1 Timothy 4:8
Parallel Verses
New International Version
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.


English Standard Version
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.


New American Standard Bible
for bodily discipline is only of little profit, but godliness is profitable for all things, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.


King James Bible
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.


Holman Christian Standard Bible
for the training of the body has a limited benefit, but godliness is beneficial in every way, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.


International Standard Version
Physical exercise is of limited value, but Godliness is very dear, a pledge of life, both there and here.


American Standard Version
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.


Douay-Rheims Bible
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.


Darby Bible Translation
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.


Young's Literal Translation
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;


Cross References
Job 36:11
If they obey and serve him, they shall spend their days in prosperity, and their years in pleasures.


Psalm 37:9
For evildoers shall be cut off: but those that wait on the LORD, they shall inherit the earth.


Psalm 37:11
But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.


Proverbs 19:23
The fear of the LORD tends to life: and he that has it shall abide satisfied; he shall not be visited with evil.


Proverbs 22:4
By humility and the fear of the LORD are riches, and honor, and life.


Matthew 6:33
But seek you first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added to you.


Matthew 12:32
And whoever speaks a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but whoever speaks against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come.


Mark 10:30
But he shall receive an hundred times now in this time, houses, and brothers, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life.


Colossians 2:23
Which things have indeed a show of wisdom in will worship, and humility, and neglecting of the body: not in any honor to the satisfying of the flesh.


1 Timothy 4:7
But refuse profane and old wives' fables, and exercise yourself rather to godliness.


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Commentaries
4:6-10 Outward acts of self-denial profit little. What will it avail us to mortify the body, if we do not mortify sin? No diligence in mere outward things could be of much use. The gain of godliness lies much in the promise; and the promises to godly people relate partly to the life that now is, but especially to the life which is to come: though we lose for Christ, we shall not lose by him. If Christ be thus the Saviour of all men, then much more will he be the Rewarder of those who seek and serve him; he will provide well for those whom he has made new creatures.

8. profiteth little—Greek, "profiteth to (but) a small extent." Paul does not deny that fasting and abstinence from conjugal intercourse for a time, with a view to reaching the inward man through the outward, do profit somewhat, Ac 13:3; 1Co 7:5, 7; 9:26, 27 (though in its degenerate form, asceticism, dwelling solely on what is outward, 1Ti 4:3, is not only not profitable but injurious). Timothy seems to have had a leaning to such outward self-discipline (compare 1Ti 5:23). Paul, therefore, while not disapproving of this in its due proportion and place, shows the vast superiority of godliness or piety, as being profitable not merely "to a small extent," but unto all things; for, having its seat within, it extends thence to the whole outward life of a man. Not unto one portion only of his being, but to every portion of it, bodily and spiritual, temporal and eternal [Alford]. "He who has piety (which is 'profitable unto all things') wants nothing needed to his well-being, even though he be without those helps which, 'to a small extent,' bodily exercise furnishes" [Calvin]. "Piety," which is the end for which thou art to "exercise thyself" (1Ti 4:7), is the essential thing: the means are secondary.

having promise, &c.—Translate as Greek, "Having promise of life, that which now is, and that which is to come." "Life" in its truest and best sense now and hereafter (2Ti 1:1). Length of life now so far as it is really good for the believer; life in its truest enjoyments and employments now, and life blessed and eternal hereafter (Mt 6:33; Mr 10:29, 30). "Now in this time" (Ps 84:11; 112:1-10; Ro 8:28; 1Co 3:21, 22, "all things are yours … the world, life … things present, things to come"). Christianity, which seems to aim only at our happiness hereafter, effectually promotes it here (1Ti 6:6; 2Pe 1:3). Compare Solomon's prayer and the answer (1Ki 3:7-13).

1 Timothy 4:7
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