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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>1 Timothy 4:8 For physical exercise is of limited value, but godliness is valuable in every way, holding promise for the present life and for the one to come.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/1_timothy/4-8.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/2/54_1Ti_04_08.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="1 Timothy 4:8 - A Good Minister of Jesus Christ" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="For physical exercise is of limited value, but godliness is valuable in every way, holding promise for the present life 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id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/1_timothy/4.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/1_timothy/4.htm">New International Version</a> For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. <a href="/nlt/1_timothy/4.htm">New Living Translation</a> “Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come.” <a href="/esv/1_timothy/4.htm">English Standard Version</a> for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. <a href="/bsb/1_timothy/4.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> For physical exercise is of limited value, but godliness is valuable in every way, holding promise for the present life and for the one to come. <a href="/blb/1_timothy/4.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> For bodily exercise is of a little profit, but godliness is profitable for everything, holding the promise of the present life and of the one coming. <a href="/kjv/1_timothy/4.htm">King James Bible</a> 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. <a href="/nkjv/1_timothy/4.htm">New King James Version</a> For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come. <a href="/nasb_/1_timothy/4.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> for bodily training is just slightly beneficial, but godliness is beneficial for all things, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. <a href="/nasb/1_timothy/4.htm">NASB 1995</a> for bodily discipline is only of little profit, but godliness is profitable for all things, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. <a href="/nasb77/1_timothy/4.htm">NASB 1977 </a> for bodily discipline is only of little profit, but godliness is profitable for all things, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. <a href="/lsb/1_timothy/4.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> for bodily training is only of little profit, but godliness is profitable for all things, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. <a href="/amp/1_timothy/4.htm">Amplified Bible</a> For physical training is of some value, but godliness (spiritual training) is of value in everything and in every way, since it holds promise for the present life and for the life to come. <a href="/csb/1_timothy/4.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> For the training of the body has limited benefit, but godliness is beneficial in every way, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. <a href="/hcsb/1_timothy/4.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> for the training of the body has a limited benefit, but godliness is beneficial in every way, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. <a href="/asv/1_timothy/4.htm">American Standard Version</a> for bodily exercise is profitable for a little; but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life which now is, and of that which is to come. <a href="/erv/1_timothy/4.htm">English Revised Version</a> for bodily exercise is profitable for a little; but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life which now is, and of that which is to come. <a href="/gwt/1_timothy/4.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Training the body helps a little, but godly living helps in every way. Godly living has the promise of life now and in the world to come. <a href="/gnt/1_timothy/4.htm">Good News Translation</a> Physical exercise has some value, but spiritual exercise is valuable in every way, because it promises life both for the present and for the future. <a href="/isv/1_timothy/4.htm">International Standard Version</a> Physical exercise is of limited value, but Godliness is very dear, a pledge of life, both there and here. <a href="/msb/1_timothy/4.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> For physical exercise is of limited value, but godliness is valuable in every way, holding promise for the present life and for the one to come. <a href="/net/1_timothy/4.htm">NET Bible</a> For "physical exercise has some value, but godliness is valuable in every way. It holds promise for the present life and for the life to come." <a href="/nheb/1_timothy/4.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> For bodily exercise has some value, but godliness has value in all things, having the promise of the life which is now, and of that which is to come. <a href="/wbt/1_timothy/4.