CategoryDoctrine / Testing and Moral Term
Modern Equivalenttesting; trial; enticement to sin.
KJV Word TypeTheological noun / testing and moral term
DefinitionThe act of enticing someone to sin or do wrong. In the Bible, it can refer to both human temptation (James 1:14) and divine testing (Genesis 22:1).
Key Verses"But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed." (James 1:14); "And it came to pass after these things, that God did tempt Abraham, and said unto him, Abraham: and he said, Behold, here I am." (Genesis 22:1)
KJV Usage NoteCan mean either enticement to sin or testing/trial; context determines whether the source is sinful desire, Satan, or a test of faith.
Common Misunderstanding“Temptation” does not always mean sinful enticement; in KJV usage it can also mean testing or trial.
EtymologyFrom Latin temptatio ("a trying, testing").