Definition and Context:
An experiment, in its broadest sense, refers to a test or trial conducted to discover or demonstrate something unknown. In the context of the Bible, the concept of experimentation can be understood as the process of testing or proving one's faith, character, or the truth of God's word. While the Bible does not explicitly use the term "experiment," the principles of testing and proving are evident throughout Scripture.

Biblical Instances and Themes:

1. Testing of Faith:
The Bible frequently addresses the testing of faith, which can be seen as a form of spiritual experimentation. James 1:2-3 states, "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, when you encounter trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance." Here, trials are seen as opportunities to test and strengthen one's faith, much like an experiment tests a hypothesis.

2. Proving God's Word:
The concept of proving or testing God's promises is evident in Malachi 3:10 , where God invites the Israelites to test Him: "Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, so that there may be food in My house. Test Me in this," says the LORD of Hosts, "and see if I will not open the windows of heaven and pour out for you blessing without measure." This passage suggests that God allows His people to experiment with His promises to witness His faithfulness.

3. Discernment and Testing Spirits:
Believers are encouraged to test the spirits to discern truth from falsehood. 1 John 4:1 advises, "Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world." This form of experimentation involves evaluating teachings and influences against the truth of Scripture.

4. Gideon's Test:
A notable biblical example of experimentation is Gideon's test of God's will using a fleece. In Judges 6:36-40 , Gideon seeks confirmation from God regarding his mission to save Israel. He lays out a fleece and asks for a sign, which God provides. This narrative illustrates a form of experimentation where Gideon seeks tangible evidence of God's guidance.

5. Scientific Inquiry and Wisdom:
While the Bible does not directly address scientific experimentation, it does value wisdom and understanding. Proverbs 25:2 states, "It is the glory of God to conceal a matter and the glory of kings to search it out." This verse suggests that seeking knowledge and understanding, akin to scientific inquiry, is a noble pursuit.

Theological Implications:

· Faith and Reason:
The Bible encourages a harmonious relationship between faith and reason. While faith is foundational, believers are also called to use their God-given intellect to explore and understand the world. Experimentation, in this sense, can be seen as a way to engage with God's creation and uncover His truths.

· Moral and Ethical Boundaries:
While experimentation can lead to greater understanding, it must be conducted within the moral and ethical boundaries set by Scripture. The pursuit of knowledge should not lead to actions that contradict God's commandments or harm His creation.

· Trust in God's Sovereignty:
Ultimately, experimentation in the biblical sense is rooted in trust in God's sovereignty. Believers are called to test and prove their faith, but always with the understanding that God's wisdom and plans surpass human understanding.

Conclusion:
The concept of experimentation, while not explicitly named in the Bible, is woven throughout its teachings on testing faith, proving God's promises, and discerning truth. It reflects a dynamic relationship between faith and understanding, encouraging believers to engage with the world thoughtfully and faithfully.1. (n.) Atrial or special observation, made to confirm or disprove something doubtful; esp., one under conditions determined by the experimenter; an act or operation undertaken in order to discover some unknown principle or effect, or to test, establish, or illustrate some suggest or known truth; practical test; poof.

2. (n.) Experience.

3. (v. t.) To make experiment; to operate by test or trial; -- often with on, upon, or in, referring to the subject of an experiment; with, referring to the instrument; and by, referring to the means; as, to experiment upon electricity; he experimented in plowing with ponies, or by steam power.

4. (v. t.) To try; to know, perceive, or prove, by trial experience.

EXPERIMENT

eks-per'-i-ment (dokime, "approvedness," "tried character"):

"The experiment of this ministration" (2 Corinthians 9:13 the King James Version, the Revised Version (British and American) "the proving of you by his ministration"), i.e. the sincerity of their Christian profession was evidenced by their liberal contribution.