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable to all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come. <a href="/wey/1_timothy/4.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Train yourself in godliness. Exercise for the body is not useless, but godliness is useful in every respect, possessing, as it does, the promise of Life now and of the Life which is soon coming. <a href="/web/1_timothy/4.htm">World English Bible</a> For bodily exercise has some value, but godliness has value in all things, having the promise of the life which is now and of that which is to come. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/1_timothy/4.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> for bodily exercise is to little profit, but piety is profitable to all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is coming; <a href="/blb/1_timothy/4.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> For bodily exercise is of a little profit, but godliness is profitable for everything, holding the promise of the present life and of the one coming. <a href="/ylt/1_timothy/4.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> for the bodily exercise is unto little profit, and the piety is to all things profitable, a promise having of the life that now is, and of that which is coming; <a href="/slt/1_timothy/4.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> For bodily exercise is profitable, to little: but devotion is profitable to all things, having promise of life now, and that about to be.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/1_timothy/4.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> For bodily exercise is profitable to little: but godliness is profitable to all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come. <a href="/cpdv/1_timothy/4.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> For the exercise of the body is somewhat useful. But piety is useful in all things, holding the promise of life, in the present and in the future. <a href="/nabre/1_timothy/4.htm">New American Bible</a> for, while physical training is of limited value, devotion is valuable in every respect, since it holds a promise of life both for the present and for the future. <a href="/nrsvce/1_timothy/4.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> for, while physical training is of some value, godliness is valuable in every way, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/1_timothy/4.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> For physical training profits only for a little while: but righteousness is profitable in all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/1_timothy/4.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> For exercise of the body profits a little for this time, but righteousness profits in everything, and it has the promise of life for this time and of the future.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/1_timothy/4.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> For the exercise of the body is profitable for little; but godliness is profitable for all things, and has the promise of the life that now is, and also of that which is to come. <a href="/godbey/1_timothy/4.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> For bodily exercise is profitable unto little; but godliness is profitable unto all things, having the promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come. <a href="/haweis/1_timothy/4.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> For bodily exercise is of little advantage, but godliness is profitable for all things, having the promise of the life which now is, and of that which is to come. <a href="/mace/1_timothy/4.htm">Mace New Testament</a> exercise yourself in piety: for those exercises which relate only to the body are of little consequence, but piety is of absolute use, having the promises both of the present life, and of the life that is to come. <a href="/wey/1_timothy/4.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Train yourself in godliness. Exercise for the body is not useless, but godliness is useful in every respect, possessing, as it does, the promise of Life now and of the Life which is soon coming. <a href="/worrell/1_timothy/4.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> for bodily exercise is profitable for a little; but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life which is present and that to come. <a href="/worsley/1_timothy/4.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> For bodily exercise profiteth little, but piety is profitable unto all things, having the promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come: <a href="/parallel/1_timothy/4-8.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/EkcLX59OJyU?start=536" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/1_timothy/4.htm">A Good Minister of Jesus Christ</a> …7But reject irreverent, silly myths. Instead, train yourself for godliness. 