12 Bible Verses About Sports

Written by: Evelyn Johnson
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Bible verses about sports

Here are twelve powerful Bible verses about sports:

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. Philippians 4:13 – “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”
3. Colossians 3:23 – “And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men.”
4. 1 Timothy 4:8 – “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.”
5. 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.”
6. 2 Timothy 2:5 – “And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully.”

7. Ecclesiastes 9:10 – “Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.”
8. Proverbs 21:31 – “The horse is prepared against the day of battle: but safety is of the Lord.”
9. 1 Corinthians 10:31 – “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.”
10. Proverbs 27:17 – “Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.”
11. Proverbs 24:5 – “A wise man is strong; yea, a man of knowledge increaseth strength.”
12. Philippians 2:3 – “Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.”

What does the bible say about sports?

The Bible does not specifically mention sports as we know them today.

However, it does emphasize the importance of physical activity, discipline, teamwork, and perseverance.

It encourages believers to take care of their bodies, which includes staying active and healthy.

The Bible also teaches the value of competition, as long as it is done with integrity and humility.

It emphasizes the importance of using our talents and abilities to glorify God and serve others.

Ultimately, the Bible teaches that sports can be a positive and enjoyable aspect of life, as long as they are approached with the right mindset and priorities.

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

1. 1 Corinthians 9 – This chapter discusses the discipline and dedication required in sports, comparing it to the discipline required in the Christian life. It also talks about running the race to win, which is a common analogy used in sports.

2. Hebrews 12 – This chapter talks about the importance of endurance and perseverance, which are essential qualities in sports. It also emphasizes the need to train and discipline oneself, which are key aspects of being successful in sports.

3. Philippians 3 – This chapter talks about pressing on toward the goal and not looking back, which is relevant to sports as athletes are always striving to improve and reach their full potential. It also emphasizes the importance of focus and determination, qualities that are crucial in sports.

Reading these chapters can provide insights into the parallels between sports and the Christian life, highlighting the importance of discipline, perseverance, and determination in both areas. It can also offer encouragement and motivation for athletes to strive for excellence and to use their talents and abilities for the glory of God.

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

1. Discipline – The Bible often talks about the importance of self-discipline and perseverance. In sports, discipline is crucial for athletes to stay focused, train consistently, and overcome challenges.

2. Teamwork – The Bible emphasizes the value of unity and working together towards a common goal. In sports, teamwork is essential for success as athletes must collaborate, communicate, and support each other to achieve victory.

3. Endurance – The Bible speaks about enduring trials and hardships with patience and faith. In sports, endurance is necessary for athletes to push through physical and mental barriers, overcome fatigue, and keep going until the end of a competition.

4. Perseverance – The Bible encourages believers to persevere in their faith and not give up in the face of adversity. In sports, perseverance is vital for athletes to keep striving for improvement, bounce back from losses, and continue pursuing their goals despite setbacks.

5. Humility – The Bible teaches humility as a virtue, reminding believers to be modest and not boastful. In sports, humility is important for athletes to show respect for their opponents, accept defeat graciously, and remain grounded even in victory.

Overall, these concepts from the Bible can be applied to sports to help athletes develop character, build strong relationships with teammates, and navigate the challenges and triumphs of competition with grace and integrity.

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.