Dictionary of Bible Themes  »  5000 Humanity  »  5200 Human civilisation  »  5385 leisure  »  5387 leisure, and pastimes

Scripture gives examples of many different kinds of leisure activity.

Necessary leisure activities

Sleeping

Psalm 127:2; Ecclesiastes 5:12 See also Psalm 4:8; Mark 4:38; Acts 12:6

Eating and drinking

Genesis 24:54; Ecclesiastes 3:13

Pleasurable pastimes

Hospitality

Genesis 18:3-5; 1 Peter 4:9

Feasting

1 Kings 3:15; Nehemiah 8:10; Esther 8:17; Job 1:4

Music

1 Samuel 16:23 See also 1 Samuel 16:16-18; 2 Kings 3:14-15

Dancing

Ecclesiastes 3:4

Dancing for joy:

Exodus 15:20; Judges 11:34; 1 Samuel 18:6; Job 21:11; Jeremiah 31:4

Dancing on festive occasions:

Judges 21:19-21 Mark 6:22 dancing in revelry

Dancing in worship:

2 Samuel 6:14-16,21; Psalm 149:3; Psalm 150:4

Physical recreation

1 Timothy 4:8 See also 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 Although Paul never mentions Christians taking part in the games (which were often associated with pagan festivals), he does show an appreciation of the discipline necessary; 2 Timothy 2:5

Gardening

Ecclesiastes 2:5-6 See also Genesis 2:15

Enjoyment of nature

Psalm 8:3; Psalm 104:10-14

Sightseeing

Mark 13:1; Acts 17:16

Education and literature

Ecclesiastes 1:13 See also 1 Kings 4:32-34; Esther 6:1; Proverbs 1:5; Ecclesiastes 12:12; Acts 17:21; 2 Timothy 4:13

Children's games

Zechariah 8:5 See also Matthew 11:16-17 pp Luke 7:32

Harmful pastimes

Licentious amusements

1 Peter 4:3 See also Genesis 9:20-21; Exodus 32:19; Proverbs 23:29-30; Romans 13:13; Ephesians 5:4,12

Cruel amusements

Judges 16:25; 2 Samuel 2:14

See also

4434  drinking
4438  eating
5287  dance
5312  feasting
5420  music
5664  children
6237  sexual sin
7921  fellowship
8110  athletics
8445  hospitality
8602  prayer
8622  worship