Temptation - Vine's Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words

Temptation

[ 1,,G3986, peirasmos ]
akin to A, above, is used of

(1) trials" with a beneficial purpose and effect,
(a) of "trials" or "temptations," Divinely permitted or sent, Luke 22:28; Acts 20:19; James 1:2; 1 Peter 1:6; 1 Peter 4:12, RV, "to prove," AV, "to try;" 2 Peter 2:9 (singular); Revelation 3:10, RV, "trial" (AV, "temptation"); in James 1:12, "temptation" apparently has meanings

(1) and

(2) combined (See below), and is used in the widest sense;
(b) with a good or neutral significance, Galatians 4:14, of Paul's physical infirmity, "a temptation" to the Galatian converts, of such a kind as to arouse feelings of natural repugnance;
(c) of "trials" of a varied character, Matthew 6:13; Luke 11:4, where believers are commanded to pray not to be led into such by forces beyond their own control; Matthew 26:41; Mark 14:38; Luke 22:40, Luke 22:46, where they are commanded to watch and pray against entering into "temptations" by their own carelessness or disobedience; in all such cases God provides "the way of escape," 1 Corinthians 10:13 (where peirasmos occurs twice).

(2) Of "trial" definitely designed to lead to wrong doing, "temptation," Luke 4:13; Luke 8:13; 1 Timothy 6:9;

(3) of "trying" or challenging God, by men, Hebrews 3:8.

Vine's Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words