1 Timothy 4 8

1 Timothy 4:8 kjv

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.

1 Timothy 4:8 nkjv

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.

1 Timothy 4:8 niv

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.

1 Timothy 4:8 esv

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.

1 Timothy 4:8 nlt

"Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come."

1 Timothy 4 verses

1 Timothy 4 8 Meaning

Physical exercise has some value, but godliness is valuable in every way, as it holds the promise of the life that now is and of the life that is to come. This verse highlights a crucial distinction between the benefits of physical training and the eternal, comprehensive value of devotion to God.

1 Timothy 4 8 Context

This verse appears in 1 Timothy, a letter from the Apostle Paul to Timothy, who was leading the church in Ephesus. The chapter addresses false teachings and the importance of sound doctrine. Specifically, Paul is countering a spiritual asceticism that was gaining traction, a practice that condemned marriage and certain foods. Paul argues that while some might advocate extreme physical disciplines, these have limited true spiritual value compared to the all-encompassing benefit of godliness. The historical and cultural context involved various mystery cults and philosophical schools that emphasized rigorous physical asceticism as a path to spiritual enlightenment or salvation. Paul contrasts this limited human effort with the divine promise inherent in living a godly life.

1 Timothy 4 8 Word Analysis

• "For" (γαρ - gar): A conjunction indicating a reason or explanation. It connects this verse to the preceding argument against useless myths and emphasizing profitable instruction.

• "bodily" (σωματικος - sōmatikos): Pertaining to the body; physical.

• "exercise" (γυμνασια - gymnāsia): Training, discipline, especially of the body through physical exertion. The Greek root relates to being "naked" or "bare," hence the association with athletic training where athletes performed naked.

• "profiteth" (ὠφελέω - ōpheleō): To be helpful, beneficial, useful.

• "little" (ὀλιγος - oligos): Small in quantity or degree; of little importance.

• "but" (δε - de): A strong adversative conjunction, indicating contrast.

• "godliness" (ευσεβεια - eusebeia): Reverence for God; piety; devotion to God. This encompasses worship, respect, and acting in accordance with God's will. It is a key theme in the Pastoral Epistles.

• "is profitable" (ὠφέλιμος - ōphelimos): Beneficial, useful, advantageous. This adjective form emphasizes the inherent quality of profit.

• "unto" (εις - eis): Unto, to, for; indicating the scope or extent of the profitability.

• "all" (πας - pas): All, every, any. Emphasizes the comprehensive nature of godliness's benefit.

• "things" (πραγμα - pragma): Thing, matter, affair, business. Refers to all aspects of life and existence.

• "life" (ζωη - zōē): Life in the fullest sense, both earthly and eternal.

• "that now is": Present temporal existence.

• "life" (ζωη - zōē): again, emphasizing the continuous and eternal aspect.

• "that is to come": Future eternal existence.

• Group analysis: "bodily exercise profiteth little": This phrase acknowledges that physical training has some value, perhaps for health or earthly endurance, but contrasts it sharply with the ultimate, spiritual benefit derived from godliness. The word "little" minimizes the enduring value of physical regimen compared to the all-encompassing value of devotion.

• Group analysis: "godliness is profitable unto all things": This emphasizes that piety and devotion to God offer universal benefits that extend across all areas of life and into eternity. The word "all" is paramount here, suggesting no area of life is left untouched by the benefits of godliness.

• Group analysis: "life that now is and of the life that is to come": This encapsulates the comprehensive scope of godliness's profitability—it enhances current existence and secures eternal future existence.

1 Timothy 4 8 Bonus Section

The emphasis on "godliness" (eusebeia) is a hallmark of the Pastoral Epistles (1 and 2 Timothy, Titus). It signifies a lifestyle characterized by devotion, reverence, and faithfulness towards God. This concept is rooted in the Old Testament's emphasis on "fear of the LORD" (Proverbs 1:7) as the beginning of wisdom. The contrast with asceticism reflects an early Christian apologetic against Gnostic or proto-Gnostic ideas that viewed the material body as inherently evil, thus necessitating extreme practices to escape its influence. Paul corrects this by affirming the goodness of God's creation and the superior power of the Spirit to transform us, not through negation of the body but through godly living. The doctrine of "life to come" is inextricably linked to the resurrection of Jesus Christ, the guarantor of future resurrection and eternal life for believers.

1 Timothy 4 8 Commentary

This verse contrasts temporal physical benefits with eternal spiritual ones. Paul is not devaluing the body but the misplaced focus on its rigorous training at the expense of spiritual discipline. Ascetic practices, while appearing devout, lack the true essence of a life centered on God. Godliness, on the other hand, offers blessings in this life – peace, purpose, and strength – and guarantees the ultimate blessing of eternal life with God. This reinforces the New Testament teaching that true fulfillment is found in relationship with God, not in extreme human-controlled disciplines that deny God's design. The "promise" points to God's faithful covenant, secured through Christ.