This noun refers to a test or trial that proves genuineness—a means of examination that reveals true quality. James speaks of faith's 'testing' producing endurance (1:3), while Peter describes faith's 'genuineness' being more precious than tested gold (1 Peter 1:7). The term emphasizes not the trial itself but the proving or examining function of the trial. It shares roots with words for approved, tested, genuine. The concept is metallurgical—as fire tests gold, trials test faith. Spanish 'prueba' and German 'Bewaehrung' (proving/confirmation) capture this sense of a test that reveals and validates genuine quality through the process of examination.