8<a href="/greek/1063.htm" title="1063: gar (Conj) -- For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.">For</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: hē (Art-NFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/4984.htm" title="4984: sōmatikē (Adj-NFS) -- Bodily, corporeal. From soma; corporeal or physical.">physical</a> <a href="/greek/1129.htm" title="1129: gymnasia (N-NFS) -- (physical) exercise, in a wide sense. From gumnazo; training, i.e. asceticism.">exercise</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: estin (V-PIA-3S) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">is</a> <a href="/greek/4314.htm" title="4314: pros (Prep) -- To, towards, with. A strengthened form of pro; a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. Toward.">of</a> <a href="/greek/3641.htm" title="3641: oligon (Adj-AMS) -- Puny; especially neuter somewhat.">limited</a> <a href="/greek/5624.htm" title="5624: ōphelimos (Adj-NFS) -- Profitable, beneficial, useful. From a form of ophelos; helpful or serviceable, i.e. Advantageous.">value,</a> <a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc.">but</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: hē (Art-NFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/2150.htm" title="2150: eusebeia (N-NFS) -- Piety (towards God), godliness, devotion, godliness. From eusebes; piety; specially, the gospel scheme.">godliness</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: estin (V-PIA-3S) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">is</a> <a href="/greek/5624.htm" title="5624: ōphelimos (Adj-NFS) -- Profitable, beneficial, useful. From a form of ophelos; helpful or serviceable, i.e. Advantageous.">valuable</a> <a href="/greek/4314.htm" title="4314: pros (Prep) -- To, towards, with. A strengthened form of pro; a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. Toward.">in</a> <a href="/greek/3956.htm" title="3956: panta (Adj-ANP) -- All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.">every way,</a> <a href="/greek/2192.htm" title="2192: echousa (V-PPA-NFS) -- To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold.">holding</a> <a href="/greek/1860.htm" title="1860: epangelian (N-AFS) -- A promise. From epaggello; an announcement.">promise</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tēs (Art-GFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">for the</a> <a href="/greek/3568.htm" title="3568: nyn (Adv) -- A primary particle of present time; now; also as noun or adjective present or immediate.">present</a> <a href="/greek/2222.htm" title="2222: zōēs (N-GFS) -- Life, both of physical (present) and of spiritual (particularly future) existence. From zao; life.">life</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tēs (Art-GFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">for the one</a> <a href="/greek/3195.htm" title="3195: mellousēs (V-PPA-GFS) -- A strengthened form of melo; to intend, i.e. Be about to be, do, or suffer something.">to come.</a> 9This is a trustworthy saying, worthy of full acceptance.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/1_corinthians/9-25.htm">1 Corinthians 9:25</a> Everyone who competes in the games trains with strict discipline. They do it for a crown that is perishable, but we do it for a crown that is imperishable. <a href="/hebrews/12-11.htm">Hebrews 12:11</a> No discipline seems enjoyable at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it yields a harvest of righteousness and peace to those who have been trained by it. <a href="/proverbs/3-8.htm">Proverbs 3:8</a> This will bring healing to your body and refreshment to your bones. <a href="/2_corinthians/4-17.htm">2 Corinthians 4:17</a> For our light and momentary affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory that is far beyond comparison. <a href="/matthew/6-33.htm">Matthew 6:33</a> But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you. <a href="/philippians/3-7.htm">Philippians 3:7-8</a> But whatever was gain to me I count as loss for the sake of Christ. / More than that, I count all things as loss compared to the surpassing excellence of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ <a href="/colossians/2-23.htm">Colossians 2:23</a> Such restrictions indeed have an appearance of wisdom, with their self-prescribed worship, their false humility, and their harsh treatment of the body; but they are of no value against the indulgence of the flesh. <a href="/1_peter/3-4.htm">1 Peter 3:4</a> but from the inner disposition of your heart, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in God’s sight. <a href="/romans/8-18.htm">Romans 8:18</a> I consider that our present sufferings are not comparable to the glory that will be revealed in us. <a href="/1_corinthians/6-19.htm">1 Corinthians 6:19-20</a> Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; / you were bought at a price. Therefore glorify God with your body. <a href="/psalms/37-4.htm">Psalm 37:4</a> Delight yourself in the LORD, and He will give you the desires of your heart. <a href="/galatians/5-22.htm">Galatians 5:22-23</a> But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, / gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law. <a href="/ecclesiastes/12-13.htm">Ecclesiastes 12:13-14</a> When all has been heard, the conclusion of the matter is this: Fear God and keep His commandments, because this is the whole duty of man. / For God will bring every deed into judgment, along with every hidden thing, whether good or evil. <a href="/2_timothy/3-16.htm">2 Timothy 3:16-17</a> All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness, / so that the man of God may be complete, fully equipped for every good work. <a href="/isaiah/40-31.htm">Isaiah 40:31</a> But those who wait upon the LORD will renew their strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>For bodily exercise profits little: but godliness is profitable to all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.bodily.