Topical Bible: Trying

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In the context of the Bible, the concept of "trying" often relates to the testing of faith, character, and perseverance. The Scriptures provide numerous examples and teachings on how trials and tests are integral to the spiritual growth and maturity of believers.

Testing of Faith

The Bible frequently addresses the testing of faith as a means by which God refines and strengthens His people. James 1:2-4 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. Allow perseverance to finish its work, so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." This passage highlights the purpose of trials in developing perseverance and maturity in believers.

God's Sovereignty in Trials

The Scriptures affirm that God is sovereign over all circumstances, including trials. Romans 8:28 assures believers, "And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose." This verse underscores the belief that God uses trials for the ultimate good of His people, shaping them according to His divine purpose.

Examples of Testing in the Bible

Several biblical figures experienced significant trials that tested their faith and character. Abraham, for instance, faced the ultimate test when God commanded him to sacrifice his son Isaac. Genesis 22:1-2 recounts, "Some time later God tested Abraham and said to him, 'Abraham!' 'Here I am,' he replied. 'Take your son, your only son, Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah. Offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains, which I will show you.'" Abraham's obedience demonstrated his unwavering faith in God's promises.

Job is another prominent example of enduring trials. Despite losing his wealth, health, and family, Job remained steadfast in his faith. Job 1:21 records his response: "Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will return. The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away. Blessed be the name of the LORD." Job's account illustrates the profound trust and faithfulness that can emerge from enduring severe trials.

Endurance and Reward

The Bible encourages believers to endure trials with faith and patience, promising rewards for those who persevere. James 1:12 declares, "Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him." This promise of eternal reward serves as motivation for believers to remain faithful amidst challenges.

Jesus as the Ultimate Example

Jesus Christ is the ultimate example of enduring trials. Hebrews 12:2 exhorts believers to "fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." Jesus' endurance through suffering and His victory over sin and death provide believers with hope and encouragement in their own trials.

Conclusion

The biblical perspective on trying and testing emphasizes the transformative power of trials in the life of a believer. Through testing, God refines faith, builds character, and draws His people closer to Himself, ultimately preparing them for eternal glory.

Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary

1. (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Try.

2. (a.) Adapted to try, or put to severe trial; severe; afflictive; as, a trying occasion or position.

Greek

1383. dokimion -- a testing
... trial, trying. Neuter of a presumed derivative of dokime; a testing; by
implication, trustworthiness -- trial, trying. see GREEK dokime. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1383.htm - 6k

1375. diogmos -- persecution
... Cognate: 1375 (from 1377 , "follow, pursue") -- properly, pursuit (chase); -- literally,
"the to bring someone down like an animal," trying to suppress (punish ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1375.htm - 7k

2212. zeteo -- to seek
... 11), made efforts (1), search (4), searched (1), seek (36), seek after (1), seeking
(35), seeks (9), sought (4), striving (1), tried (1), trying (6), kept ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2212.htm - 9k

1381a. dokimazo -- to test, by impl. to approve
... 2), approve (3), approved (1), approves (1), examine (4), examines (1), prove (1),
proving (1), see fit (1), test (2), tested (3), try (1), trying to learn (1 ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1381a.htm - 5k

4108. planos -- wandering, leading astray (adjective), a deceiver ...
... Cognate: 4108 (a substantival adjective, derived from 4105 , "wander") -- a deceiver,
trying to get others to also veer off God's course (path of safety). ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4108.htm - 7k

5244. huperephanos -- showing oneself above others
... 5244 (from 5228 , "beyond, over" and 5316 , "shine forth") -- properly, , trying
to be than what directs, ie going beyond the faith He imparts (cf. Ro 12:2,3). ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5244.htm - 6k

1423. duskolos -- with difficulty
... an adverb) -- properly, hardly, referring to how hard it is to pass through;
(figuratively) problematic, difficult (" passing through"), like trying to push ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1423.htm - 6k

3985. peirazo -- to make proof of, to attempt, test, tempt
... test, tempt NASB Word Usage did (1), put (1), put to the test (2), tempt (2), tempted
(13), tempter (2), test (6), tested (2), testing (7), tried (2), trying (2 ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3985.htm - 9k