3984. peira -- a trial, an experiment
... a trial, an experiment. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: peira Phonetic
Spelling: (pi'-rah) Short Definition: a trial, experiment Definition: a ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3984.htm - 6k

3986. peirasmos -- an experiment, a trial, temptation
... an experiment, a trial, temptation. Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine Transliteration:
peirasmos Phonetic Spelling: (pi-ras-mos') Short Definition: trial, testing ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3986.htm - 7k

The First Experiment
... THE FIRST EXPERIMENT. THEN you reduce religion to a common Friendship? A
common Friendship"Who talks of a common Friendship? There ...
/.../the greatest thing in the world and other addresses/the first experiment.htm

September the Seventh Experiment and Experience
... SEPTEMBER The Seventh EXPERIMENT AND EXPERIENCE. HEBREWS xi.1-6. I like ... conquest.
By an experiment faith acquires an experience. By ...
/.../september the seventh experiment and.htm

Extracts No. Iii.
... there is no great barrier at one time than at another except what exists in the
ignorance of man; and if the Christian could now try the experiment over again ...
/.../ballou/a series of letters in defence of divine revelation/extracts no iii.htm

Biogenesis
... Stated in his own words, his conclusion is this: "Both observation and experiment
unmistakeably testify to the fact that living matter is constantly being ...
/.../drummond/natural law in the spiritual world/biogenesis.htm

On Redeeming the Time
... five hours in twenty-four. But when he made the experiment himself, he
quickly relinquished the opinion. And I am fully convinced ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 93 on redeeming the.htm

Elucidations.
... of early Christian living. Gibbon finds in this experiment nothing but an
opportunity for his scurrility. [417] A true philosopher ...
/.../pastor/the pastor books first second third/elucidations.htm

Whyte -- Experience
... We would not debate, or doubt, but we would make experiment, and would follow out
the experience": so all the scientifically minded men will say to you. ...
/.../kleiser/the worlds great sermons volume 8/whyte experience.htm

It is a Matter of Doubt, Whether Believers under the Old Testament ...
... confidently denied. Let them make the experiment, and they will perceive
how difficult an enterprise they have undertaken. For the ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 1/article xi it is a.htm

Early Mentions of Christianity in Britain. --King Lucius. --Origin ...
... Both Eusebius, writing about 320, and Sozomen, about 443, tell of an experiment
made in the palace by Constantine's father Constantius, when he governed Gaul ...
/.../lecture ii early mentions of.htm

The Romance of M. Renan. By Napoleon Roussel.
... This commission would choose the corpse, assure itself that death was real, fix
upon the place in which the experiment should be made, and establish a whole ...
/.../the romance of m renan and the christ of the gospels/the romance of m renan.htm

Experiment (3 Occurrences)
... 3. (vt) To make experiment; to operate by test or trial; -- often with on, upon,
or in, referring to the subject of an experiment; with, referring to the ...
/e/experiment.htm - 8k

Try (84 Occurrences)
... 3. (vt) To prove by experiment; to apply a test to, for the purpose of determining
the quality; to examine; to prove; to test; as, to try weights or measures ...
/t/try.htm - 31k

Necks (28 Occurrences)
... Acts 15:10 Now, therefore, why try an experiment upon God, by laying on the necks
of these disciples a yoke which neither our forefathers nor we have been able ...
/n/necks.htm - 15k

Whiles (8 Occurrences)
... 2 Corinthians 9:13 Whiles by the experiment of this ministration they glorify God
for your professed subjection unto the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal ...
/w/whiles.htm - 9k

Find (1784 Occurrences)
... bottom. 5. (vt) To discover by study or experiment direct to an object or
end; as, water is found to be a compound substance. 6. (vt ...
/f/find.htm - 8k

Taste (46 Occurrences)
... 16. (n.) Essay; trial; experience; experiment. 17. (n.) A small portion given
as a specimen; a little piece tastted of eaten; a bit. 18. ...
/t/taste.htm - 59k

Test (105 Occurrences)
... 9. (vt) To put to the proof; to prove the truth, genuineness, or quality of by
experiment, or by some principle or standard; to try; as, to test the soundness ...
/t/test.htm - 35k

Trial (45 Occurrences)
... 3. (n.) The act of testing by experience; proof; test. 4. (n.) Examination
by a test; experiment, as in chemistry, metallurgy, etc. ...
/t/trial.htm - 52k

Rehearse (5 Occurrences)
... 3. (vt) To recite or repeat in private for experiment and improvement,
before a public representation; as, to rehearse a tragedy. ...
/r/rehearse.htm - 9k

Receiver (1 Occurrence)
... 6. (n.) The glass vessel in which the vacuum is produced, and the objects of experiment
are put, in experiments with an air pump. Cf. Bell jar, and see Illust. ...
/r/receiver.htm - 8k

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