1 Timothy 4:8
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.
Original Language Analysis
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 23
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
πρὸς
little
G4314
πρὸς
little
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
5 of 23
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
ὀλίγον
G3641
ὀλίγον
Strong's:
G3641
Word #:
6 of 23
puny (in extent, degree, number, duration or value); especially neuter (adverbially) somewhat
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πρὸς
little
G4314
πρὸς
little
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
12 of 23
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
ἐπαγγελίαν
promise
G1860
ἐπαγγελίαν
promise
Strong's:
G1860
Word #:
16 of 23
an announcement (for information, assent or pledge; especially a divine assurance of good)
ἔχουσα
having
G2192
ἔχουσα
having
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
17 of 23
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
19 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
νῦν
that now is
G3568
νῦν
that now is
Strong's:
G3568
Word #:
20 of 23
"now" (as adverb of date, a transition or emphasis); also as noun or adjective present or immediate
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
21 of 23
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Cross References
Matthew 6:33But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.1 Timothy 6:6But godliness with contentment is great gain.Proverbs 19:23The fear of the LORD tendeth to life: and he that hath it shall abide satisfied; he shall not be visited with evil.Proverbs 22:4By humility and the fear of the LORD are riches, and honour, and life.Psalms 37:11But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.Psalms 37:29The righteous shall inherit the land, and dwell therein for ever.1 John 2:25And this is the promise that he hath promised us, even eternal life.Mark 10:30But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life.Hebrews 13:9Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines. For it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace; not with meats, which have not profited them that have been occupied therein.Isaiah 3:10Say ye to the righteous, that it shall be well with him: for they shall eat the fruit of their doings.
Historical Context
Greek culture centered on the gymnasium, where men trained naked for athletic competitions. Physical fitness was highly valued in Greco-Roman society, tied to honor and civic virtue. Paul uses this cultural value to illustrate a greater truth: spiritual training produces benefits that outlast the body. While physical training prepares for temporal contests, godliness prepares for eternal realities.
Questions for Reflection
- How can Christians value physical health without making fitness an idol?
- What does 'training in godliness' look like practically—what are the spiritual disciplines?
- In what specific ways does godliness benefit both present and future life?
Analysis & Commentary
For bodily exercise profiteth little (ἡ γὰρ σωματικὴ γυμνασία πρὸς ὀλίγον ἐστὶν ὠφέλιμος, hē gar sōmatikē gymnasia pros oligon estin ōphelimos)—'bodily training is profitable for a little.' Pros oligon can mean 'for a little while' (temporary benefit) or 'in limited ways' (restricted value). Physical fitness has genuine but limited value—it benefits this life only.
But godliness is profitable unto all things (ἡ δὲ εὐσέβεια πρὸς πάντα ὠφέλιμός ἐστιν, hē de eusebeia pros panta ōphelimos estin)—'godliness is beneficial for all things.' Having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come (ἐπαγγελίαν ἔχουσα ζωῆς τῆς νῦν καὶ τῆς μελλούσης, epangelian echousa zōēs tēs nyn kai tēs mellousēs)—it has promise for present and future life.
Paul doesn't condemn physical exercise but relativizes it. In a culture obsessed with gymnasium training, he insists spiritual training has far greater payoff—it benefits both present earthly life (peace, joy, wisdom, relationships) and eternal life (rewards, fellowship with God). Invest your energy where returns are eternal.