What Does the Bible Say About Temptation?
What Does the Bible Say About Temptation? The Bible teaches that temptation is universal but not from God, and He always provides a way of escape for believers who resist.
Key verse: 1 Corinthians 10:13 (KJV)
The Bible teaches that temptation is universal but not from God, and He always provides a way of escape for believers who resist.
The Bible teaches that temptation is universal but not from God, and He always provides a way of escape for believers who resist.
"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 10:13 (KJV)
Meaning
Plain-language explanation
In Context
Surrounding KJV scripture
Related Verses
Cross-reference scriptures
The Biblical Answer
Temptation is a reality every believer faces. James clarifies that God does not tempt anyone—temptation comes from our own desires (James 1:13-14). Jesus Himself was tempted in every way yet without sin (Hebrews 4:15), and He overcame Satan's temptations with Scripture (Matthew 4:1-11). The great promise is 1 Corinthians 10:13: God will not allow believers to be tempted beyond what they can bear and will always provide a way of escape. Strategies for overcoming temptation include hiding God's Word in your heart (Psalm 119:11), fleeing certain temptations (2 Timothy 2:22), resisting the devil (James 4:7), staying watchful and prayerful (Matthew 26:41), and relying on the Spirit's power (Galatians 5:16).
Topic Overview
What Does the Bible Say About Temptation?
What the Bible teaches about resisting temptation and overcoming sin's allure.
Key Scripture References
"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."
"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: But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed."
"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."
Frequently asked questions
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Related Questions
What Is Spiritual Warfare According to the Bible?
Spiritual warfare is the ongoing battle between God's kingdom and the forces of darkness, fought through prayer, faith, and the Word of God.
What Does the Bible Say About Self-Control?
Self-control (temperance) is a fruit of the Spirit and a discipline essential for godly living, resisting temptation, and honoring God with our bodies.
What Is the Unforgivable Sin?
The unforgivable sin, or blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, is the persistent, willful rejection of the Spirit's testimony about Jesus Christ.
Why Did Jesus Have to Die on the Cross?
Jesus died as a substitutionary sacrifice to pay the penalty for human sin and reconcile humanity to God.
How Are You Saved According to the Bible?
Salvation comes by grace through faith in Jesus Christ — not by works or human effort.
Deep Dive Commentary
For a more in-depth study, read our verse-by-verse commentary:
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Read it in context
The answer above sits inside 1 Corinthians. The 365-day chronological plan reads it in the order the events happened.
Read 1 Corinthians on day 324 of the chronological Bible reading planKeep the verses to hand
Every verse quoted in “What Does the Bible Say About Temptation?” comes from the King James Version, free to download and print.
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