1 Corinthians 10:13

KJV

There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God [is] faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear [it].

KJV (with Strong's)

There hath {G2983} no {G3756} temptation {G3986} taken {G2983} you {G5209} but {G1508} such as is common to man {G442}: but {G1161} God {G2316} is faithful {G4103}, who {G3739} will {G1439} not {G3756} suffer {G1439} you {G5209} to be tempted {G3985} above {G5228} that {G3739} ye are able {G1410}; but {G235} will {G4160} with {G4862} the temptation {G3986} also {G2532} make {G4160} a way to escape {G1545}, that ye {G5209} may be able {G1410} to bear {G5297} it.

Complete Jewish Bible

No temptation has seized you beyond what people normally experience, and God can be trusted not to allow you to be tempted beyond what you can bear. On the contrary, along with the temptation he will also provide the way out, so that you will be able to endure.

Berean Standard Bible

No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide an escape, so that you can stand up under it.

American Standard Version

There hath no temptation taken you but such as man can bear: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation make also the way of escape, that ye may be able to endure it.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Corinthians 10:13 stands as a cornerstone promise, assuring believers that no temptation they face is unique or insurmountable. It profoundly declares God's unwavering faithfulness, guaranteeing that He will never permit His children to be tested beyond their divinely enabled capacity. Furthermore, it reveals His active provision of a means of escape within every trial, ensuring that His people are always equipped to endure and ultimately overcome.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within Paul's broader argument in [1 Corinthians 8-10](/1_corinthians/8-10 "1 Corinthians 8-10 - Christian Liberty and Responsibility"), where he addresses the complex issue of eating meat sacrificed to idols. Having cautioned the Corinthians against spiritual arrogance and self-confidence by drawing vivid lessons from Israel's wilderness wanderings—highlighting their failures despite miraculous provision ([1 Corinthians 10:1-12](/1_corinthians/10-1-12 "1 Corinthians 10:1-12 - Israel's Examples of Disobedience"))—Paul pivots. While the preceding verses serve as a somber warning against idolatry and immorality, [1 Corinthians 10:13](/1_corinthians/10-13 "1 Corinthians 10:13 - God's Faithfulness in Temptation") immediately follows, offering a powerful word of encouragement and assurance. It shifts from a cautionary tale to a comforting promise, demonstrating God's steadfast character and His commitment to His people, even as they navigate the very real temptations Paul has just warned them about. This verse acts as a bridge, balancing the warning against sin with the assurance of divine grace and enabling power.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Corinth was a bustling, strategically important port city in ancient Greece, renowned for its wealth, trade, and unfortunately, its notorious immorality. The city was a melting pot of diverse cultures and religions, dominated by pagan worship, including the prominent temple of Aphrodite, associated with ritual prostitution. Believers in Corinth faced immense pressure to conform to the prevailing pagan customs, which often involved participation in idol feasts, sexual promiscuity, and various forms of idolatry. This environment presented daily temptations that challenged their newfound Christian faith and ethics. Paul's letter addresses these direct challenges, providing practical guidance for living a holy life amidst a corrupt culture. The Corinthians needed assurance that God understood their struggles and would provide the strength to resist the pervasive influences of their society, which often blurred the lines between acceptable cultural practices and sinful compromise.