423. anepilemptos -- without reproach
... Here the person (accuser) trying to seize someone's character by unjustified censure
is shown to be groundless, ie when the matter is understood in its . ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/423.htm - 7k

496. antipipto -- to fall against, strive against
... 496 (from 473 , "opposite, against" and 4098 , "fall") -- properly, fall against
(contrary); actively (aggressively) resisting, like someone trying to crush an ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/496.htm - 7k

Strong's Hebrew

1156. bea -- to ask, seek
... asking (1), looked (1), made request (1), makes (1), makes a petition (1), making
(1), making petition (1), request (1), requested (2), seeking (1), trying (1 ...
/hebrew/1156.htm - 6k

Library

As in a Race Saw I the Disputers, the Children of Strife, [Trying] ...
... As in a race saw I the disputers, the children of strife, [trying] to taste fire,
to see the air, to handle the light: they were troubled at the gleaming, and ...
/.../ephraim/hymns and homilies of ephraim the syrian/hymn vii as in a.htm

Continues the Same Subject and Speaks of Aridities in Prayer and ...
... CONTINUES THE SAME SUBJECT AND SPEAKS OF ARIDITIES IN PRAYER AND THEIR RESULTS:
OF THE NECESSITY OF TRYING OURSELVES AND HOW OUR LORD PROVES THOSE WHO ARE IN ...
/.../teresa/the interior castle or the mansions/chapter ii continues the same.htm

A Comparison with a Man who is Trying to Hit a Mark.
... Cassian's Conferences. I. First Conference of Abbot Moses. Chapter V. A
comparison with a man who is trying to hit a mark. As those ...
/.../cassian/the works of john cassian /chapter v a comparison with.htm

How Abbot John Obeyed his Senior by Trying to Roll a Huge Stone ...
... Prolegomena. Chapter XXVI. How Abbot John obeyed his senior by trying to roll
a huge stone, which a large number of men were unable to move. ...
/.../cassian/the works of john cassian /chapter xxvi how abbot john.htm

Possessing, and "Working Out. "
... lady in the North of England who became quite angry when I made this remark publicly:
"No one in this congregation will be saved till they stop trying to save ...
/.../moody/sovereign grace/chapter iii possessing and working.htm

The Blessing of God.
... Trying to keep themselves they are not kept; trying to be happy they are often unhappy;
trying to succeed they fail; and they can but confess that their life ...
/.../taylor/separation and service/part ii the blessing of.htm

Two Questions About Christianity
... Here he was, trying to bring spiritual life among his people,"the life of God to
the souls of men,"and here were people still trying to find in him a ...
/.../peabody/mornings in the college chapel/lxi two questions about christianity.htm

Power in Operation.
... It is not anything that we can make. The great trouble with many is that
they are trying to make these graces. They are trying to ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/secret power/chapter iv power in operation.htm

The Blessing Secured
... It is because you are living a life, trying to live a life, without being filled
with the Spirit. Oh, think of the needs of the church around you. ...
/.../murray/the deeper christian life/v the blessing secured.htm

'In this Mountain'
... Would that the earnest men, who are trying to cure the world's evils and to still
the world's wants, and are leaving Jesus Christ and His religion out of their ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture h/in this mountain.htm

Thesaurus

Trying (68 Occurrences)
... 1. (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Try. 2. (a.) Adapted to try, or put to severe trial; severe;
afflictive; as, a trying occasion or position. ...Trying (68 Occurrences). ...
/t/trying.htm - 24k

Short (128 Occurrences)
... The Twelve were with Him, (Root in WEY BBE). Luke 19:3 He was trying to see who
Jesus was, and couldn't because of the crowd, because he was short. ...
/s/short.htm - 37k

Almost (27 Occurrences)
... Some scholars are of the opinion that the thought is: "You are trying to persuade
me so as to make me a Christian." This is, indeed, the Spanish version; but ...
/a/almost.htm - 20k

Trial (45 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (n.) The act of trying or testing in any manner.
2. (n.) Any effort or exertion of strength for the ...
/t/trial.htm - 52k

