What does it mean that God cannot be tempted (James 1:13)?

Quick answer

God will never tempt us to do evil nor is He tempted to do evil. When we are tempted, we can lean on the one who will never be tempted.

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

The Greek work for “tempted” can mean tempted in a malicious way, for evil; it can also mean “tested” in a good way, as through a trial, to cause growth or endurance. This would be much like a race car, for example, that goes through an extended “trial” on a proving ground to ensure it will endure. Therefore, God cannot be tempted to do evil or tested for endurance. Evil is that which is opposed to God's nature. There is nothing in God or external to God that would cause Him to want to do evil. He cannot be tempted. God is omniscient (all-knowing). Since God is completely opposed to evil and unable to be deceived, He will never tempt us to do evil—to do so would be out of line with His character. Jesus empowers us through the Holy Spirit to overcome temptation and sin. Trials refine our faith, but temptations to sin arise from our own desires and the Devil’s tactics. In every situation, we can lean into God's unchanging character of love, grace, and justice.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

Evil is often deceptive in nature and, to humans, can seem to offer something good (Genesis 3:1–13; see also John 8:44). But God will never fall for the lies of evil.

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

James 1:13–14 says: "Let no one say when he is tempted, 'I am being tempted by God,' for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire." The phrase "God cannot be tempted" means that God cannot be tempted by doing evil.
God is all good. He is perfect, and His character is infallible. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8).
God, also, does not tempt us to sin. Rather, He gives us the power to resist temptation (1 Corinthians 10:13; James 4:7–10).
Our sinful nature draws us in the direction of sin. When we are born again, we receive the indwelling Holy Spirit. We are made a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17). That new nature and the Holy Spirit in us pull us to walk in God's ways. Unlike humans, God cannot be tempted, bribed, or deceived into doing evil (Romans 11:33–36). God is sovereign over the universe; what a comfort to know that our world is in His good hands.

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

We have a Savior who was tempted as we are and overcame (Hebrews 2:18). He sympathizes with us and helps us overcome. He also offers us mercy and grace (Hebrews 4:14–16). He has already paid the penalty for our sin, and He helps us no longer live in sin (John 15:1–17; 16:33; 1 John 1:8–10; 3:4–10). The Holy Spirit is the power we have to walk with Christ as overcomers (Galatians 5:16). More than that, God can never be tempted by evil. This truth gives us great confidence. God will never act contrary to His nature. We know His character is loving, gracious, merciful, and just (Exodus 34:6–7; 1 Peter 1:3–9; Jude 1:24–25). God will always do what is right. While our faith will be tested, that does not mean that the temptation comes from God. Trials can be used to refine us, but the temptation to sin comes from within our own sin nature which we were born with, an aftermath of the fall. We are each tempted by our own desires. By recognizing our triggers and relying on the Holy Spirit’s power, we can overcome temptation and grow in our faith, transforming trials into opportunities for deeper reliance on God’s grace and guidance.

UNDERSTAND

God’s perfect and unchanging nature means He will never be tempted by evil.
God will never lead us into sin.
Temptation arises from our desires and from the Devil, but we can overcome by the power of the Holy Spirit.

REFLECT

How does the truth that God cannot be tempted influence your understanding of His character and nature?
In what areas of your life do you find yourself struggling with temptation, and how can you lean on God to overcome?
How does knowing that God will never tempt us help us handle temptation?

ENGAGE

How does understanding that temptation comes from our desires rather than from God change the way we approach sin and personal responsibility?
In light of James 1:13–14, how can we differentiate between trials that strengthen our faith and temptations that lead us away from God?
What practical steps can we take to recognize our triggers for temptation and strengthen our reliance on the Holy Spirit?