* **Key Themes:** [1 Corinthians 10:13](/1_corinthians/10-13 "1 Corinthians 10:13 - God's Faithfulness in Temptation") contributes to several major themes woven throughout Paul's letter and the broader biblical narrative. Foremost is the **Faithfulness of God**, a foundational attribute that undergirds all His promises and actions. This verse asserts that God's character is the ultimate guarantee of His protective and enabling power in the face of human weakness. Another key theme is the **Commonality and Universality of Temptation**, emphasizing that no believer is exempt from trials, nor are their struggles unique. This fosters solidarity and humility, reminding us that even Christ Himself was tempted ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Christ Our Sympathetic High Priest")). Finally, the verse highlights **Divine Sovereignty and Provision**, demonstrating that God actively limits the intensity of temptation and simultaneously provides the necessary means for endurance and escape, aligning with His desire for His people's sanctification and perseverance, as seen in passages like [Philippians 4:13](/philippians/4-13 "Philippians 4:13 - All Things Through Christ").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Temptation (Greek, _peirasmós'_):** G3986. This word carries a dual meaning, encompassing both a 'trial' or 'testing' (which God may permit to strengthen faith, reveal character, or refine a believer) and a 'solicitation to sin' (which originates from our fallen nature or external evil forces). In this context, it refers to any external pressure or internal desire that could lead a believer away from God's will and into sin. Paul assures that even such enticements are under God's sovereign control.
* **Faithful (Greek, _pistós'_):** G4103. This adjective describes God's unwavering reliability, trustworthiness, and adherence to His promises. It is the bedrock of the entire verse. God's faithfulness means He is true to His character and His covenant, ensuring that He will always act in accordance with His divine nature and His commitment to His people's well-being and salvation. His faithfulness is the guarantee that the subsequent promises in the verse will hold true.
* **Way to escape (Greek, _ékbasis'_):** G1545. Literally meaning 'an exit,' 'a way out,' or 'a successful issue.' This is not necessarily the removal of the temptation itself, but a divinely provided path, means, or strength *within* the temptation that allows the believer to endure it victoriously without succumbing to sin. It implies a strategic opening or a supernatural enablement to navigate the trial successfully.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man:"** This opening clause immediately normalizes the experience of temptation. Paul asserts that the trials and enticements faced by the Corinthians are not unique, overwhelming, or beyond human experience. This removes the sense of isolation and despair, reminding believers that their struggles are shared by humanity, fostering a sense of solidarity and demonstrating that what others have faced and overcome, they too can overcome.
* **"but God is faithful,"** This is the pivotal declaration, introducing the unwavering character of God as the ultimate safeguard and source of hope. It contrasts human weakness and the universality of temptation with divine reliability. God's faithfulness is the guarantee that His promises will be upheld, providing a firm foundation for the assurances that follow.
* **"who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able;"** This crucial promise reveals God's active, sovereign control over every temptation. The word "suffer" (G1439, _eáō_) implies God's permission and limitation. He carefully measures the intensity and duration of every trial, ensuring it never exceeds the believer's divinely empowered capacity to bear it. This capacity is not inherent human strength but rather the strength God provides.
* **"but will with the temptation also make a way to escape,"** God's provision goes beyond merely limiting the temptation; He actively creates a means of deliverance. The "way to escape" (G1545, _ékbasis_) is not necessarily an avoidance of the trial, but a path *through* it, a divinely orchestrated opportunity, insight, or empowerment that allows the believer to stand firm and resist sin. This "way" is provided *with* the temptation, meaning it is present concurrently with the struggle.
* **"that ye may be able to bear it."** The ultimate purpose of God's provision is the believer's endurance and victory. The phrase "able to bear it" (G1410, _dýnamai_, G5297, _hypophérō_) signifies the capacity to "undergo hardship" or "endure from underneath." God's "way to escape" enables believers to stand firm, persevere, and emerge from the temptation without succumbing to its sinful pull, glorifying Him in their steadfastness.

#### Literary Devices
Paul masterfully employs several literary devices in this concise verse to convey its profound truth. The verse begins with **Understatement** or **Litotes** ("no temptation... but such as is common to man"), subtly emphasizing the universality of human struggle while immediately pivoting to the extraordinary nature of divine intervention. A strong **Contrast** is drawn between human weakness and the unyielding **Faithfulness of God**, highlighting God's character as the anchor in the storm of temptation. The entire verse functions as a **Divine Promise**, offering absolute assurance based on God's nature. The "way to escape" can be seen as a **Metaphor** for a divinely provided path or resource, an exit strategy within the confines of the trial itself, rather than a magical disappearance of the trial. This skillful use of language reinforces the verse's comforting and empowering message.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Corinthians 10:13 is a powerful theological statement on God's character, particularly His faithfulness and sovereignty in the lives of His people. It refutes the notion that believers are left to face overwhelming temptations alone, asserting that God is intimately involved in every trial. This verse underscores the biblical truth that God is not only aware of our weaknesses but actively limits the scope of our tests, ensuring they never exceed the strength He provides. It connects to the broader theme of divine enablement for righteous living, emphasizing that sanctification is a cooperative work where God supplies the grace for human perseverance. The "way to escape" speaks to God's active intervention, whether through a change in circumstances, a sudden infusion of strength, or the wisdom to choose the path of righteousness. This promise is a testament to God's covenant loyalty, demonstrating His commitment to preserve His elect and bring them to ultimate glory, even through the crucible of temptation.

