• 1 Timothy 4:8
    The Kingdom Interlinear Translation of the Greek Scriptures

    • 8 ἡ the γὰρ for σωματικὴ bodily γυμνασία training (as gymnast) πρὸς toward ὀλίγον little ἐστὶν is ὠφέλιμος, beneficial, ἡ the δὲ but εὐσέβεια revering well πρὸς toward πάντα all (things) ὠφέλιμός beneficial ἐστιν, is, ἐπαγγελίαν promise ἔχουσα having ζωῆς of life τῆς of the (one) νῦν now καὶ and τῆς of the (one) μελλούσης. being about (to come).

  • 1 Timothy 4:8
    King James Version

    • 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.

  • 1 Timothy Study Notes—Chapter 4
    New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures (Study Edition)

    • 4:8

      training: Or “exercise.” Paul here continues the athletic metaphor he introduced in the preceding verse, where he used the Greek verb gy·mnaʹzo, literally meaning “to train (as an athlete).” (See study note on 1Ti 4:7.) Here he uses the noun gy·mna·siʹa, which refers to the training of the physical body. In Paul’s day, a place where athletes trained was called a gymnasium (Greek, gy·mnaʹsi·on). Such places were well-known, as they were important centers of community life in various cities of the Roman Empire. In that culture, some placed a high value on physical training. Others, however, viewed this type of training as inappropriate or useless. Under inspiration, Paul provides a balanced viewpoint. He acknowledges that physical training is beneficial for a little​—that is, has some temporary value​—but he stresses that training “with godly devotion as [one’s] aim” brings much greater benefits.​—1Ti 4:7.

      godly devotion: For a discussion of the expression “godly devotion,” see study note on 1Ti 4:7; see also study note on 1Ti 2:2.

      beneficial for all things: Paul here shows that godly devotion brings far greater benefits than does physical training. (See study note on training in this verse.) He knew from experience that his godly devotion was “beneficial for all things” in “the life now.” For instance, because of his godly devotion, Paul held firmly to “the accurate knowledge of the truth.” (Tit 1:1, 2) So he never fell victim to the lies, misleading inspired statements, and irreverent false stories that he warns Timothy about in this passage. (1Ti 4:1, 2, 7) Further, Jehovah helped Paul to remain strong despite weakness, joyful despite hardships, and loving despite mistreatment. (2Co 6:12; 12:10, 15; Php 4:13; Col 1:24) And because Paul maintained his godly devotion, his hope for “the life that is to come” remained sure. He rejoiced in his hope of reigning in heaven with Christ. Even when he later faced death by execution, he found delight in his hope for the eternal life ahead of him.​—2Ti 2:12; 4:6-8.