<a href="/1_samuel/15-22.htm">1 Samuel 15:22</a> And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.<a href="/psalms/50-7.htm">Psalm 50:7-15</a> Hear, O my people, and I will speak; O Israel, and I will testify against thee: I am God, even thy God… <a href="/isaiah/1-11.htm">Isaiah 1:11-16</a> To what purpose is the multitude of your sacrifices unto me? saith the LORD: I am full of the burnt offerings of rams, and the fat of fed beasts; and I delight not in the blood of bullocks, or of lambs, or of he goats… little.<a href="/hebrews/9-9.htm">Hebrews 9:9,10</a> Which was a figure for the time then present, in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices, that could not make him that did the service perfect, as pertaining to the conscience; … godliness.<a href="/1_timothy/6-6.htm">1 Timothy 6:6</a> But godliness with contentment is great gain.<a href="/job/22-2.htm">Job 22:2</a> Can a man be profitable unto God, as he that is wise may be profitable unto himself?<a href="/titus/3-8.htm">Titus 3:8</a> This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.having.<a href="/deuteronomy/28-1.htm">Deuteronomy 28:1-14</a> And it shall come to pass, if thou shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to observe and to do all his commandments which I command thee this day, that the LORD thy God will set thee on high above all nations of the earth: … <a href="/job/5-19.htm">Job 5:19-26</a> He shall deliver thee in six troubles: yea, in seven there shall no evil touch thee… <a href="/psalms/37-3.htm">Psalm 37:3,4,16-19,29</a> Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed… <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_thessalonians/2-17.htm">Bodily</a> <a href="/1_timothy/3-16.htm">Body</a> <a href="/1_timothy/4-7.htm">Discipline</a> <a href="/1_timothy/4-7.htm">Exercise</a> <a href="/1_timothy/4-7.htm">Godliness</a> <a href="/1_timothy/3-9.htm">Holding</a> <a href="/2_thessalonians/2-7.htm">Holds</a> <a href="/1_timothy/3-14.htm">Hope</a> <a href="/1_timothy/1-16.htm">Life</a> <a href="/colossians/1-22.htm">Physical</a> <a href="/1_timothy/4-7.htm">Piety</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/6-10.htm">Possessing</a> <a href="/2_thessalonians/2-2.htm">Present</a> <a href="/philippians/4-17.htm">Profit</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/12-1.htm">Profitable</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/13-3.htm">Profiteth</a> <a href="/ephesians/6-3.htm">Promise</a> <a href="/1_timothy/4-7.htm">Religion</a> <a href="/1_timothy/3-11.htm">Respect</a> <a href="/1_timothy/3-14.htm">Soon</a> <a href="/1_timothy/4-7.htm">Train</a> <a href="/1_timothy/4-7.htm">Training</a> <a href="/acts/13-36.htm">Useful</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/3-5.htm">Useless</a> <a href="/colossians/2-23.htm">Value</a> <a href="/1_timothy/3-11.htm">Way</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/hebrews/7-16.htm">Bodily</a> <a href="/2_timothy/2-22.htm">Body</a> <a href="/2_timothy/1-7.htm">Discipline</a> <a href="/1_timothy/6-15.htm">Exercise</a> <a href="/1_timothy/6-3.htm">Godliness</a> <a href="/1_timothy/6-5.htm">Holding</a> <a href="/hebrews/2-14.htm">Holds</a> <a href="/1_timothy/5-5.htm">Hope</a> <a href="/1_timothy/4-12.htm">Life</a> <a href="/hebrews/7-16.htm">Physical</a> <a href="/1_timothy/5-4.htm">Piety</a> <a href="/genesis/14-19.htm">Possessing</a> <a href="/1_timothy/5-20.htm">Present</a> <a href="/1_timothy/6-2.htm">Profit</a> <a href="/2_timothy/2-14.htm">Profitable</a> <a href="/esther/3-8.htm">Profiteth</a> <a href="/2_timothy/1-1.htm">Promise</a> <a href="/1_timothy/6-3.htm">Religion</a> <a href="/1_timothy/5-14.htm">Respect</a> <a href="/1_timothy/5-11.htm">Soon</a> <a href="/titus/2-4.htm">Train</a> <a href="/2_timothy/3-16.htm">Training</a> <a href="/2_timothy/2-21.htm">Useful</a> <a href="/2_timothy/2-14.htm">Useless</a> <a href="/2_timothy/2-14.htm">Value</a> <a href="/1_timothy/4-12.htm">Way</a><div class="vheading2">1 Timothy 4</div>1. <a href="/1_timothy/4-1.htm">He foretells that in the latter times there shall be a departure from the faith.</a> 6. <a href="/1_timothy/4-6.htm">And to the end that Timothy might not fail in doing his duty, he furnishes him with various precepts.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_timothy/4.