1 Corinthians 10:13

Context

Earlier in chapter 10, Paul reminds his readers that the Exodus generation crossed the Red Sea and ate manna, yet perished in the wilderness because of idolatry, sexual immorality, and murmuring (vv. 1–10). He says that these things became "our examples" and warns, "Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall" (vv. 11–12). Verse 13 is the word of comfort that follows this warning, and verse 14 draws the conclusion: "flee from idolatry." For the Corinthian believers, taking part in feasts held in pagan temples was a real temptation.

Interpretation

• As a promise concerning temptation: Because the context is a warning against idolatry and sin, this view holds that "temptation" (Greek peirasmos) refers primarily to enticement toward sin. Since God provides a way to escape, the excuse "I had no choice" does not hold.
• As comfort in trials generally: Because peirasmos can mean both "temptation" and "trial," some interpreters hold that the verse also applies to suffering in general that shakes one's faith. They note that the same word is used in both senses in James 1:2–3, 12–13.

Questions of Application

The verse is often invoked to mean that "God gives us only as much pain as we can bear." Some respond that the verse is not a promise about the amount of suffering but a statement of God's faithfulness in the face of temptation to sin, and that offering these words to someone who has suffered a great loss can be hurtful. Others hold that drawing comfort in suffering from the promise that God will make a way to escape and make believers "able to bear it" is not contrary to the meaning of the verse.

In the Korean Church

The verse is frequently cited in prayers for students preparing for entrance examinations and for the sick, as well as in counseling and pastoral visitation.

Related Passages

• 1 Corinthians 10:11–12
• James 1:12–14
• Hebrews 2:18
• 2 Peter 2:9