Definition and Context:
In the biblical context, exercises refer to physical activities or practices aimed at maintaining or improving physical fitness and health. While the Bible does not explicitly focus on physical exercise as a primary theme, it does provide principles that can be applied to the care of the body, which is considered the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).

Biblical References and Principles:

1. Physical Training and Godliness:
The Apostle Paul acknowledges the value of physical training but emphasizes the greater importance of spiritual discipline. In 1 Timothy 4:8 , Paul writes, "For physical exercise is of limited value, but godliness is valuable in every way, holding promise for the present life and for the one to come." This verse suggests that while physical exercise has some benefit, the pursuit of godliness should be prioritized.

2. Stewardship of the Body:
The Bible teaches that believers are stewards of their bodies, which are gifts from God. In 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 , Paul states, "Do you not know that your body is a temple 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 glorify God with your body." This passage implies that taking care of one's physical health, including through exercise, is a way to honor God.

3. Discipline and Self-Control:
Exercise requires discipline and self-control, qualities that are also essential in the Christian life. Paul uses the metaphor of athletic training to describe spiritual discipline in 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 : "Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way as to take the prize. Everyone who competes in the games trains with strict discipline. They do it for a crown that is perishable, but we do it for a crown that is imperishable." This passage highlights the importance of discipline in both physical and spiritual pursuits.

4. Balance and Moderation:
The Bible encourages a balanced approach to life, which can be applied to exercise. Ecclesiastes 3:1 states, "To everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven." This suggests that while exercise is beneficial, it should be balanced with other aspects of life, including spiritual growth, work, and rest.

5. Health and Well-being:
The Bible acknowledges the importance of health and well-being. In 3 John 1:2 , John writes, "Beloved, I pray that in every way you may prosper and enjoy good health, as your soul also prospers." This verse reflects a holistic view of health, encompassing both physical and spiritual well-being.

Historical and Cultural Context:
In biblical times, physical activities were often part of daily life, such as farming, shepherding, and walking long distances. The Greco-Roman culture, prevalent during the New Testament era, valued physical fitness and athletic competitions, such as the Olympic Games. Paul’s use of athletic metaphors in his epistles reflects an awareness of these cultural practices.

Application for Today:
Modern Christians can draw from biblical principles to incorporate exercise into their lives as a means of maintaining health and honoring God. While the Bible prioritizes spiritual growth, it also supports the idea of caring for the body through balanced and disciplined physical activity.4160. poieo -- to make, do
... things (1), dealt (1), did (33), did...do (2), do (170), does (16), does...do (1),
doing (38), done (43), establishing (1), execute (4), exercises (1), expose ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4160.htm - 14k

4342. proskartereo -- to attend constantly
... pros and kartereo; to be earnest towards, ie (to a thing) to persevere, be constantly
diligent, or (in a place) to attend assiduously all the exercises, or (to ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4342.htm - 8k

1203. despotes -- lord, master
... 1203 (from , "husband") -- properly, an authority figure ("master") who
exercises complete jurisdiction (wields unrestricted power). ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1203.htm - 7k

2372. thumos -- passion
... This anger is directed sin with intense and . [ the Lord exercises , so we
must depend solely on Him as we experience (express) anger.]. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2372.htm - 7k

1467. egkrateuomai -- to exercise self-control
... Word Origin from egkrates Definition to exercise self-control NASB Word Usage exercises
self-control (1), have self-control (1). contain, be temperate. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1467.htm - 7k

1129. gumnasia -- exercise
... This ancient (and current) philosophy contends the discipline of the body is one
of life's concerns and special physical exercises as necessary for spiritual ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1129.htm - 7k

6213a. asah -- do, make
... established (1), establishes (1), evildoer* (2), evildoers* (1), execute (24), executed
(10), executes (5), executing (1), exercise (1), exercises (1), exerted ...
/hebrew/6213a.htm - 8k

Of Exercises of the Will: to Wit, Forced Immediate Acts...
... THE THIRD SECTION OF THE THIRD TREATISE. OF THE EXERCISES OF IMMEDIATE FORCED
ACTS OF THE WILL, BEING THE SECOND DEGREE OF INTERNAL PRAYER. ...
/.../chapter i of exercises of.htm

Holy Exercises
... CERTAIN PATTERNS OF DEVOUT EXERCISES OF IMMEDIATE ACTS AND AFFECTIONS OF THE
WILL. HOLY EXERCISES. OF ACTS OF THE WILL. The First Exercise. ...
/.../holy wisdom or directions for the prayer of contemplation/holy exercises.htm