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_timothy/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/1_timothy/4.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>For physical exercise is of limited value This phrase acknowledges the benefits of physical exercise, which was recognized even in ancient times. In the Greco-Roman world, physical fitness was highly valued, with gymnasiums being central to many cities. However, the emphasis here is on the limitations of physical exercise in terms of spiritual and eternal significance. The Apostle Paul often used athletic metaphors (e.g., <a href="/1_corinthians/9-24.htm">1 Corinthians 9:24-27</a>) to illustrate spiritual truths, highlighting the temporary nature of physical training compared to spiritual growth.but godliness is valuable in every way Godliness, or living a life that reflects the character and teachings of God, is presented as having comprehensive value. This aligns with the biblical theme that spiritual disciplines and moral integrity have far-reaching effects. In the context of the pastoral epistles, Paul emphasizes the importance of sound doctrine and righteous living as essential for church leaders and believers. Godliness is not just a private matter but impacts community and witness (<a href="/1_timothy/6-6.htm">1 Timothy 6:6</a>).holding promise for the present life The benefits of godliness are not only reserved for the afterlife but also manifest in the present. This reflects the biblical principle that obedience to God's commands leads to a fulfilling and purposeful life (<a href="/proverbs/3.htm">Proverbs 3:1-2</a>). The teachings of Jesus, such as the Sermon on the Mount, illustrate how godly living results in peace, joy, and relational harmony, which are immediate blessings.and for the one to come This phrase underscores the eternal perspective of Christian faith. The promise of eternal life is a central tenet of Christianity, as seen in passages like <a href="/john/3-16.htm">John 3:16</a> and <a href="/romans/6-23.htm">Romans 6:23</a>. The assurance of a future with God provides hope and motivation for believers to pursue godliness. This eternal promise is rooted in the resurrection of Jesus Christ, which guarantees believers' future resurrection and eternal life (<a href="/1_corinthians/15-20.htm">1 Corinthians 15:20-22</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/p/paul.htm">Paul</a> The apostle who authored the letter to Timothy, providing guidance and instruction for church leadership and personal conduct. 2. <a href="/topical/t/timothy.htm">Timothy</a> A young pastor and protégé of Paul, serving in Ephesus, who is the recipient of this letter. 3. <a href="/topical/e/ephesus.htm">Ephesus</a> The city where Timothy was ministering, known for its diverse culture and the Temple of Artemis, which was a center for pagan worship. 4. <a href="/topical/g/godliness.htm">Godliness</a> A central theme in Paul's letters, referring to a life that reflects reverence and devotion to God. 5. <a href="/topical/p/physical_exercise.htm">Physical Exercise</a> Mentioned as a metaphor for spiritual discipline, highlighting the temporary benefits of physical training compared to eternal spiritual growth.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_value_of_godliness.htm">The Value of Godliness</a> Godliness holds eternal value, impacting both our current life and our eternal destiny. It should be prioritized over temporary pursuits. <a href="/topical/b/balancing_physical_and_spiritual_discipline.htm">Balancing Physical and Spiritual Discipline</a> While physical exercise is beneficial, it should not overshadow the pursuit of spiritual growth. Christians are called to maintain a balance that honors God. <a href="/topical/e/eternal_perspective.htm">Eternal Perspective</a> Believers are encouraged to live with an eternal perspective, investing in spiritual disciplines that yield everlasting rewards. <a href="/topical/s/spiritual_training.htm">Spiritual Training</a> Just as athletes train their bodies, Christians are called to train themselves in godliness through prayer, study of the Word, and fellowship. <a href="/topical/r/role_of_leadership.htm">Role of Leadership</a> Church leaders, like Timothy, are tasked with modeling and teaching the value of godliness, guiding others in their spiritual journey.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_1_timothy_4.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 1 Timothy 4</a> <a href="/q/can_christians_join_soulcycle_classes.htm">Should Christians participate in SoulCycle classes?</a> <a href="/q/what_does_'exercise_profits_a_little'_mean.htm">What does "bodily exercise profits a little" mean?</a> <a href="/q/where_can_i_find_my_lost_sheep.htm">What does 'bodily exercise profits a little' mean?</a> <a href="/q/what's_the_bible's_view_on_exercise.htm">What is the biblical perspective on exercise?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/1_timothy/4.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(8) For bodily exercise profiteth little.