30 Bible Verses About Working Out (With Commentary)

The Bible emphasizes the importance of caring for our bodies, which are temples of the Holy Spirit, and encourages discipline, perseverance, and diligence in all areas of life, including physical fitness. While working out and physical exercise are beneficial for maintaining health and strength, the Bible also teaches that spiritual fitness and godliness are of even greater value. These verses provide wisdom and encouragement for balancing physical exercise with spiritual growth, reminding us to honor God with our bodies and our lives. Here are 30 Bible verses about working out, each with a brief commentary.

1. 1 Timothy 4:8

“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.”

This verse acknowledges the value of physical training while emphasizing that godliness is even more important. It encourages us to maintain a balanced perspective, recognizing that while working out is beneficial for our health, spiritual discipline offers eternal rewards.

2. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20

“Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.”

This verse reminds us that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, calling us to honor God with how we care for them. It encourages us to view physical exercise as a way to steward the bodies God has given us, maintaining health and honoring Him.

3. 1 Corinthians 9:24-27

“Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.”

Paul compares physical training to spiritual discipline, urging believers to exercise self-control and perseverance. This passage highlights the importance of discipline in both physical and spiritual realms, encouraging us to be intentional and purposeful in our efforts.

4. Philippians 4:13

“I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”

This verse reminds us that our strength comes from God. Whether we are pushing through a tough workout or facing a spiritual challenge, we can rely on Christ to give us the strength we need to persevere and succeed.

5. Hebrews 12:11

“No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.”

This verse acknowledges the discomfort of discipline, whether physical or spiritual, but promises the rewards that come from it. It encourages us to embrace the challenges of working out and spiritual growth, knowing that they lead to lasting benefits.

6. Isaiah 40:29-31

“He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”

This passage highlights God as the source of our strength and endurance. It reassures us that when we feel weak or exhausted, whether physically or spiritually, we can rely on God to renew our strength and keep us going.

7. Proverbs 31:17

“She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks.”

This verse from the description of the Proverbs 31 woman emphasizes the importance of strength and diligence in carrying out one’s responsibilities. It encourages us to be strong and energetic in our work, which includes taking care of our physical bodies.

8. Colossians 3:23-24

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.”

This verse encourages us to approach every task, including working out, with wholehearted effort, as if we are doing it for the Lord. It reminds us that our work, whether physical or spiritual, is ultimately for God’s glory.

9. 1 Peter 4:11

“If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ.”

Peter reminds us that our strength for service comes from God. Whether in physical labor or spiritual service, we are encouraged to rely on God’s strength, ensuring that our efforts bring glory to Him.

10. Proverbs 24:5

“The wise prevail through great power, and those who have knowledge muster their strength.”

This verse highlights the value of wisdom and knowledge in achieving strength. It encourages us to pursue not only physical strength through exercise but also wisdom and understanding, which empower us in all aspects of life.

11. 2 Timothy 2:5

“Similarly, anyone who competes as an athlete does not receive the victor’s crown except by competing according to the rules.”

Paul uses the analogy of an athlete to teach the importance of discipline and following the rules. This verse encourages us to approach our workouts with discipline and integrity, just as we would in our spiritual lives.

12. Psalm 18:32-34

“It is God who arms me with strength and keeps my way secure. He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; he causes me to stand on the heights. He trains my hands for battle; my arms can bend a bow of bronze.”

David praises God for the strength and agility He provides. This passage reminds us that God equips us with the physical and spiritual strength needed to face challenges, both in our workouts and in life’s battles.

13. 2 Corinthians 12:9-10

“But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”

Paul teaches that God’s power is most evident in our weakness. This verse encourages us to rely on God’s strength, especially when we feel physically or spiritually inadequate, knowing that His power is perfected in our weaknesses.

14. Ephesians 6:10

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.”

Paul exhorts believers to find their strength in the Lord. This verse reminds us that true strength, whether for physical exercise or spiritual battles, comes from God’s mighty power, and we are to rely on Him for that strength.

