12 Bible Verses About Running

Written by: Evelyn Johnson
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Bible verses about running

Here are twelve powerful Bible verses about running:

1. 1 Corinthians 9:24 – “Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.”
2. Hebrews 12:1 – “Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,”
3. Proverbs 4:12 – “When thou goest, thy steps shall not be straitened; and when thou runnest, thou shalt not stumble.”
4. Ecclesiastes 9:11 – “I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favour to men of skill; but time and chance happeneth to them all.”
5. 2 Timothy 4:7 – “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:”
6. Galatians 5:7 – “Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth?”

7. Psalm 119:32 – “I will run the way of thy commandments, when thou shalt enlarge my heart.”
8. Isaiah 40:31 – “But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.”
9. 1 Timothy 6:12 – “Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.”
10. Philippians 3:14 – “I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”
11. Romans 12:1 – “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.”
12. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 – “What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.”

What does the bible say about running?

The Bible does not specifically mention running as a physical activity.

However, it does emphasize the importance of perseverance, endurance, and discipline, which are all qualities that can be developed through running.

The Bible also encourages taking care of our bodies, which can be achieved through regular exercise like running.

Additionally, the Bible teaches the importance of setting goals, staying focused, and finishing strong, all of which are relevant to the practice of running.

Ultimately, the Bible encourages us to use our physical abilities to honor and glorify God.

What Bible chapters should you read if you want to learn more about running?

1. 1 Corinthians 9 – This chapter discusses the importance of self-discipline and perseverance in running the race of life. It emphasizes the need to train and prepare in order to achieve success, which is a key aspect of running.

2. Hebrews 12 – This chapter compares the Christian life to running a race, encouraging believers to lay aside every weight and sin that hinders them from running well. It also emphasizes the importance of endurance and perseverance in the face of challenges, which are essential qualities for runners.

3. Philippians 3 – This chapter talks about pressing on towards the goal and straining towards what lies ahead, which are important principles for runners to keep in mind as they strive to improve and reach their full potential.

By reading these chapters, individuals can gain insight into the discipline, perseverance, and endurance required for running, as well as the importance of setting goals and pressing on towards them. These biblical principles can be applied to both physical running and the spiritual journey of life.

Ideas and concepts related to running that are also taught or mentioned in the Bible.’

1. Perseverance: In the Bible, there are numerous references to the importance of perseverance and endurance in the Christian faith. Just like in running, where one must push through physical and mental barriers to reach the finish line, believers are encouraged to persevere through trials and challenges in order to grow in their faith.

2. Discipline: Running requires a great deal of discipline in terms of training, diet, and mental focus. Similarly, the Bible teaches the importance of self-discipline in all areas of life, including spiritual growth and moral conduct.

3. Endurance: Running long distances or participating in races requires a high level of endurance. In the Bible, endurance is often associated with patience and steadfastness in the face of adversity. Believers are encouraged to endure hardships and persevere in their faith journey.

4. Goal-setting: Runners often set specific goals for themselves, whether it be completing a certain distance or achieving a personal best time. Similarly, the Bible encourages believers to set spiritual goals and strive towards becoming more like Christ in their thoughts, words, and actions.

5. Teamwork: While running is often seen as an individual sport, many runners participate in relay races or group training sessions that require teamwork and cooperation. In the Bible, the concept of unity and working together as the body of Christ is emphasized, highlighting the importance of supporting and encouraging one another in the faith journey.

Evelyn Johnson - Bible Verses
Written by Evelyn Johnson


Evelyn Johnson is a theologian, Bible expert, and the founder of EncouragingBibleVerses.org, a trusted resource for uplifting and empowering Bible verses.

With a Master's degree in Divinity, Evelyn is dedicated to studying and interpreting the Bible. Her website features curated collections of verses on various topics, along with insightful commentary and practical tips for everyday life.

Evelyn is also a sought-after speaker and author on matters of faith and spirituality. In her free time, she enjoys hiking and volunteering in her local church and community.

Learn more about her and read her other articles here.