--More accurately rendered, bodily exercise is profitable for little. St. Paul here, no doubt, was thinking of those bodily austerities alluded to in <a href="/1_timothy/4-3.htm" title="Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God has created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth.">1Timothy 4:3</a>. The stern repression of all human passions and desires, the abstinence from all compliance with the natural impulses of the flesh--such an unnatural warfare, such an exercise, such a training of the body, no doubt in many cases would lead, in many cases certainly has led, the individual to a higher spiritual state. Such a total surrender for the one who so exercises himself is, no doubt, in a certain sense, "profitable." But then it must be remembered that this kind of victory over the flesh, in very many instances, leads to an unnatural state of mind; for the rigid ascetic has removed himself from the platform on which ordinary men and women move. His thoughts have ceased to be their thoughts, his ways are no longer their ways. For practical everyday life such an influence, always limited, is at times positively harmful, as its tendency is to depreciate that home-life and family-life, to raise and elevate which is the true object of Christian teaching. Still, the Apostle, while remembering, and in his teaching ever carrying out, the spirit of the Lord's solemn prayer to the Father, "I pray, not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil," refrains from an entire condemnation of a life which received, on more than one occasion, from the lips of the Sinless One a guarded commendation (<a href="/matthew/17-21.htm" title="However, this kind goes not out but by prayer and fasting.">Matthew 17:21</a>; <a href="/matthew/19-12.htm" title="For there are some eunuchs, which were so born from their mother's womb: and there are some eunuchs, which were made eunuchs of men: and there be eunuchs, which have made themselves eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven's sake. He that is able to receive it, let him receive it.">Matthew 19:12</a>).St. Paul, in his divinely-taught wisdom, recognises that such an austere and severe example and life, though by no means the ideal life of a Christian teacher, yet in the great world workshop of the Master might receive a blessing as "profitable for little."But godliness is profitable unto all things.--Better, for all things. But while this "bodily exorcise," this austere subduing of the flesh, can only weigh with a narrow and circumscribed group, St. Paul points out that the influence of "godliness is world-wide;" a godliness, not merely an inward holiness, but an operative, active piety, which, springing from an intense love for Christ, manifests itself in love for His creatures. This godliness transfigures, and illumines with its divine radiance all busy, active life--every condition, every rank, all ages. That surely is what the good minister of Jesus Christ must aim at!Having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.--For this godliness, which may and ought to enter into all states, all ages of life, promises the greatest happiness to those who struggle after it. It promises "life"--that is, the highest blessedness which the creature can enjoy in this world--as well as the rich prospect of the endless life with God in the world to come; whereas a false asceticism crushes out all the joy and gladness of this present life, and is an unreal preparation for that which is future.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_timothy/4.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 8. - Is profitable for a little for profiteth little, A.V.; for, for unto, A.V.; which for that, A.V. Bodily exercise. Exercise which only affects the body, such as those rules which the Jewish ascetics enforced. Γυμνασία only occurs here in the New Testament, and not at all in the LXX., but is not uncommon in classical Greek. Another form is γύμνασις, and γυμνάσιον is the place where such γύμνασις takes place. For a little; margin, for little, which is the best rendering, Πρὸς ὀλίγον, as Ellicott well remarks, may mean either "for a little while" or "for a little" (better, "for little"), but cannot mean both. The contrast with πρὸς πάντα determines its meaning here to be "for little," which is exactly the same meaning as the A.V. Promise of the life. The genitive here is the genitive of the thing promised, as in <a href="/acts/2-33.htm">Acts 2:33</a>; <a href="/galatians/3-14.htm">Galatians 3:14</a>; <a href="/2_timothy/1-1.htm">2 Timothy 1:1</a>. And the thing promised is "the life that now is," meaning, of course, its enjoyment in peace and happiness (comp. <a href="/psalms/34-12.htm">Psalm 34:12</a> [33, LXX]., where θέλων ζωήν is parallel to ἀγαπῶν ἡμέρας... ἀγαθάς); and "that which is to come," viz. eternal life). There is no occasion to strain after greater grammatical precision. There is no contradiction between tiffs statement of the happiness of a godly life and St. Paul's statement in <a href="/1_corinthians/15-19.htm">1 Corinthians 15:19</a>. Another possible way of construing the words is that of Bishop Ellicott and the 'Speaker's Commentary:' "Having the promise of life, both the present and the future." But in this case we should have had τῆς τε νῦν καὶ κ.