1 Timothy 4:8

The Text: 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.

The Meaning Given To It by some belittles those who engage in and advocate participating in regular physical exercise. They take the position that Paul is saying that such exercise profits "little" and thus we are not to be concerned about it.

The Context: In vss. 1-5, Paul foretold an apostasy and what would characterize it and Timothy is to put brethren "in mind" of these things, vs. 6. In so doing, vs. 7, he is to "refuse profane and old wives' tales" and exercise himself unto godliness. Our text comes next in a context of contrasts.

The Meaning: Before we set forth what this verse is teaching, it needs to be pointed out that Paul could not possibly have meant to say what those who take the above-mentioned position would try and have him affirm. Bodily exercise is profitable and for more than "a little" and Paul never, under inspiration, uttered a word that contradicted what is a proven medical fact. His statement in 5:23 ("be no longer a drinker of water, but use a little wine for thy stomach's sake and thine often infirmities") shows that he respected scientific truth as it related to the care of the body.

This context is making a contrast between two forms of "exercise" and states the relative merits of each when compared to the life which is to come. "Exercising" (training our minds and lives, see. Heb. 5:14) unto godliness carries with it rewards of an eternal nature. Such is not the case with bodily exercise and herein lies the "little profit." What is gained through physical exercise, great though it may be and is, is "little" in comparison with what is to be gained from cultivating an attitude and life of godliness; one is to be emphasized but not necessarily to the exclusion of the other. And that's what this verse is teaching.

David Smitherman