Devine Scripture

1 Timothy 4:8

What does 1 Timothy 4:8 mean?

A plain-English look at 1 Timothy 4:8 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 1 Timothy 4:8 means

Physical training has some value—it can help for a time—but its benefits are limited to this present life. Godliness, by contrast, yields comprehensive profit. It shapes our present experience with wisdom, peace, and moral steadiness, and it carries promise for the life to come, where eternal fellowship with God awaits those who are in Christ. This is not a disdain of the body but a reordering of priorities. Investing in godliness pays dividends in every season and circumstance, because it aligns a person with God’s will and hope. Paul elevates the stakes of spiritual discipline: it is not optional enhancement but essential preparation for both now and eternity.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

For the training of the body is of profit for a little, but religion is of profit in every way, giving hope for the life which now is, and for that which is to come.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

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;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

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.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

for bodily exercise is profitable for a little, but piety is profitable for everything, having promise of life, of the present one, and of that to come.

Context

Paul unfolds the rationale for rigorous spiritual training, using the athletic image from the previous verse. By contrasting limited bodily profit with the all-encompassing gain of godliness, he supplies motivation for Timothy and the church to choose lasting pursuits. The statement sets up the next line, where Paul marks it as a trustworthy saying, and then explains his own tireless labor in light of this hope. The flow tightens the link between doctrine, discipline, and enduring reward.

v.7but refuse profane and old wives’ fables. And exercise thyself unto godliness:

v.8This passage

v.9Faithful is the saying, and worthy of all acceptation.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Psalms 145:19

    He will fulfil the desire of them that fear him; He also will hear their cry and will save them.

  • Revelation 3:21

    He that overcometh, I will give to him to sit down with me in my throne, as I also overcame, and sat down with my Father in his throne.

  • Romans 8:28

    And we know that to them that love God all things work together for good, even to them that are called according to his purpose.

  • Colossians 2:21

    Handle not, nor taste, nor touch

  • Amos 5:21

    I hate, I despise your feasts, and I will take no delight in your solemn assemblies.

  • Isaiah 3:10

    Say ye of the righteous, that it shall be well with him; for they shall eat the fruit of their doings.

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