Try (84 Occurrences)
... 13. (n.) A screen, or sieve, for grain. 14. (n.) Act of trying; attempt;
experiment; trial. 15. (vt) Refined; select; excellent; choice. ...
/t/try.htm - 31k

Zophar (4 Occurrences)
... to accuse Job directly of wickedness; averring indeed that his punishment is too
good for him (11:6); he rebukes Job's impious presumption in trying to find ...
/z/zophar.htm - 10k

Zaccheus (4 Occurrences)
... rich. (WBS YLT NAS). Luke 19:3 He was trying to see who Jesus was, and
couldn't because of the crowd, because he was short. (See NAS). ...
/z/zaccheus.htm - 7k

Uproar (33 Occurrences)
... Acts 21:31 As they were trying to kill him, news came up to the commanding officer
of the regiment that all Jerusalem was in an uproar. (WEB KJV WBS NIV). ...
/u/uproar.htm - 16k

Unable (102 Occurrences)
... him, (WEY). Luke 19:3 He was trying to see who Jesus was, and couldn't because
of the crowd, because he was short. (See NAS). Luke ...
/u/unable.htm - 35k

Officer (70 Occurrences)
... Acts 21:31 As they were trying to kill him, news came up to the commanding officer
of the regiment that all Jerusalem was in an uproar. (WEB). ...
/o/officer.htm - 30k

Resources

How do I survive trying to raise a teenager? | GotQuestions.org

What factors should one consider when trying to find a good local church? | GotQuestions.org

Witnessing to Hindus - what is the key? | GotQuestions.org

Trying: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus

Concordance

Trying (68 Occurrences)

Matthew 2:20
"Arise and take the young child and his mother, and go into the land of Israel, for those who sought the young child's life are dead."
(See NIV)

Matthew 16:1
And the Pharisees and Sadducees came, and trying him asked him to show them a sign from heaven.
(ASV)

Matthew 19:3
And there came unto him Pharisees, trying him, and saying, Is it lawful 'for a man' to put away his wife for every cause?
(ASV)

Matthew 22:18
Perceiving their wickedness, Jesus replied, "Why are you hypocrites trying to ensnare me?
(WEY NIV)

Matthew 22:35
And one of them, a lawyer, asked him a question, trying him:
(ASV)

Matthew 23:13
"Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you devour widows' houses, and as a pretense you make long prayers. Therefore you will receive greater condemnation.
(See NIV)

Matthew 26:59
Now the chief priests, the elders, and the whole council sought false testimony against Jesus, that they might put him to death;
(See NAS)

Mark 8:11
And the Pharisees came forth, and began to question with him, seeking of him a sign from heaven, trying him.
(ASV)

Mark 10:2
And there came unto him Pharisees, and asked him, Is it lawful for a man to put away 'his' wife? trying him.
(ASV)

Mark 12:15
Shall we give, or shall we not give?" But he, knowing their hypocrisy, said to them, "Why do you test me? Bring me a denarius, that I may see it."
(See NIV)

Mark 14:55
Now the chief priests and the whole council sought witnesses against Jesus to put him to death, and found none.
(See NAS)

Luke 5:18
Behold, men brought a paralyzed man on a cot, and they sought to bring him in to lay before Jesus.
(See NAS)

Luke 6:19
All the multitude sought to touch him, for power came out from him and healed them all.
(See NAS)

Luke 9:9
Herod said, "John I beheaded, but who is this, about whom I hear such things?" He sought to see him.
(See NAS)

Luke 10:25
And lo, a certain lawyer stood up, trying him, and saying, 'Teacher, what having done, life age-during shall I inherit?'
(YLT)

Luke 11:16
And others, trying 'him', sought of him a sign from heaven.
(ASV)

Luke 19:3
He was trying to see who Jesus was, and couldn't because of the crowd, because he was short.
(WEB NAS)

Luke 19:47
He was teaching daily in the temple, but the chief priests and the scribes and the leading men among the people sought to destroy him.
(See NAS NIV)