Holy Exercises of Contrition.
... CERTAIN PATTERNS OF DEVOUT EXERCISES OF IMMEDIATE ACTS AND AFFECTIONS OF THE
WILL. HOLY EXERCISES OF CONTRITION. AN ADVICE TO THE READER. ...
/.../holy exercises of contrition.htm

Holy Exercises of Resignation.
... CERTAIN PATTERNS OF DEVOUT EXERCISES OF IMMEDIATE ACTS AND AFFECTIONS OF THE WILL.
HOLY EXERCISES OF RESIGNATION. TO THE DEVOUT READER. Devout Reader,. ...
/.../holy exercises of resignation.htm

Of the Exercises of a Religious Man
... THE FIRST BOOK. ADMONITIONS PROFITABLE FOR THE SPIRITUAL LIFE CHAPTER XIX
Of the exercises of a religious man. The life of a Christian ...
/.../kempis/imitation of christ/chapter xix of the exercises.htm

How Internal Exercises are to be Practised in Times Improper and ...
... THE THIRD SECTION OF THE THIRD TREATISE. OF THE EXERCISES OF IMMEDIATE FORCED ACTS
OF THE WILL, BEING THE SECOND DEGREE OF INTERNAL PRAYER. CHAPTER IV. ...
/.../chapter iv how internal exercises.htm

Morning Exercises.
... Homily XI. Chapter I."Morning Exercises. Therefore on the fourth day at
Tripolis, Peter rising and finding us awake, saluted us ...
/.../unknown/the clementine homilies/chapter i morning exercises.htm

The Exercises Suited to a Good Life.
... The Instructor. Book III. Chapter X."The Exercises Suited to a Good Life. The
gymnasium is sufficient for boys, even if a bath is within reach. ...
/.../clement/the instructor paedagogus/chapter x the exercises suited to.htm

Holy Exercises of Pure Love to God.
... CERTAIN PATTERNS OF DEVOUT EXERCISES OF IMMEDIATE ACTS AND AFFECTIONS OF THE
WILL. HOLY EXERCISES OF PURE LOVE TO GOD. The First Exercise. ...
/.../holy exercises of pure love.htm

Internal Exercises Weaken the Body, yet Oft Prolong Life. ...
... OF THE EXERCISES OF IMMEDIATE FORCED ACTS OF THE WILL, BEING THE SECOND DEGREE OF
INTERNAL PRAYER. ... Internal exercises weaken the body, yet oft prolong life.? ...
/.../chapter vi internal exercises weaken.htm

Exercises (4 Occurrences)
...Exercises (4 Occurrences). Luke 18:7 Won't God avenge his chosen ones, who are crying
out to him day and night, and yet he exercises patience with them? (WEB). ...
/e/exercises.htm - 7k

Providence (3 Occurrences)
... 3. (n.) A manifestation of the care and superintendence which God exercises
over his creatures; an event ordained by divine direction. ...
/p/providence.htm - 44k

Exercise (35 Occurrences)
... etc.; that which is assigned or prescribed for such ends; hence, a disquisition;
a lesson; a task; as, military or naval exercises; musical exercises; an ...
/e/exercise.htm - 22k

Exercised (20 Occurrences)

/e/exercised.htm - 12k

Games (2 Occurrences)
... little cultivated. Simple and natural amusements and exercises, and trials
of wit and wisdom, were more to the Hebrew taste. What ...
/g/games.htm - 40k

Vigil (2 Occurrences)
... 2. (vi) Hence, devotional watching; waking for prayer, or other religious exercises.
3. (vi) Originally, the watch kept on the night before a feast. ...
/v/vigil.htm - 7k

Vindicate (18 Occurrences)
... Luke 18:7 Won't God avenge his chosen ones, who are crying out to him day and
night, and yet he exercises patience with them? (See RSV). ...
/v/vindicate.htm - 11k

Grace (277 Occurrences)
... These are the Word, Sacraments, and Prayer. (2.) But in popular language the expression
is used in a wider sense to denote those exercises in which we engage ...
/g/grace.htm - 64k

Glories (4 Occurrences)
... Jeremiah 9:24 but let him who glories glory in this, that he has understanding,
and knows me, that I am Yahweh who exercises loving kindness, justice, and ...
/g/glories.htm - 7k

Goodness (83 Occurrences)
... A perfection of his character which he exercises towards his creatures according
to their various circumstances and relations (Psalm 145:8, 9; 103:8; 1 John 4:8 ...
/g/goodness.htm - 35k

What is the Christian view of Pilates? | GotQuestions.org

What is Falun Gong? | GotQuestions.org

What is common grace? | GotQuestions.org

Exercises: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus