What Does the Bible Say About Temptation?
What Does the Bible Say About Temptation? The Bible teaches that temptation is universal but not irresistible — God always provides a way of escape, and Jesus Himself was tempted yet without sin.
Key verse: 1 Corinthians 10:13 (KJV)
The Bible teaches that temptation is universal but not irresistible — God always provides a way of escape, and Jesus Himself was tempted yet without sin.
The Bible teaches that temptation is universal but not irresistible — God always provides a way of escape, and Jesus Himself was tempted yet without sin.
"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
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The Biblical Answer
Temptation is the enticement to sin, and no human (except Jesus) has escaped it. James explains the process: 'Every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death' (James 1:14-15). Importantly, temptation itself is not sin — Jesus was tempted in every way yet never sinned (Hebrews 4:15). God never tempts anyone (James 1:13), but He allows testing to strengthen faith. The devil tempted Jesus in the wilderness with appeals to physical appetite, pride, and power — and Jesus defeated each temptation with Scripture (Matthew 4:1-11). Paul provides crucial encouragement: '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' (1 Corinthians 10:13). Practical defenses include hiding God's Word in your heart (Psalm 119:11), fleeing tempting situations, and staying accountable to other believers.
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."
"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."
"But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death."
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Related Questions
What Is Sin According to the Bible?
Sin is any thought, word, or action that falls short of God's perfect standard — essentially, missing the mark of His holiness.
What is the armor of God?
The armor of God is Paul's metaphor in Ephesians 6 for the spiritual resources believers need to stand against the devil: truth, righteousness, the gospel, faith, salvation, and the Word of God.
Who Is Satan (the Devil)?
Satan is a fallen angel who rebelled against God and now leads the forces of evil, seeking to oppose God's purposes and destroy humanity.
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.
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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