In the realm of sports, where athletes push their physical and mental boundaries, seeking victory and excellence, there’s a profound wellspring of inspiration to be found in the pages of the Bible.
These verses offer not only spiritual guidance but also a well of motivation for athletes and sports enthusiasts alike.
From tales of endurance and perseverance to the pursuit of excellence with integrity, the Bible provides timeless wisdom that can elevate not just one’s performance in sports, but also their character and spirit.
Join us as we dive into a selection of these Bible verses for sports, each carrying a message that transcends the field, court, or track and resonates in the arena of life.
What does the Bible say about Sports?
The Bible does not directly mention modern sports as we know them today because many of our contemporary sports did not exist during the times when the Bible was written. However, the Bible does contain principles and teachings that can be applied to sports and athletic endeavors.
While the Bible doesn’t specifically address modern sports, it does provide valuable principles related to discipline, perseverance, teamwork, and using one’s abilities for a greater purpose. Believers often draw inspiration from these principles as they engage in sports and other aspects of life.
23 Bible Verses for Sports from the Old Testament (KJV).
In this collection, we delve into the Old Testament of the King James Version of the Bible to discover verses that resonate with the world of sports.
These verses not only provide spiritual guidance but also offer profound insights into qualities essential for athletes and competitors – resilience, faith, courage, and perseverance.
Whether you’re a professional athlete, a weekend warrior, or someone simply seeking inspiration, these verses will uplift your spirit and guide you through the trials and triumphs of the sporting arena.
1. Psalm 18:29:
“For by thee I have run through a troop; and by my God have I leaped over a wall.”
2. 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.”
3. 1 Samuel 16:7:
“But the Lord said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart.”
4. Proverbs 24:10:
“If thou faint in the day of adversity, thy strength is small.”
5. 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.”
6. Psalm 144:1:
“Blessed be the Lord my strength which teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight.”
7. 1 Samuel 17:47:
“And all this assembly shall know that the Lord saveth not with sword and spear: for the battle is the Lord’s, and he will give you into our hands.”
8. 2 Samuel 22:33:
“God is my strength and power: and he maketh my way perfect.”
9. 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.”
10. Psalm 18:34:
“He teacheth my hands to war, so that a bow of steel is broken by mine arms.”
11. Deuteronomy 31:6:
“Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the Lord thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.”
12. Psalm 27:1:
“The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?”
13. Proverbs 14:23:
“In all labour there is profit: but the talk of the lips tendeth only to penury.”
14. Isaiah 12:2:
“Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the Lord Jehovah is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation.”
15. Psalm 118:24:
“This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.”
16. Psalm 119:105:
“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.”
17. Proverbs 3:5-6:
“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”
18. Isaiah 41:10:
“Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.”
19. Proverbs 16:3:
“Commit thy works unto the Lord, and thy thoughts shall be established.”
20. Psalm 23:1:
“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.”
21. Proverbs 15:22:
“Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellors they are established.”
22. Psalm 144:2:
“My goodness, and my fortress; my high tower, and my deliverer; my shield, and he in whom I trust; who subdueth my people under me.”
23. Psalm 20:7:
“Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the Lord our God.”
These verses can provide guidance, inspiration, and strength to athletes and sports enthusiasts as they pursue their goals and face challenges in the world of sports.
24 Bible Verses for Sports from the New Testament (KJV).
The New Testament of the Bible is a treasure trove of wisdom, inspiration, and guidance that extends its relevance beyond matters of faith into various aspects of life, including the world of sports.
In these verses, we find not only spiritual insights but also valuable lessons that can be applied to the arena of athletics.They offer athletes and sports enthusiasts a unique source of motivation, perseverance, and resilience.
They remind us that the principles of dedication, teamwork, and determination are not only found on the field but also resonate deeply within the pages of the New Testament.
Whether you’re an athlete striving for excellence, a coach seeking to inspire your team, or simply someone looking for words of encouragement in the pursuit of your goals, these Bible verses from the New Testament will serve as a guiding light, offering strength, focus, and a reminder of the values that transcend sports and enrich our lives.
1. 1 Corinthians 9:25:
“And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.”
2. 2 Timothy 2:5:
“And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully.”
3. Philippians 4:13:
“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”
4. Colossians 3:23:
“And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men.”
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. 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.”
7. 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.”
8. 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.”
9. Hebrews 12:11:
“Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.”
10. 2 Timothy 4:7:
“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.”
11. Romans 12:11:
“Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord.”
12. Philippians 3:14:
“I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”
13. 1 Corinthians 15:58:
“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.”
14. 1 Peter 5:10:
“But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.”
15. Ephesians 6:12:
“For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.”
16. Colossians 3:17:
“And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.”
17. James 1:12:
“Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.”
18. 1 Corinthians 16:14:
“Let all your things be done with charity.”
19. 2 Corinthians 9:7:
“Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.”
20. James 1:22:
“But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.”
21. 1 Corinthians 10:31:
“Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.”
22. Matthew 6:33:
“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”
23. Matthew 25:21:
“His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.”
24. 1 Corinthians 15:57:
“But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Conclusion
Whether you’re an athlete, a coach, or a sports enthusiast, these verses from the Bible can serve as a source of inspiration and a reminder that the principles of faith, discipline, and purpose can be applied not only to sports but to all aspects of life.
They encourage us to strive for excellence, not just for earthly rewards, but for the higher purpose of honoring God and making a positive impact on the world around us.
