1 Timothy 4 7

1 Timothy 4:7 kjv

But refuse profane and old wives' fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness.

1 Timothy 4:7 nkjv

But reject profane and old wives' fables, and exercise yourself toward godliness.

1 Timothy 4:7 niv

Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives' tales; rather, train yourself to be godly.

1 Timothy 4:7 esv

Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness;

1 Timothy 4:7 nlt

Do not waste time arguing over godless ideas and old wives' tales. Instead, train yourself to be godly.

1 Timothy 4 verses

1 Timothy 4 7 Meaning

This verse emphasizes the lifelong pursuit of spiritual training, highlighting its essential value over fleeting earthly gains. It speaks of dedication to godliness and its future promise.

1 Timothy 4 7 Context

In 1 Timothy 4, Paul instructs Timothy on how to lead the church. He warns against false teachers promoting asceticism and superstitious traditions. The preceding verses (1 Tim 4:1-5) detail the errors of these teachers. This verse serves as a positive counter-instruction, directly contrasting their useless practices with the beneficial discipline of godliness. The focus is on sound doctrine and spiritual health within the Christian community. The instruction to Timothy is to continually engage in self-discipline for the purpose of devotion to God, as this yields eternal benefits.

1 Timothy 4 7 Word Analysis

• periseumen de’ (περιιστεύε). Derived from peristemmi (περιίστημι), meaning to stand around, encompass, or exercise. In the middle voice, it conveys "exercise oneself," "train oneself," or "discipline oneself." This implies a consistent and dedicated effort, similar to an athlete preparing for a competition.

• as’ke (ἄσκει). From askesis (ἄσκησις), meaning exercise, training, or discipline. It's the root word for our term "asceticism," but here it refers to the positive discipline of Christian living, not the self-denying practices of false teachers.

• pros’ (πρός). A preposition indicating "towards," "for," or "unto." It signifies direction and purpose.

• oudēn’ (οὐδὲν). "Not even," "nothing." It negates or minimizes the profit.

• logon’ (λόγον). "Profit," "advantage," "gain," "reason." In this context, it signifies tangible, earthly benefit.

• eusei’as’ (εὐσεβειας). From eusebeia (εὐσέβεια), meaning "godliness" or "piety." It encompasses reverence, worship, and devotion to God. This is the core of true spiritual exercise.

• de’ (δὲ). A conjunction meaning "but," "and," or "now." It introduces a contrast or a transition.

• eusei’as’’ (εὐσεβειας). The same word as above, "godliness." Its repetition emphasizes its supreme importance.

• est’in’ (ἐστιν). "Is."

• apanta’’ (ἀπαντα). From apanta (ἄπαντα), meaning "all things," or "everything." It stresses the comprehensive applicability of godliness's profitability.

• sun’ (σύν). "With," "together with."

• epaggeli’a’n’ (ἐπαγγελίαν). "Promise." It refers to a commitment or assurance.

• echou’s’a’ (ἔχουσα). "Having," "possessing." This participle links the promise directly to godliness.

• tes’ (τῆς). "The."

• nyn’ (νῦν). "Now," referring to the present life.

• kai’ (καὶ). "And."

• tes’ (τῆς). "The."

• melous’i’s’ (μέλλούσης). Future participle of mellō (μέλλω), meaning "about to be," "future," or "coming." It refers to the future.

• elth’ein’ (ἔρχεσθαι). "To come," "to arrive."

• epi’’ (ἐπι). "Upon," "on."

• tes’ (τῆς). "The."

• apologeisth’ein’ (ἀπολογεῖσθαι). Infinitive from apologeomai (ἀπολογέομαι), meaning "to make an apology," but here it signifies "to give an account," "to answer for," or "to be approved." The King James Version "life... and of that which is to come" better reflects the active sense. The focus is on the fulfillment and assurance of future blessings. The profit of godliness has a guarantee of future reality.

• Group Analysis: "Bodily exercise profiteth little" vs. "godliness is profitable unto all things": This sets up a direct comparison. "Bodily exercise" refers to the physical training or ascetic practices that some false teachers promoted, which were considered of minor value. "Godliness" refers to active devotion and reverence for God. The contrast highlights that physical discipline yields limited or temporal results, while true devotion to God offers benefits in all aspects of life, both now and in eternity.

1 Timothy 4 7 Bonus Section

The concept of "exercise" (askesis) in ancient Greek culture was associated with rigorous training of athletes, soldiers, or philosophers. Paul appropriates this term to describe the intentional, disciplined effort required for Christian growth and holiness. This "godly exercise" is not about self-inflicted hardship or asceticism that denies the body unnecessarily (as the false teachers taught, see 1 Tim 4:3), but about actively cultivating virtues and living in obedience to God's Word. It’s about harnessing the power of the indwelling Spirit to live a life pleasing to God, producing fruit that lasts. The emphasis is on appropriateness of the training – one trains for a specific goal. Physical training has limited, temporary goals, whereas godly training has eternal ones.

1 Timothy 4 7 Commentary

The verse clearly contrasts superficial physical training with the profound and far-reaching benefits of spiritual discipline (godliness). It asserts that while physical exercises offer minimal, earthly profit, godliness yields comprehensive rewards, encompassing blessings in this present life and assuring future, eternal gain. This principle encourages believers to prioritize cultivating a life devoted to God, knowing that such commitment is eternally profitable and guaranteed. It calls for diligent pursuit of a character shaped by divine truth and empowered by the Holy Spirit.