What Does the Bible Say About Temptation — In Biblical Context
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)
The Biblical Context
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).
Where It Sits in Scripture
The core passage for this question, 1 Corinthians 10:13, sits inside 1 Corinthians 10. To grasp the full meaning, read the surrounding paragraph — the verses before set up the thought, the verses after carry it forward.
"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."
Supporting Passages
"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."
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