Tempting of God

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In a message dated 97-11-07 16:28:50 EST, cpcj@sprynet.com writes:


 <Dear Chris,
 
 Take a look at the original languages.  Genesis was written in
 Hebrew/Chaldee while James was written in Greek.  Just because translaters
 chose a particular English word does not necessarily mean that is the end
 of the story. :)
  >>

Me:

I hope this helps.

OLD TESTAMENT
5254. NaMsRaMh; to test, try, prove, put to the proof; to attempt, venture;
to tempt. In most places this verb carries with it the idea of *testing the
quality* of someone or something through a demonstration of stress. *At the
time* the kjv was the word “tempt” meant to *“test,”* rather than the
*current meaning* of “enticing to do wrong.” Since God does not tempt man
(James 1:13), the rendering of “tempt” for naMsRaMh in Gen. 22:1 (as in the
kjv) became a problem *in time*. However, God was testing *(refining) the
character* of Abraham in this instance. He did the same thing with Hezekiah
in 2 Chr. 32:31. God wants us to walk more closely to His way (Ex. 16:4;
Deut. 8:2; Judg. 2:22; Ps. 26:12). Massah (“trial”) in the wilderness was a
pun on this word; we must not put God to the test (Deut. 6:16). Note that the
Queen of Sheba tested Solomon with hard questions (1 Kgs. 10:1; 2 Chr. 9:1).
See peirázoM (3985, nt) in the NT Lexical Aids. 

NEW TESTAMENT
3985.  peiravzw  peirázoM; fut. peirásoM, from peíra (3984), experience,
trial. To try, to prove in either a good or bad sense, tempt, *test by
soliciting to sin*. Similar to peiráoM (3987), to assay.
 (I) Of actions, to attempt, assay, followed by the inf. (Acts 16:7; 24:6).
 (II) Of persons, to tempt, prove, put to the test, followed by the acc.
 (A) Generally and in a good sense in order to ascertain the character,
views, or feelings of someone (Matt. 22:35 [cf. Mark 12:28, 34; John 6:6;
Rev. 2:2]; Sept.: 1 Kgs. 10:1; Ps. 17:3).
 (B) In a *bad sense*, with *ill intent* (Mark 8:11; 10:2; 12:15; Luke 11:16;
20:23; John 8:6). Hence by implication, to try one’s virtue, tempt, *solicit
to sin* (Gal. 6:1, “lest thou also be tempted,” yield to temptation; **James
1:13**, 14; Rev. 2:10); especially by Satan (Matt. 4:1, 3; Mark 1:13; Luke
4:2; 1 Cor. 7:5; 1 Thess. 3:5).

>From The Complete WordStudy Bible & Reference CD
Copyright 1997 by AMG Publishers, a division of CLW Communications, Inc.

Also, note the *context* of each verse. 
In Genesis, God is testing Abraham's faith by asking him to perform actions
that are in obedience to God.

In James, the scriptures speak of being "tempted with evil", lust,
enticement, sin, death, and err(or).


Pastor Joe