John 5:7
The sick man answered him, "Sir, I have no one to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up, but while I'm coming, another steps down before me."
(See NIV)

John 6:6
But this he said trying him, for he knew what he was going to do.
(DBY YLT)

John 7:19
Didn't Moses give you the law, and yet none of you keeps the law? Why do you seek to kill me?"
(See NIV)

John 7:20
The multitude answered, "You have a demon! Who seeks to kill you?"
(See NIV)

John 7:25
Therefore some of them of Jerusalem said, "Isn't this he whom they seek to kill?
(See NIV)

John 8:6
And this they said, trying him, that they might have 'whereof' to accuse him. But Jesus stooped down, and with his finger wrote on the ground.
(ASV YLT)

John 11:8
The disciples told him, "Rabbi, the Jews were just trying to stone you, and are you going there again?"
(WEB WEY)

Acts 5:28
"We strictly forbad you to teach in that name--did we not?" he said. "And see, you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching, and are trying to make us responsible for that man's death!"
(WEY)

Acts 9:26
And Saul, having come to Jerusalem, did try to join himself to the disciples, and they were all afraid of him, not believing that he is a disciple,
(See NAS)

Acts 9:30
But they kept trying to take his life. On learning this, the brethren brought him down to Caesarea, and then sent him by sea to Tarsus.
(WEY)

Acts 16:7
having gone toward Mysia, they were trying to go on toward Bithynia, and the Spirit did not suffer them,
(YLT NAS)

Acts 17:18
Some of the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers also were conversing with him. Some said, "What does this babbler want to say?" Others said, "He seems to be advocating foreign deities," because he preached Jesus and the resurrection.
(See NIV)

Acts 18:4
He reasoned in the synagogue every Sabbath, and persuaded Jews and Greeks.
(See NAS NIV)

Acts 21:31
As they were trying to kill him, news came up to the commanding officer of the regiment that all Jerusalem was in an uproar.
(WEB WEY RSV NIV)

Acts 26:28
Agrippa said to Paul, "With a little persuasion are you trying to make me a Christian?"
(WEB)

Acts 27:30
As the sailors were trying to flee out of the ship, and had lowered the boat into the sea, pretending that they would lay out anchors from the bow,
(WEB NAS)

Romans 8:36
As it stands written in the Scripture, "For Thy sake they are, all day long, trying to kill us. We have been looked upon as sheep destined for slaughter."
(WEY)

Romans 11:3
"Lord, they have killed your prophets, they have broken down your altars; and I am left alone, and they seek my life."
(See NIV)

Romans 11:14
trying whether I can succeed in rousing my own countrymen to jealousy and thus save some of them.
(WEY)

1 Corinthians 7:28
But if you marry, you have not sinned. If a virgin marries, she has not sinned. Yet such will have oppression in the flesh, and I want to spare you.
(See NAS)

2 Corinthians 10:9
that I may not seem as if I desire to terrify you by my letters.
(See NIV)

Galatians 1:7
and there isn't another "good news." Only there are some who trouble you, and want to pervert the Good News of Christ.
(See NIV)

Galatians 1:10
For am I now seeking the favor of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? For if I were still pleasing men, I wouldn't be a servant of Christ.
(See NAS RSV NIV)

Galatians 3:3
Are you so foolish? Having begun in the Spirit, are you now completed in the flesh?
(See NIV)

Galatians 6:12
All who desire to display their zeal for external observances try to compel you to receive circumcision, but their real object is simply to escape being persecuted for the Cross of Christ.
(See NIV)

Ephesians 5:10
proving what is well pleasing to the Lord.
(See NAS)

1 Thessalonians 2:3
For our exhortation is not of error, nor of uncleanness, nor in deception.
(See NIV)

1 Thessalonians 2:4
But even as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the Good News, so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, who tests our hearts.
(See NIV)

James 1:3
Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.
(KJV WBS)

1 John 2:26
These things I have written to you concerning those who would lead you astray.
(See NAS NIV)

Genesis 19:11
They struck the men who were at the door of the house with blindness, both small and great, so that they wearied themselves to find the door.
(See NAS)