* [Deuteronomy 7:9](/deuteronomy/7-9 "Deuteronomy 7:9 - God's Faithfulness")
* [James 1:2-4](/james/1-2-4 "James 1:2-4 - Trials as Tests of Faith")
* [Philippians 4:13](/philippians/4-13 "Philippians 4:13 - All Things Through Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Corinthians 10:13 offers profound comfort and practical guidance for every believer navigating the complexities of life in a fallen world. It calls us to abandon the lie that our temptations are unique or insurmountable, fostering a sense of solidarity with all humanity who face similar struggles. More importantly, it shifts our focus from our own perceived weakness to the unshakeable strength and faithfulness of God. When we feel overwhelmed, this verse reminds us that God is actively engaged, setting boundaries on every trial and simultaneously providing a viable path to overcome. This truth empowers us to actively seek and utilize the "way of escape" He provides—whether it's through fervent prayer, immersing ourselves in [God's Word](/psalms/119-105 "Psalm 119:105 - Your Word is a Lamp"), seeking wise counsel, or physically removing ourselves from a tempting situation. It instills a resilient hope, knowing that God's grace is always sufficient, enabling us to stand firm and emerge victorious, proving His power through our perseverance.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of your life do you currently feel most tempted or tested? How does the truth that "no temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man" provide comfort or perspective?**
* **How does understanding God's faithfulness as the foundation for His promises in this verse impact your trust in Him during difficult times?**
* **What might the "way to escape" look like in your current temptations? Are you actively looking for and utilizing the means God provides for endurance and victory?**
* **How does this verse challenge any tendency to blame God for your temptations or to feel that He has abandoned you in your struggles?**

### FAQ
**Does God tempt us to sin?**

Answer: No, God does not tempt anyone to sin. [James 1:13](/james/1-13 "James 1:13 - God Does Not Tempt") explicitly states, "Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man." The Greek word for "temptation" (_peirasmós_) in 1 Corinthians 10:13 can mean both a 'trial' or 'test' (which God may permit for our growth and refinement, as seen in [James 1:2-4](/james/1-2-4 "James 1:2-4 - Trials as Tests of Faith")) and a 'solicitation to sin' (which originates from our own sinful desires or from Satan, as described in [Matthew 4:1-11](/matthew/4-1-11 "Matthew 4:1-11 - The Temptation of Jesus")). In 1 Corinthians 10:13, God's faithfulness ensures He will not *allow* us to be tempted beyond our capacity, nor will He *cause* us to sin. He permits trials for our good, but He never entices us to do evil.

**What exactly does "make a way to escape" mean? Is it always a removal of the temptation?**

Answer: The "way to escape" (Greek: _ékbasis_) does not necessarily mean the temptation or trial will be immediately removed. Instead, it signifies a divinely provided path, a means, or an enabling strength *within* the temptation that allows the believer to endure it without succumbing to sin. It could be a sudden insight, a surge of spiritual strength, the wisdom to physically remove oneself from a tempting environment, the timely intervention of a wise friend, or even a change in circumstances. The emphasis is on God's active provision of a viable option for faithful perseverance, ensuring that we are never truly trapped or without recourse when facing a trial. It's about enduring *through* the temptation victoriously, not always being delivered *from* it.

**How do I know what I'm "able" to bear, and does this mean I'll never fail?**

Answer: The "able" in this verse refers not to our inherent human strength, but to the divinely enabled capacity that God provides. It's about God's power working through us, not our own self-sufficiency ([Philippians 4:13](/philippians/4-13 "Philippians 4:13 - All Things Through Christ")). This promise is a guarantee of God's faithfulness, not a guarantee of our sinless perfection. Believers can and do still fall into sin, but when they do, it is not because God failed to provide a way of escape or allowed them to be tempted beyond what they could bear. Rather, it is because they did not utilize the "way of escape" God provided. The verse assures us that the *opportunity* for victory is always present through God's grace, empowering us to choose righteousness even in the face of intense pressure.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Corinthians 10:13 finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the preeminent example of one who faced every conceivable temptation yet remained without sin, as [Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Christ Our Sympathetic High Priest") declares, "For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin." Christ's own wilderness temptation ([Matthew 4:1-11](/matthew/4-1-11 "Matthew 4:1-11 - The Temptation of Jesus")) demonstrates that He fully understands the human struggle. More than just an example, Christ is the very means by which we are "able to bear it" and the "way to escape." Through His atoning sacrifice, He broke the power of sin and death, offering us forgiveness when we fail and empowering us by His Spirit to overcome ([Romans 8:26](/romans/8-26 "Romans 8:26 - The Spirit Helps Us in Our Weakness")). He is our faithful High Priest who intercedes for us ([Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Christ's Eternal Priesthood")), ensuring that God's promise in [1 Corinthians 10:13](/1_corinthians/10-13 "1 Corinthians 10:13 - God's Faithfulness in Temptation") is perpetually true for all who are in Him. Our ability to bear temptation is not found in our own strength, but in His indwelling presence and the power of His resurrection life working within us, making Him the ultimate "way to escape" from the dominion of sin.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Peter 2:9

The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished:

2 Timothy 4:18

And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve [me] unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom [be] glory for ever and ever. Amen.

2 Thessalonians 3:3

But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep [you] from evil.

1 Peter 5:8

¶ Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:

1 Peter 5:9

Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.

Hebrews 12:4

¶ Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin.

1 Thessalonians 5:24

Faithful [is] he that calleth you, who also will do [it].