Bible Verse

1 Corinthians 10:13

Paul warns the Corinthian church against presumption and idolatry by recounting Israel's failures in the wilderness, then offers encouragement about facing temptation.

"No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. 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 a way out so that you can endure it."

— 1 Corinthians 10:13 (NIV)

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Other Translations

"No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it."

— ESV

"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

"The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure."

— NLT

Understanding the Context

Book Context

1 Corinthians 10 addresses idolatry and Christian freedom. After warning against overconfidence, Paul assures believers of God's faithfulness in temptation.

Historical Background

Written around 55 AD to Corinth, a city known for immorality and idolatry. Christians faced constant temptation to compromise and needed assurance of God's provision.

Verse-by-Verse Breakdown

"No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind"

'Temptation' (peirasmos) means trial or testing. 'Common to mankind' (anthropinos) means human, universal. Your temptations aren't unique or impossible—others have faced and overcome them. This removes the excuse 'my situation is different.'

"And God is faithful"

'Faithful' (pistos) means trustworthy, reliable, dependable. This is the foundation—God's character guarantees He won't abandon you in temptation. His faithfulness, not your strength, ensures victory.

"he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear"

God sovereignly limits temptation's intensity. 'Beyond' (hyper) means above, more than. God knows your capacity and won't allow temptation that makes victory impossible. He calibrates trials to your strength in Him.

"But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it"

'Way out' (ekbasis) means exit, escape route. God provides specific escape from every temptation. 'Endure' (hypophero) means bear up under. The way out enables endurance and victory, not elimination of the trial.

Key Themes

Victory over temptationGod's faithfulnessEscape from temptationEnduranceCommon human experience

Applying This Verse to Your Life

  1. 1

    When tempted, look for the 'way out' God promises to provide—it's always there.

  2. 2

    Remember you're not alone—others face similar temptations and overcome by God's power.

  3. 3

    Trust God's faithfulness to limit temptation to what you can bear in His strength.

  4. 4

    Don't use 'I couldn't help it' as an excuse—God always provides escape.

  5. 5

    Encourage others facing temptation by reminding them of God's faithful provision.

Questions for Reflection

  • What temptation are you currently facing where you need to trust God's faithfulness?
  • Can you identify the 'way out' God is providing in your current temptations?
  • Are you taking the escape routes God provides, or lingering in temptation?
  • How does knowing others face similar struggles help you in temptation?

Related Scripture

James 1:13-14

"When tempted, no one should say, 'God is tempting me.' For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone."

Hebrews 2:18

"Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted."

Hebrews 4:15

"For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are."

2 Peter 2:9

"If this is so, then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials."

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