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.

Berean Standard Bible

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Study note

Setting — Paul writes to Timothy in Ephesus, bracketing this verse between a command to train for godliness (4:7) and a declaration that the saying is trustworthy (4:9).

The words — ὀλίγον (oligon) literally means "a little," so Paul grants exercise a small profit rather than none; γυμνασία (gymnasia) is the root of "gymnasium," making the bodily image concrete.

The thread — The same priority runs through Matthew 6:33 (seek first the kingdom) and 1 Timothy 6:6 (godliness with contentment is great gain), both subordinating temporal gain to spiritual.

Why it lands — It does not forbid physical care; it simply refuses to let it claim the top of the value hierarchy, because godliness is the one thing that pays in both the present and the future.

Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.

The Greek words

King James Version

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.

Cross-references

Matthew 6:33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you.
1 Timothy 6:6 Of course, godliness with contentment is great gain.
Psalms 37:3 Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and cultivate faithfulness.
Proverbs 19:23 The fear of the LORD leads to life, that one may rest content, without visitation from harm.
Proverbs 22:4 The rewards of humility and the fear of the LORD are wealth and honor and life.
Colossians 2:21 “Do not handle, do not taste, do not touch!”?
Psalms 37:11 But the meek will inherit the land and delight in abundant prosperity.
Job 5:19 He will rescue you from six calamities; no harm will touch you in seven.
Psalms 112:1 Hallelujah! Blessed is the man who fears the LORD, who greatly delights in His commandments.
Psalms 145:19 He fulfills the desires of those who fear Him; He hears their cry and saves them.