15. Romans 12:1

“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.”

This verse calls us to offer our bodies as living sacrifices, dedicated to God’s service. It encourages us to view our physical health and fitness as part of our spiritual worship, maintaining our bodies in a way that honors God.

16. 1 Timothy 6:11-12

“But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.”

Paul encourages Timothy to pursue spiritual virtues with the same diligence as one might pursue physical fitness. This verse teaches that while physical endurance is valuable, spiritual endurance in the pursuit of godliness is even more important.

17. Isaiah 40:31

“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”

This verse emphasizes that strength comes from trusting in the Lord. It reassures us that when we place our hope in God, He renews our strength, enabling us to keep going, whether in physical exertion or in life’s challenges.

18. Ecclesiastes 9:10

“Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might, for in the realm of the dead, where you are going, there is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom.”

This verse encourages wholehearted effort in all we do. It teaches that in both physical exercise and spiritual work, we should give our best effort, making the most of our opportunities while we have them.

19. Psalm 144:1

“Praise be to the Lord my Rock, who trains my hands for war, my fingers for battle.”

David praises God for training him for battle. This verse reminds us that God equips us with the strength and skills we need, both physically and spiritually, to face the challenges that come our way.

20. Matthew 26:41

“Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

Jesus acknowledges the weakness of the flesh, even when the spirit is willing. This verse encourages us to be vigilant and disciplined in both our spiritual lives and physical fitness, knowing that our bodies need training to resist temptation.

21. 2 Chronicles 15:7

“But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded.”

This verse encourages perseverance and strength in our endeavors. It teaches that whether in physical workouts or spiritual tasks, we should remain strong and not give up, trusting that our efforts will be rewarded in due time.

22. Acts 20:24

“However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.”

Paul’s focus on completing his spiritual race challenges us to maintain the same determination in our physical and spiritual pursuits. This verse reminds us that our ultimate goal is to fulfill God’s calling, with the same dedication as an athlete finishing a race.

23. 1 Corinthians 10:31

“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”

This verse teaches that everything we do, including our physical exercise, should be done to glorify God. It encourages us to approach our workouts and daily activities with a mindset that honors God, recognizing that our bodies and efforts are for His glory.

24. Psalm 18:39

“You armed me with strength for battle; you humbled my adversaries before me.”

David credits God with giving him strength for battle. This verse reminds us that our physical strength, whether for exercise or overcoming challenges, comes from God, and we should rely on Him for the power we need.

25. 1 Thessalonians 5:23

“May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Paul prays for the sanctification of the whole person—spirit, soul, and body. This verse teaches the importance of caring for our entire being, including our physical health, as part of our spiritual preparation for the Lord’s return.

26. Proverbs 14:23

“All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty.”

This verse emphasizes the value of hard work and the rewards it brings. It encourages us to apply diligence and effort in both our physical fitness and spiritual growth, knowing that hard work leads to beneficial results.

27. 1 Peter 5:10

“And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.”

Peter reassures believers that God will strengthen and restore them after trials. This verse teaches that both physical and spiritual endurance may involve suffering, but God promises to make us stronger and more steadfast through those experiences.

28. Proverbs 20:29

“The glory of young men is their strength, gray hair the splendor of the old.”

This verse acknowledges the value of physical strength in youth and the wisdom that comes with age. It encourages us to appreciate the strengths that come with different stages of life, recognizing that each has its unique splendor.

29. Matthew 11:28-30

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

Jesus invites us to find rest in Him, acknowledging our weariness. This verse teaches that while physical exercise is important, we must also find rest and renewal in Christ, who provides true rest for our souls.

30. Nehemiah 8:10

“Nehemiah said, ‘Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.'”

Nehemiah encourages the people to find strength in the joy of the Lord. This verse reminds us that while physical strength is important, our true strength comes from the joy and presence of the Lord, which sustains us in all areas of life.

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