Summary
The page “Misquoted Verses – 1 Corinthians 10:13” on thebibleanswers.net examines the common misinterpretation of 1 Corinthians 10:13, which states, “No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.” Here’s a brief summary:
- Common Misunderstanding: The verse is often quoted to suggest that God won’t give people more hardship than they can handle, implying protection from overwhelming life struggles. The page argues this misreads the text’s focus.
- Contextual Meaning: It clarifies that the verse specifically addresses temptation to sin, not general suffering or trials. Paul wrote to the Corinthians about resisting idolatry and immorality, using Israel’s history (1 Corinthians 10:1-12) as a warning. The “temptation” refers to enticements to disobey God, not life’s burdens.
- Biblical Distinction: The page contrasts this with verses like 2 Corinthians 1:8, where Paul describes being “burdened beyond measure” and despairing of life, showing that God does allow overwhelming trials, but always provides a way to resist sin within temptation.
- Practical Implication: The promise is that God ensures believers can endure temptation by offering an escape (e.g., strength or opportunity to avoid sin), not that they’ll be spared from all difficulties.
In summary, the page asserts that 1 Corinthians 10:13 is misquoted when applied to general hardships; it’s about God’s faithfulness in helping believers overcome temptation, not a guarantee against unbearable circumstances.
Have you ever heard that the Bible says God will not give you more than you can bear? This is one of the most misquoted things I have heard. Even priests and ministers have misquoted it. So, what are they referring too?
1 Corinthians 10:13, which says in the New International Version (NIV):
“No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.”
Click here for over 25 translations of the same passage. None of them, in any way, suggest God will not give you more than you can bear. The idea people often take from this is that God won’t give you challenges or burdens beyond your ability to handle. However, the verse itself is about temptation, not all of life’s hardships. Over time, the broader interpretation has become a comforting saying for many according to some ministers and preachers, even if it’s not correct. I believe it has done more harm than good to misquote the passage.
The commentaries agree that 1 Corinthians 10:13 reassures believers that temptations are humanly manageable with God’s faithful assistance. He limits their intensity and provides an escape, often through endurance, ensuring victory for those who rely on Him, not themselves.
Why do I suggest misquoting or misunderstanding this passage can do more harm than good? When trials persist or feel unbearable (like chronic illness, pain, grief, or persistent sin struggles), people might conclude God isn’t faithful, leading to despair to the point of giving up on God or even suicide.
This can lead to frustration or giving up when relief isn’t instant. For example, someone battling addiction might abandon faith if deliverance isn’t immediate, missing that God’s assistance might be grace to persevere.James 1:12
Taking “able to bear it” as a call to self-reliant effort, rather than dependence on God’s grace can shift faith into a performance-based mindset, where individuals strive to prove their worthiness through willpower alone, rather than trusting God’s provision. It risks burnout or pride, contradicting the verse’s focus on God’s faithfulness as the source of strength.
Addiction: Someone might think God will magically remove a substance craving, misinterpreting “way of escape” as instant deliverance. When it persists, they relapse, blaming God instead of seeking His strength through endurance or support. Moral Failure: A person might flirt with temptation (e.g., infidelity), assuming God’s promise ensures safety, only to fall due to neglecting vigilance. Suffering: A believer facing prolonged illness might doubt God’s love, misreading the verse as a promise of quick relief rather than sustained grace.
Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15