Bible Dictionary
Exercise, bodily
Bodily exercise refers to physical discipline or ascetic practices. Scripture acknowledges that such exercise has limited value compared with godliness, which is profitable for all things.
Definition
Bodily exercise refers to physical discipline, ascetic mortification, or denial of personal gratification. Such practices were valued by some Jewish groups, including the Essenes.
Biblical Usage
Scripture acknowledges that bodily exercise profits a little but contrasts it with godliness, which is profitable for all things.
Historical Background
The supplied material connects bodily exercise with ascetic practices intended to mortify the flesh and restrain personal desires.
Scripture References
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
(1 Tim. 4:8). An ascetic mortification of the flesh and denial of personal gratification (comp. Col. 2:23) to which some sects of the Jews, especially the Essenes, attached importance.