Exercise is a topic of interest not just in the realm of human health but within the scope of spiritual development as well. The Bible, while primarily a spiritual guide, offers wisdom about physical well-being, including the value of exercise. This focuses on the balance between spiritual health and physical well-being, reflecting on the interconnectedness of the body, mind, and spirit. The Bible offers a holistic perspective on health, emphasizing that while bodily training has some value, godliness is of greater value in every way.
What the Bible Says About Exercise
The Bible, though not a fitness manual, does touch upon the importance of physical fitness in the context of spiritual wellness. It makes it clear that our bodies are not our own; instead, they are lent to us as a stewardship by God. Therefore, taking care of our bodies and maintaining our health through physical exercise is a way of showing respect for this divine loan.
Why a Balanced View of Exercise is Advocated in the Bible
The Bible never explicitly discourages physical exercise. Instead, it encourages maintaining a balanced perspective. Exercise has health benefits but should not become an obsession or be indulged in to the point of neglecting our spiritual health. The proper use of exercise ought to be a means to a healthier body, which, in turn, serves the purpose of a healthier and more effective spiritual life.
When Exercise Becomes a Form of Worship
The Bible encourages believers to honor God with their bodies. This can take numerous forms, including maintaining physical health through exercise. Thus, when done properly, exercise can transcend being a mere physical activity and become a form of worship. It becomes an act of gratitude for the functioning body that we have been given and a means to keep it in a condition that helps us serve God effectively.
Who Benefits From the Biblical Perspective of Exercise
The Bible’s balanced perspective on exercise can be a source of guidance and inspiration for all. Whether someone is a dedicated fitness enthusiast or someone simply trying to maintain a healthy lifestyle, understanding and applying this perspective can lead to a healthier, more balanced life. This balance, in turn, can enhance spiritual development, making it a mutually beneficial relationship between physical and spiritual health.
Where the Spiritual and Physical Intersect in the Bible’s Perspective on Exercise
The Bible presents a unique perspective where physical exercise and spiritual health intersect. According to it, maintaining our physical health through activities, such as exercise, is one aspect of our broader spiritual obligation to honor God with our bodies. Moreover, by integrating the practice of physical exercise with spiritual principles, such as discipline, moderation, and gratitude, we can transform it from a routine or tedious activity into a meaningful and fulfilling part of our lives.
Below is our full list of bible verses on exercise (King James Version – KJV) provided in ranked order.
Most Popular Bible Verses About Exercise
1 Timothy 4:8
“8 For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.”
Related Themes: Health Physical Exercise Life Sports Vanity
1 Corinthians 6:19-20
“19 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.”
Related Themes: Holy Spirit Lust Health Holiness Omnipresence
1 Corinthians 9:24-27
“24 Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.25 And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.26 I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air:27 But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.”
Related Themes: Self-Control Self Discipline Quitting Determination Perseverance
Proverbs 31:17
“17 She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms.”
Related Themes: Health Physical Exercise Physical Health
2 Timothy 4:7
“7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:”
Related Themes: Faith Determination Giving Up Quitting
Proverbs 24:5
“5 A wise man is strong; yea, a man of knowledge increaseth strength.”
Related Themes: Physical Exercise Friendship
Philippians 4:13
“13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”
Related Themes: Strength Omnipotence Self Confidence Life Greatness
2 Timothy 2:5
“5 And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully.”
Related Themes: Sports Competition
1 Corinthians 6:19
“19 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?”
Related Themes: Holy Spirit Lust Health Holiness Omnipresence
Romans 12:1
“1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.”
3 John 1:2
“2 Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.”
1 Corinthians 10:31
“31 Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.”
Related Themes: Pride Dating Food Health Technology
1 Samuel 16:7
“7 But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.”
Related Themes: Pride Self-Esteem Criticism Vanity Heart
Isaiah 40:31
“31 But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.”
Related Themes: Hope Patience Strength Life New Beginnings
Hebrews 12:1
“1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,”
Related Themes: Perseverance Patience Bitterness Perseverance Quitting
Hebrews 12:12
“12 Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees;”
Related Themes: Abuse
1 Corinthians 9:26-27
“26 I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air:27 But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.”
1 Timothy 4:7
“7 But refuse profane and old wives’ fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness.”
Related Themes: Health Superstition Discipline Self-Control Traditions
Isaiah 40:28-31
“28 Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding.29 He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength.30 Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall:31 But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.”
Related Themes: Omnipotence Loneliness Creativity Rest Greatness
Proverbs 10:4
“4 He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich.”
1 Peter 3:3-4
“3 Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel;4 But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.”
Related Themes: Gold Humility Self-Esteem Jewelry Beauty
Philippians 4:6-7
“6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
Related Themes: Patience Prayer Loneliness Nervousness Worry
2 Timothy 3:1-5
“1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.”
Related Themes: Manipulation Gossip Boasting Narcissism Pride
1 Corinthians 9:24
“24 Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.”
Related Themes: Self-Control Self Discipline Quitting Determination Perseverance
1 Corinthians 9:27
“27 But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.”
Related Themes: Lust Self-Control Discipline Self Discipline Indulgence
1 Timothy 4:7-9
“7 But refuse profane and old wives’ fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness.8 For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.9 This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation.”
Related Themes: Health Superstition Discipline Self-Control Traditions
Hebrews 6:12
“12 That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.”
Revelation 1:1
“1 The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John:”
Related Themes: Earth Trespassing Omnipotence Criticism Gold
Isaiah 58:11
“11 And the LORD shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not.”
Related Themes: Health Water Favor Guidance Satisfaction
1 Timothy 4:7-8
“7 But refuse profane and old wives’ fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness.8 For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.”
Related Themes: Health Superstition Discipline Self-Control Traditions