τ.λ. <a href="/commentaries/1_timothy/4-8.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>For γὰρ (gar) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1063.htm">Strong's 1063: </a> For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason. physical σωματικὴ (sōmatikē) Adjective - Nominative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4984.htm">Strong's 4984: </a> Bodily, corporeal. From soma; corporeal or physical. exercise γυμνασία (gymnasia) Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1129.htm">Strong's 1129: </a> (physical) exercise, in a wide sense. From gumnazo; training, i.e. asceticism. is ἐστὶν (estin) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist. of πρὸς (pros) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_4314.htm">Strong's 4314: </a> To, towards, with. A strengthened form of pro; a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. Toward. limited ὀλίγον (oligon) Adjective - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3641.htm">Strong's 3641: </a> Puny; especially neuter somewhat. value, ὠφέλιμος (ōphelimos) Adjective - Nominative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5624.htm">Strong's 5624: </a> Profitable, beneficial, useful. From a form of ophelos; helpful or serviceable, i.e. Advantageous. but δὲ (de) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1161.htm">Strong's 1161: </a> A primary particle; but, and, etc. godliness εὐσέβεια (eusebeia) Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2150.htm">Strong's 2150: </a> Piety (towards God), godliness, devotion, godliness. From eusebes; piety; specially, the gospel scheme. is ἐστιν (estin) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist. valuable ὠφέλιμός (ōphelimos) Adjective - Nominative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5624.htm">Strong's 5624: </a> Profitable, beneficial, useful. From a form of ophelos; helpful or serviceable, i.e. Advantageous. in πρὸς (pros) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_4314.htm">Strong's 4314: </a> To, towards, with. A strengthened form of pro; a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. Toward. every [way], πάντα (panta) Adjective - Accusative Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3956.htm">Strong's 3956: </a> All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole. holding ἔχουσα (echousa) Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2192.htm">Strong's 2192: </a> To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold. promise ἐπαγγελίαν (epangelian) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1860.htm">Strong's 1860: </a> A promise. From epaggello; an announcement. for the τῆς (tēs) Article - Genitive Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. present νῦν (nyn) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_3568.htm">Strong's 3568: </a> A primary particle of present time; 'now'; also as noun or adjective present or immediate. life ζωῆς (zōēs) Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2222.htm">Strong's 2222: </a> Life, both of physical (present) and of spiritual (particularly future) existence. From zao; life. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. for the [one] τῆς (tēs) Article - Genitive Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. to come. μελλούσης (mellousēs) Verb - Present Participle Active - Genitive Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3195.htm">Strong's 3195: </a> A strengthened form of melo; to intend, i.e. Be about to be, do, or suffer something. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_timothy/4-8.htm">1 Timothy 4:8 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/1_timothy/4-8.htm">1 Timothy 4:8 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/1_timothy/4-8.htm">1 Timothy 4:8 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/1_timothy/4-8.htm">1 Timothy 4:8 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/1_timothy/4-8.htm">1 Timothy 4:8 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/1_timothy/4-8.htm">1 Timothy 4:8 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_timothy/4-8.htm">1 Timothy 4:8 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_timothy/4-8.htm">1 Timothy 4:8 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/1_timothy/4-8.htm">1 Timothy 4:8 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/1_timothy/4-8.htm">1 Timothy 4:8 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/1_timothy/4-8.htm">NT Letters: 1 Timothy 4:8 For bodily exercise has some value (1 Tim. 1Ti iTi 1tim i Tm) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_timothy/4-7.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Timothy 4:7"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Timothy 4:7" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_timothy/4-9.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Timothy 4:9"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Timothy 4:9" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>