King James Version

What Does 1 Timothy 4:8 Mean?

1 Timothy 4:8 in the King James Version says “For bodily exercise profiteth little : but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now ...” — study this verse from 1 Timothy chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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. little: or, for a little time”

1 Timothy 4:8 · KJV

Context

6

If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained.

7

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

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. little: or, for a little time

9

This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation.

10

For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe.

Read 1 Timothy 4 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study 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.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural 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.

Reflection Questions

  1. How can Christians value physical health without making fitness an idol?
  2. What does 'training in godliness' look like practically—what are the spiritual disciplines?
  3. In what specific ways does godliness benefit both present and future life?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 23 words
ἡ1 of 23
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

γὰρ2 of 23

“For”

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

σωματικὴ3 of 23

“bodily”

G4984

corporeal or physical

γυμνασία4 of 23

“exercise”

G1129

training, i.e., (figuratively) asceticism

πρὸς5 of 23

“little”

G4314

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,

ὀλίγον6 of 23
G3641

puny (in extent, degree, number, duration or value); especially neuter (adverbially) somewhat

ἐστιν7 of 23

“is”

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

ὠφέλιμός8 of 23

“profitable”

G5624

helpful or serviceable, i.e., advantageous

ἡ9 of 23
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

δὲ10 of 23

“but”

G1161

but, and, etc

εὐσέβεια11 of 23

“godliness”

G2150

piety; specially, the gospel scheme

πρὸς12 of 23

“little”

G4314

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,

πάντα13 of 23

“all things”

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

ὠφέλιμός14 of 23

“profitable”

G5624

helpful or serviceable, i.e., advantageous

ἐστιν15 of 23

“is”

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

ἐπαγγελίαν16 of 23

“promise”

G1860

an announcement (for information, assent or pledge; especially a divine assurance of good)

ἔχουσα17 of 23

“having”

G2192

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

ζωῆς18 of 23

“of the life”

G2222

life (literally or figuratively)

τῆς19 of 23
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

νῦν20 of 23

“that now is”

G3568

"now" (as adverb of date, a transition or emphasis); also as noun or adjective present or immediate

καὶ21 of 23

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

τῆς22 of 23
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

μελλούσης23 of 23

“of that which is to come”

G3195

to intend, i.e., be about to be, do, or suffer something (of persons or things, especially events; in the sense of purpose, duty, necessity, probabili

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 1 Timothy. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 Timothy 4:8 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 Timothy 4:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 6:331 Timothy 6:6Psalms 37:3-4Proverbs 19:23Colossians 2:21-23Proverbs 22:4

Test Your Knowledge

1 Timothy 4 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter1 Timothy Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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