The Bible provides wisdom on all aspects of life, including health and physical activity. So, what does the Bible say about exercise? While it doesn’t explicitly mention modern exercise routines, it emphasizes the importance of work, movement, and taking care of the body. In today’s world, where technology has made life more sedentary, exercise becomes a way to fulfill biblical principles.
Does the Bible Command Physical Activity?
Genesis 3:19 states, “By the sweat of your brow, you will eat your food until you return to the ground.” This verse, spoken to Adam after the fall, highlights the necessity of physical labor. In ancient times, survival required intense movement—farming, hunting, building, and other forms of labor. However, in the modern age, many jobs are sedentary, and daily life no longer demands as much physical effort. So, what does the Bible say about exercise and modern activity?
While modern conveniences reduce the need for movement, the biblical principle remains: humans were designed to work, move, and exert energy. Today, structured exercise replaces the natural activity of ancient life, helping us maintain the balance between energy intake and output. When we neglect movement, we store excess calories as fat, leading to health problems such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.
Is the Body a Temple?
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 states, “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 passage highlights the responsibility to care for our bodies. Just as we maintain places of worship, we should also maintain our physical health. This means eating nutritious food, staying active, and avoiding habits that harm the body. So, what does the Bible say about exercise in this context?
How Does Exercise Align with Biblical Principles?
1 Timothy 4:8 says, “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.” While this verse reminds us that spiritual growth is the ultimate goal, it acknowledges that physical activity has value.
By exercising, we:
- Fulfill the command to work by the sweat of our brow – When we engage in activities like walking, lifting, or cardio, we honor the principle of working physically.
- Practice self-discipline – Proverbs 25:28 compares a person without self-control to a city with broken walls. Exercise teaches discipline, a trait valuable in both faith and fitness.
- Improve health to serve better – A strong body enables us to serve our families, communities, and ministries effectively.
Did Jesus and His Followers Exercise?
Jesus and His disciples lived an active lifestyle. They walked long distances (often over 20 miles a day), carried loads, and worked physically demanding jobs such as fishing and carpentry. Their movement was part of their daily life. So, what does the Bible say about exercise through their example?
Paul, a tentmaker, would have engaged in physically demanding work. Biblical figures stayed fit not through gym sessions but through their daily tasks. Today, structured exercise helps us replicate this natural movement.
What Happens When We Ignore Physical Activity?
Neglecting movement leads to excess weight gain and health issues. The Bible warns against gluttony (Proverbs 23:20-21) and laziness (Proverbs 19:15). When we consume more calories than we burn, the body stores fat, leading to health problems. Sedentary lifestyles contradict the biblical model of an active, hardworking life. Again, what does the Bible say about exercise in preventing these issues?
How Can We Apply Biblical Fitness Principles Today?
- Engage in daily movement – Whether through walking, manual labor, or structured workouts, prioritize physical activity.
- Balance diet and exercise – Eat in moderation and stay active to avoid storing excess fat.
- Use exercise as worship – See movement as a way to honor God, just as ancient believers worked to sustain their lives.
- Teach and encourage others – Promote a healthy, active lifestyle within your family and community.
Conclusion
The Bible does not prescribe specific workout routines, but it emphasizes movement, discipline, and caring for the body. In a world that no longer requires hard labor for survival, exercise becomes a way to fulfill the biblical command to work by the sweat of our brow. By staying active, we honor God, improve our health, and equip ourselves to serve others effectively. So, what does the Bible say about exercise overall? It may not detail modern workouts, but the principles still apply.
