assay, examine, go about, prove, tempt(-er), try
Dictionary of Biblical Words:
These, in Christ’s case, were always from without; in the believer’s they are from without and within. Temptations, properly so called, are distinct from trials, the latter being for our own good, and often sent by God, the former, being evil, never are (James 1:13). Temptations are resisted and overcome by the word of God. We can never be exposed to them beyond our power to resist (1 Cor. 10:13). The histories of Eve, of Joseph, of Balaam, Achan, David, Jeroboam, Peter, all afford illustrations of true temptations.
Boyd’s Bible Dictionary:
(hold). Ordinarily, the offering of an inducement to do wrong (Matt. 4:1-11; Luke 4:13); but a trial of one’s faith (Gen. 22:1; James 1:2-3); trial of God’s patience (Ex. 17:2; 1 Cor. 10:9); an effort to ensnare (Matt. 16:1; 19:3; 22:18; Mark 10:2; Luke 10:25).
Concise Bible Dictionary:
Three different characters of temptation are presented in the scriptures.
1. “God did tempt Abraham” when He bade him offer up Isaac (Gen. 22:1). God tried him, putting his faith to the test. Paul speaks of his thorn in the flesh as his “temptation:” it was a trial or test (Gal. 4:14).
2. The Israelites tempted God. “They tempted God in their heart by asking meat for their lust” (Psa. 78:18). They questioned whether God could furnish them a table in the wilderness. At other times they asked “Is the Lord among us or not?” but it is to be noticed that when Israel put God to the proof, they were really proved by Him. Compare Psalm 95:9 with Deuteronomy 8:2 and Deuteronomy 33:8 (where “holy one” is Israel). The Lord refused to put God to the proof when tempted by Satan to cast Himself down that the angels might preserve Him. The sin of Ananias and Sapphira was tempting the Spirit of the Lord (Acts 5:9).
3. Temptation to evil, either by Satan, or by our own lusts (2 Cor. 11:3; James 1:13-14).
Strong’s Dictionary of Greek Words:
Meaning:
from 3984; to test (objectively), i.e. endeavor, scrutinize, entice, discipline
KJV Usage:
assay, examine, go about, prove, tempt(-er), try