1 Corinthians 10:13 Meaning: God’s Promise When Temptation Overwhelms
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.
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.
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.
No temptation hath taken you--except human; and God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above what ye are able, but He will make, with the temptation, also the outlet, for your being able to bear it .
No temptation has taken you but such as is according to man's nature; and God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above what ye are able [to bear], but will with the temptation make the issue also, so that [ye] should be able to bear [it].
Meaning in one sentence
What does 'common to man' mean and how does God provide a way out? Discover the comfort of 1 Corinthians 10:13 for your daily struggles.
Context
Paul has just spent several verses warning the Corinthian church using the example of Israel in the wilderness. The people of God had every privilege, manna, water from the rock, the cloud of God’s presence, yet they fell into idolatry and grumbling. Paul warns: “Let him who thinks he stands take heed that he doesn’t fall.” Then comes this verse, not as a scolding but as a lifeline. The Corinthians faced pressure to join pagan feasts and give in to the culture around them. Paul reminds them that no test they face is strange or unique, and that the same God who called them is the one who will see them through.
Key Words
The word peirasmos can mean either a test or a temptation. It is the same word used when Jesus was led into the wilderness. This tells us that what feels like an attack may also be an opportunity to grow, though we do not always see it that way in the moment.
The Greek word anthrōpinos is key. It means “human.” Some translators render it “common to man,” while others say “such as man can bear.” Both are trying to capture the same truth: you are not alone in this struggle, and the trial is not beyond what a human being, with God’s help, can handle.
The phrase ekbasis appears only here and in Hebrews 13:7. It means an exit, a way out. In ancient Greek it was used for a path out of a narrow strait at sea. Paul says God will make the way out with the temptation. Not after, not instead of, but at the same time. That is a promise to hold onto.
How Christians Read This Verse
Christians have long debated whether anthrōpinos means “ordinary human temptation” or “a moderate trial suited to your strength.” Early church figures like Chrysostom took it as “small, short, moderate,” while others like the Cambridge Bible read it as “such as human nature is liable to.” Both readings offer comfort: either your trial is not unusual, or it is not beyond what you can endure.
On the way of escape, some traditions emphasize that God may remove the temptation. Others point out that the verse ends with “that you may be able to bear it,” not “that it will disappear.” The escape may be strength to stay steady when walking away is not an option.
A common misunderstanding
A common misreading is that “God will provide a way of escape” means He will always make the temptation stop or remove the hard situation. In fact, the verse says the escape is given so that you may be able to endure it. The way out may be the strength to stay faithful while the trial continues, not a door that lets you avoid it altogether.
Living This Out
This week, when a familiar temptation presses in, the sharp word you want to say, the shortcut that is dishonest, the habit that pulls you back, stop and say to yourself: this is human, and God is faithful. Ask Him to show you the way out He has already placed beside the trial. It might be a friend to call, a verse to repeat, or simply the grace to walk away in silence. The way out is there before you reach for it.
Main takeaway: God is faithful to limit the trials we face and to provide a way through them, so we can endure and not be overcome.
For Families
For ages 5, 8
When something is hard to say no to, God promises to help you. He will show you a way to do the right thing, even when it feels tough. You are never alone in a temptation.
For ages 9, 12
Have you ever felt like a temptation was too strong for you? Paul says that is not true. God knows exactly how much you can handle, and He always provides a way to do what is right. That way might be asking a parent for help, walking away, or praying in the moment. Trust that God has already made a path for you.
Questions People Ask
What does 'common to man' mean in 1 Corinthians 10:13?
The phrase translates the Greek word anthrōpinos, which means 'human.' It can mean the temptation is the kind that all people face, or it can mean the temptation is moderate and suited to human strength. Either way, you are not facing something strange or beyond what God can help you bear.
Does God promise to remove every temptation in 1 Corinthians 10:13?
The verse says God provides a 'way of escape' so that you can endure it. The escape is not necessarily removal; it can be the strength to stand firm while the temptation remains. The goal is endurance, not avoidance.
What is the context of 1 Corinthians 10:13?
Paul is warning the Corinthian church not to fall into idolatry and sin like the Israelites did in the wilderness. He has just said 'let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.' Then he gives this verse as a comfort, assuring them that no temptation is unique and God is faithful.
How should I apply 1 Corinthians 10:13 when I feel tempted?
First, remember that your struggle is not unusual. Other believers have faced the same thing. Then trust that God is working even in the temptation, He will not let you be pushed past what you can bear. Ask Him to show you the way out He has already prepared, and take that step of obedience.
For pastors & researchers
Greek interlinear, 8 commentaries & word study