1 Corinthians 10:13 Text
King James Version (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.
World English Bible (WEB)
No temptation has taken you except what is common to man. God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted above what you are able, but will with the temptation also make the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.
What 1 Corinthians 10:13 Means
Paul assures the Corinthians that the temptations they face are not unusual. 'Common to man' means they are shared by people everywhere, so no one is facing a unique or impossible test. He then gives three reasons for hope: God is faithful, he will not allow testing beyond what you are able to bear, and he will provide a way out alongside each temptation. The Greek word for temptation can also mean a trial or test, so the verse applies to pressures that tempt a person to sin. The KJV 'make a way to escape' and the WEB 'make the way of escape' describe an exit, like a mountain pass, not necessarily the removal of the trial itself. The verse is often misquoted as 'God won't give you more than you can handle', which it does not say about suffering in general.
Context of 1 Corinthians 10:13
Paul, an apostle, wrote 1 Corinthians to the church in Corinth, a busy Greek port city, probably around the mid-50s AD. In chapter 10 he reminds them of Israel in the wilderness, who fell into idolatry and immorality despite God's gifts, as a warning. Just before this verse he says anyone who thinks he stands should take heed lest he fall. Right after it, he tells them to flee idolatry. To read the whole book, see random verse from 1 Corinthians.
How to Apply 1 Corinthians 10:13
When you are tempted, look for the exit God may be providing: leaving the room, calling a friend, closing the app, or simply changing the subject. You may also find relief in knowing you are not the only one who struggles. Tell someone you trust, since shame feeds temptation.
Related Verses
- James 1:13 – 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:
- Hebrews 2:18 – For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted.
- Matthew 26:41 – Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.
- 1 Peter 5:8 – Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:
Looking for more verses on this theme? Browse Bible Verses About Strength, each with a short note on its context.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does God give us more than we can handle?
This verse says God will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you can bear and will provide a way out. It is about temptation, not a promise that life's hardships will never feel overwhelming, which many people, including Paul, have experienced.
What is the way of escape in 1 Corinthians 10:13?
Paul does not list specific exits, but he says God provides one with each temptation. It might be a person, a change of circumstances, or a moment of clarity that helps you walk away rather than give in.
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