), illustrating his commitment to God's directive despite the monumental task of building the ark.

2. Faith and Works: The New Testament emphasizes the relationship between faith and works, where believers are encouraged to essay in their faith through actions. James writes, "In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead" (James 2:17). This underscores the necessity of attempting to live out one's faith through tangible deeds, reflecting a life transformed by belief in Christ.

3. Challenges and Perseverance: The Bible acknowledges the challenges faced by those who essay to live righteously. The Apostle Paul, in his epistles, often speaks of the trials and perseverance required in the Christian walk. He writes, "I press on toward the goal to win the prize of God’s heavenly calling in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 3:14), illustrating the continuous effort and determination needed to pursue spiritual maturity.

4. Dependence on God: While human effort is significant, the Bible consistently teaches that success ultimately depends on God's power and grace. Proverbs 16:9 states, "A man’s heart plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps" , reminding believers that while they may essay to plan and act, it is God who guides and establishes their ways.

5. Examples of Failed Attempts: Scripture also records instances where human attempts fall short due to a lack of faith or disobedience. The Israelites' initial attempt to enter the Promised Land without God's blessing resulted in failure (Numbers 14:39-45). This serves as a cautionary tale about the futility of efforts not aligned with God's will.

Theological Implications

The concept of essaying in the Bible reflects the dynamic interplay between human responsibility and divine sovereignty. Believers are called to actively pursue God's will, exercising diligence and perseverance in their spiritual journey. However, they must also recognize their dependence on God's guidance and strength, understanding that true success is achieved through His enabling power.

In summary, while the term "essayed" may not be explicitly found in the Berean Standard Bible, the underlying principle of attempting to live in accordance with God's will is a central theme throughout Scripture. Believers are encouraged to strive earnestly in their faith, trusting in God's provision and direction as they seek to fulfill His purposes in their lives.(imp. & p. p.) of Essay.

A New Pretender
... "There is"only Amaryllis is kind," she essayed finally. He laid his hand on her
wrist. ... "I"I have a message for him," he essayed finally. "Is he here?". ...
/.../miller/the city of delight/chapter xiii a new pretender.htm

Preface
... It is surely a consolation that these ages of a faith which moved mountains, or
at least essayed to remove the Turk, were minded to express their beliefs in ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/on prayer and the contemplative life/preface.htm

The Book of the Cross
... While we are not treating now the various creedal dogmas as to the person of Christ,
we must not forget that those dogmas have essayed as part of their task ...
/.../mcconnell/understanding the scriptures/chapter vi the book of.htm

Proceeding to the History of Israel, Tertullian Shows that ...
... At length, when a familiar people began to be chosen by God to Himself, and the
restoration of man was able to be essayed, then all the laws and disciplines ...
/.../chapter v proceeding to the history.htm

And Further, Analogy, Whereby the Agreement of Both Testaments is ...
... thought to be most weak, even at the time that I was their hearer: nor I alone,
but you also, (for I well remember,) and all of us, who essayed to exercise a ...
/.../augustine/on the profit of believing /section 7 and further analogy.htm

The Past Day Returns not Hereafter, and after Yesterday Proceeds ...
... in one approach, that is, of the eyes, it puts itself forth into other senses, more
ready with keenness to distinguish, as though it essayed to supply from the ...
/.../augustine/on the good of widowhood /section 25 the past day.htm

And to Holy David Indeed it Might More Justly be Said...
... not by the suffering of others' lust, but by consenting of their own will: nor yet
did their father permit it to be done unto himself, when they essayed to do ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/against lying/section 22 and to holy.htm

Nor have I Undertaken that in the Present Discourse...
... them another lurking-place, which they had not, wherein they may take refuge, to
wit, that being perhaps betrayed of them whom they have essayed to seduce but ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/against lying/section 25 nor have i.htm

The Procession of Amen
... Every foot of progress he essayed was snarlingly disputed until the rank of the
aggressive stranger was guessed by his superior dress, when he was given a ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter iv the procession of.htm

The Debt of Israel
... She thrust her fingers under the band and essayed to wrench off the offending necklace,
but the stout fastening held and the flexible braid printed its woof on ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter x the debt of.htm

Essayed (4 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Essayed (4 Occurrences). ... Acts 16:7 After they had come
to Mysia, they essayed to go into Bithynia: but the Spirit suffered them not. ...
/e/essayed.htm - 7k

Essay (1 Occurrence)
... See Assay. Multi-Version Concordance Essay (1 Occurrence). Job 4:2 If a word were
essayed to thee, wouldest thou be grieved? But who can refrain from speaking? ...
/e/essay.htm - 7k

Demetrius (3 Occurrences)
... Apollonius, his general, the governor of Coele-Syria, who essayed the conquest
of the Jews, was defeated at Azotus with great loss. ...
/d/demetrius.htm - 17k

Essaying (1 Occurrence)

/e/essaying.htm - 6k

Bithynia (2 Occurrences)
... Paul and Silas essayed to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit suffered them not (Acts
16:7). Other evangelists, however, must have labored there early and with ...
/b/bithynia.htm - 11k

Arrived (129 Occurrences)
... Acts 9:26 And having arrived at Jerusalem he essayed to join himself to the disciples,
and all were afraid of him, not believing that he was a disciple. (DBY). ...
/a/arrived.htm - 33k

Philippians (2 Occurrences)
... Galatia. The Spirit would not permit him to preach in Asia, and when he essayed
to enter Bithynia the Spirit again would not suffer it. ...
/p/philippians.htm - 42k

Refrain (33 Occurrences)
... (See NAS NIV). Job 4:2 If a word were essayed to thee, wouldest thou be
grieved? But who can refrain from speaking? (DBY WBS NAS). ...
/r/refrain.htm - 16k

Wouldest (66 Occurrences)
... words. (See JPS ASV). Job 4:2 If a word were essayed to thee, wouldest
thou be grieved? But who can refrain from speaking? (DBY). ...
/w/wouldest.htm - 26k

Essayed: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus