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.

1 CORINTHIANS 10:13KJV
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1 Corinthians 10:13 (KJV)

What does 1 Corinthians 10:13 mean?

1 Corinthians 10:13 says that any temptation or testing believers face is not unique, but is something all people experience, and that God is trustworthy—He will not allow anyone to be tempted beyond what they can handle, but will always provide a way to endure or escape it. This verse reassures readers that they are never alone or helpless in facing difficult situations.

Paul is writing to the Christians in Corinth, a city known for its many temptations and challenges. He encourages them by reminding them that God’s faithfulness means He sets limits on what they will face and always makes it possible for them to get through trials without being overwhelmed. This is meant to comfort and strengthen believers who might feel isolated or discouraged by their struggles.

The Greek behind 1 Corinthians 10:13

  • πειρασμός (peirasmos, G3986): This word is often understood as "temptation" or "testing." In this context, it covers both the idea of being tempted to do wrong and the idea of facing difficult trials.
  • πιστός (pistos, G4103): Translated as "faithful," this word highlights God’s reliability and trustworthiness. Paul uses it to assure the Corinthians that God will not abandon them in their struggles.
  • ἔκβασις (ekbasis, G1545): This word means "way of escape." It suggests not just a sudden removal from trouble, but a path or means by which someone can endure and come through a difficult situation.

Why 1 Corinthians 10:13 matters

  • This verse corrects the idea that temptations or struggles are unique to one person; it emphasizes that everyone faces similar challenges.
  • Paul’s words stress God’s active role in setting boundaries on what believers experience, showing that God is not distant but personally involved in their lives.
  • In the wider passage, Paul is warning against overconfidence and encouraging humility and dependence on God, connecting this promise to the need for vigilance and trust.

Where else these words appear

“escape” Greek G1545 · used in 2 verses

  • Hebrews 13:7 Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation.

“bear” Greek G5297 · used in 3 verses

  • 2 Timothy 3:11 Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me.
  • 1 Peter 2:19 For this is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully.

“man” Greek G442 · used in 7 verses

  • Romans 6:19 I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness.
  • 1 Corinthians 2:13 Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.
  • James 3:7 For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind:

“will” Greek G1439 · used in 13 verses

  • Matthew 24:43 But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up.
  • Acts 14:16 Who in times past suffered all nations to walk in their own ways.
  • Acts 27:32 Then the soldiers cut off the ropes of the boat, and let her fall off.