1 Corinthians 10:13

New Testament Epistle (Pauline) ASV (1901)

What does 1 Corinthians 10:13 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “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.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

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.
1 Corinthians 10:13 — American Standard Version

Context — 1 Corinthians 10

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
13There 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.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“There hath no temptation taken you, etc.] Some, indeed, understand these words by way of reproof, that whereas their trials and exercises which had attended them were very light ones, and comparatively trivial; and yet they had given way to these temptations, and had sunk under them, and fallen by them, for which they were greatly to be blamed; or as threatening them with something more severe than anything as yet had befallen them, signifying that though they had as yet stood, and thought they still should; yet they ought not to presume on their own strength, or depend on outward things; since the temptations that as yet had come upon them were such as men might easily bear; there was no…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Consolation to them, under their temptation; it is none but such as is "common to man," or "such as man can bear," "adapted to man's powers of endurance" [WAHL]. faithful-- (Psa 125:3; Isa 27:3, Isa 27:8; Rev 3:10). "God is faithful" to the covenant which He made with you in calling you (Th1 5:24). To be led into temptation is distinct from running into it, which would be "tempting God" (Co1 10:9; Mat 4:7). way to escape-- (Jer 29:11; Pe2 2:9). The Greek is, "the way of escape"; the appropriate way of escape in each particular temptation; not an immediate escape, but one in due time, after patience has had her perfect work (Jam 1:2-4, Jam 1:12). He "makes" the way of escape simultaneously…”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“There hath no temptation taken you - What temptation the apostle refers to here is not quite certain. It is probable, however, that he refers to such as would, in their circumstances, have a tendency to induce them to forsake their allegiance to their Lord, and to lead them into idolatry and sin. These might be either open persecutions, or afflictions on account of their religion; or they might be the various allurements which were spread around them from the prevalence of idolatry. They might be the open attacks of their enemies, or the sneers and the derision of the frivilous and the great. The design of the apostle evidently is, to show them that, if they were faithful, they had nothing…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Common to man - Or, as the Greek word imports, proportioned to human strength. God is faithful - In giving the help which he hath promised. And he will with the temptation - Provide for your deliverance. 1 Corinthians 10:14”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“hath: Jer 12:5; Mat 24:21-24; Luk 11:4, Luk 22:31, Luk 22:46; Co2 11:23-28; Eph 6:12, Eph 6:13; Heb 11:35-38, Heb 12:4; Jam 5:10, Jam 5:11; Pe1 1:6, Pe1 1:7, Pe1 5:8, Pe1 5:9; Rev 2:10, Rev 3:10 common: or, moderate but: Co1 1:9; Deu 7:9; Psa 36:5, Psa 89:33; Isa 11:5, Isa 25:1, Isa 49:7; Lam 3:23; Hos 2:20; Th1 5:24; Th2 3:3; Ti2 2:11-13; Heb 6:18, Heb 10:23, Heb 11:11; Pe1 4:19; Jo1 1:9; Rev 19:11 who: Exo 3:17; Psa 125:3; Dan 3:17; Luk 22:32; Joh 10:28-30; Rom 8:28-39; Co2 1:10, Co2 12:8-10; Ti2 4:18; Pe1 1:5; Pe2 2:9 make: Gen 19:20, Gen 19:21; Psa 124:7; Jer 29:11; Luk 16:26; Act 27:44; Jam 5:11 1 Corinthians 10:14”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification