πεῖρα

From the study of Hebrews 11:29

Range of meaning

A trial, attempt or test, and the experience gained from one. In the idiom πεῖραν λαμβάνειν τινός ('to take a trial of something') it means either 'to make an attempt at' or 'to experience, find out by experience'. The word is related to πειράζω, 'to test or tempt'.

Against the English

Most versions render 'tried' or 'attempted' (KJV 'assaying', an old word for attempting). YLT keeps the literal 'having received a trial of'. 'Attempted' captures the action. It loses the second sense of the idiom: the Egyptians also learned by experience what the sea does to those without faith.

Used elsewhere in the period

The idiom is common in classical and Hellenistic Greek, e.g. Xenophon and Polybius, in both senses. The LXX uses it in Deuteronomy 28:56 ('would not attempt to set the sole of her foot on the ground'). Hebrews uses the same idiom in 11:36, where it clearly means 'experienced': others 'experienced (πεῖραν ἔλαβον) mockings and floggings'.

From the study of Hebrews 11:36

Range of meaning

The noun means (1) an attempt or a trying, and (2) experience, firsthand acquaintance. The fixed phrase πεῖραν λαμβάνειν τινός, literally "to take a trial of something", has two classical senses: "to make an attempt at" and "to have experience of, to undergo". BDAG lists Heb 11:29 under the first sense and Heb 11:36 under the second.

Against the English

KJV "had trial of" and WEB "were tried by" keep the old English sense of "trial" as "experience". A modern reader is likely to hear a courtroom trial or a test set by someone. BSB "endured" and ESV "suffered" give the sense well. NASB "experienced" is closest to the idiom.

How it drifted

In 1611, "to have trial of" still meant "to have experience of". Since then "trial" has narrowed in everyday English to court cases and tests, so the KJV wording now suggests something else.

Used elsewhere in the period

The phrase is common in classical and Hellenistic Greek (Xenophon, Polybius) and in Jewish Greek writers such as Josephus. In the Greek Old Testament compare Deut 28:56 ("has not tried to set her foot on the ground"). Hebrews itself uses the phrase twice in a few verses. In 11:29 the Egyptians "attempting" the Red Sea crossing were drowned. Here the faithful "experienced" scourging.