Exodus 17:7
and he calleth the name of the place Massah, and Meribah, because of the 'strife' of the sons of Israel, and because of their 'trying' Jehovah, saying, 'Is Jehovah in our midst or not?'
(YLT)

Numbers 16:10
and that he has brought you near, and all your brothers the sons of Levi with you? and do you seek the priesthood also?
(See NIV)

Deuteronomy 13:3
thou dost not hearken unto the words of that prophet, or unto that dreamer of the dream, for Jehovah your God is trying you, to know whether ye are loving Jehovah your God with all your heart, and with all your soul;
(YLT)

Judges 6:31
Joash said to all who stood against him, "Will you contend for Baal? Or will you save him? He who will contend for him, let him be put to death while it is yet morning. If he is a god, let him contend for himself, because someone has broken down his altar."
(See NIV)

1 Samuel 20:1
David fled from Naioth in Ramah, and came and said before Jonathan, "What have I done? What is my iniquity? What is my sin before your father, that he seeks my life?"
(See NIV)

2 Samuel 14:16
For the king will hear, to deliver his servant out of the hand of the man who would destroy me and my son together out of the inheritance of God.
(See NIV)

2 Samuel 16:11
David said to Abishai, and to all his servants, "Behold, my son, who came forth from my bowels, seeks my life. How much more this Benjamite, now? Leave him alone, and let him curse; for Yahweh has invited him.
(See NIV)

2 Samuel 20:19
I am among those who are peaceable and faithful in Israel. You seek to destroy a city and a mother in Israel. Why will you swallow up the inheritance of Yahweh?"
(See NIV)

1 Kings 19:10
He said, "I have been very jealous for Yahweh, the God of Armies; for the children of Israel have forsaken your covenant, thrown down your altars, and slain your prophets with the sword. I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away."
(See NIV)

1 Kings 19:14
He said, "I have been very jealous for Yahweh, the God of Armies; for the children of Israel have forsaken your covenant, thrown down your altars, and slain your prophets with the sword. I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away."
(See NIV)

2 Kings 5:7
It happened, when the king of Israel had read the letter, that he tore his clothes, and said, "Am I God, to kill and to make alive, that this man sends to me to heal a man of his leprosy? But consider, please, and see how he seeks a quarrel against me."
(See NIV)

1 Chronicles 29:17
And I have known, my God, that Thou art trying the heart, and uprightness dost desire; I, in the uprightness of my heart, have willingly offered all these: and now, Thy people who are found here I have seen with joy to offer willingly to Thee.
(YLT)

Nehemiah 6:9
For they all would have made us afraid, saying, Their hands shall be weakened from the work, that it not be done. But now, God, strengthen my hands.
(See NAS NIV)

Nehemiah 6:14
Remember, my God, Tobiah and Sanballat according to these their works, and also the prophetess Noadiah, and the rest of the prophets, that would have put me in fear.
(See NAS NIV)

Psalms 49:8
For the redemption of their life is costly, no payment is ever enough,
(See NAS)

Jeremiah 11:20
And O Jehovah of Hosts, judging righteousness, Trying reins and heart, I do see Thy vengeance against them, For unto Thee I have revealed my cause.'
(YLT)

Daniel 2:8
The king answered, I know of a certainty that you would gain time, because you see the thing is gone from me.
(See RSV NIV)

Daniel 8:15
It happened, when I, even I Daniel, had seen the vision, that I sought to understand it; and behold, there stood before me as the appearance of a man.
(See NIV)

Zechariah 13:9
And I have brought the third into fire, And refined them like a refining of silver, And have tried them like a trying of gold, It doth call in My name, and I answer it, I have said, 'My people it 'is',' And it saith, 'Jehovah 'is' my God!'
(YLT)

Subtopics

Trying

Related Terms

Separate (115 Occurrences)

Tryphosa (1 Occurrence)

Tryphae'na (1 Occurrence)

Apocryphal

Labor (181 Occurrences)

Labored (35 Occurrences)

Labouring (18 Occurrences)

Greetings (48 Occurrences)

Greet (46 Occurrences)