Top 21 Bible Verses About Sports (With Commentary)

Sports have the ability to captivate our hearts and stir our passions. They teach us valuable lessons about teamwork, perseverance, and discipline. The Bible offers insights and spiritual parallels that can enhance our understanding and enjoyment of sports. If you’re a sports enthusiast or curious about the biblical perspective on sports, join me as we explore some fascinating Bible verses about sports.

Bible Verses About Sports

1 Corinthians 9:24-25

“Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.”

This famous passage compares the dedication and discipline of athletes to the Christian life. It encourages believers to strive for the ultimate prize of eternal life through living a disciplined and focused lifestyle.

Philippians 3:13-14

“Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”

Similar to the previous passage, this verse emphasizes the importance of perseverance and focus in the Christian life. It encourages believers to press on towards their ultimate goal of eternal life without letting past mistakes hinder their progress.

Proverbs 24:10

“If you faint in the day of adversity, your strength is small.”

This proverb reminds us that sports can teach us valuable lessons about facing and overcoming adversity. In the same way, as Christians, we are called to persevere through difficult times and to rely on our faith to give us strength.

Colossians 3:23-24

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.”

This verse emphasizes the importance of working hard and doing your best in all areas of life, including sports. It reminds us that ultimately, we should be doing everything to glorify God and not just to please others or gain personal recognition.

1 Timothy 4:8

“For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.”

This verse reminds us that while sports and physical fitness are important, they are not the ultimate goal in life. Ultimately, our relationship with God and our spiritual growth should take priority.

Ecclesiastes 9:11

“I have seen something else under the sun: The race is not to the swift or the battle to the strong, nor does food come to the wise or wealth to the brilliant or favor to the learned; but time and chance happen to them all.”

This verse reminds us that even in sports, success is not always guaranteed. There are factors beyond our control, and ultimately, God is in control of all things.

Hebrews 12:1-2

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.”

This passage reminds us that life is a race, and we are called to run it with perseverance and faith. Just like in sports, we need to resist the things that hold us back and keep our focus on the ultimate goal.

Psalm 144:1-2

“Praise be to the LORD my Rock, who trains my hands for war, my fingers for battle. He is my loving God and my fortress, my stronghold and my deliverer, my shield, in whom I take refuge, who subdues peoples under me.”

While not necessarily about sports in the modern sense, this verse speaks to the idea of training and preparing for battle, both physically and spiritually. It reminds us that God is the one who gives us the strength and protection we need to face our challenges.

Isaiah 40:28-31

“Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”

This verse reminds us that no matter how physically fit and strong we are, we will all eventually grow tired and weary. However, if we place our hope and trust in the Lord, he will provide us with the strength we need to keep going, even in the face of difficult challenges.

Romans 12:1-2

“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”

This verse reminds us that even in the area of sports and physical fitness, we should be striving to live a life that is holy and pleasing to God. It encourages us to reject worldly values and instead to seek God’s will and transformation in our lives.

1 Samuel 16:7

“But the Lord said to Samuel, ‘Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.’”

This verse reminds us that physical appearance and abilities are not the most important things in life. Ultimately, what matters most is our heart and our relationship with God.

Psalm 33:16-17

“No king is saved by the size of his army; no warrior escapes by his great strength. A horse is a vain hope for deliverance; despite all its great strength it cannot save.”

While not specifically about sports, this verse speaks to the idea that physical strength and abilities are not enough to guarantee success. We need to rely on God for our deliverance and salvation.

Psalm 34:8

“Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.”

This verse reminds us that ultimately, the most important thing in life is our relationship with God. We should strive to find our refuge and satisfaction in him.

Psalm 18:32-33

“It is God who arms me with strength and keeps my way secure. He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; he causes me to stand on the heights.”

This verse reminds us that it is God who gives us strength and helps us to overcome difficult challenges. We should look to him for our security and guidance.

2 Timothy 2:5

“Similarly, anyone who competes as an athlete does not receive the victor’s crown except by competing according to the rules.”

This verse speaks to the idea that in sports, as in life, we must strive to operate according to a set of rules and standards. We should seek to live our lives in accordance with God’s principles and values.

James 1:12

“Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.”

This verse reminds us that just as in sports, perseverance and endurance in the face of hardship are crucial in the Christian life. Ultimately, our reward is eternal life with God.

Hebrews 10:24-25

“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”

While not specifically about sports, this verse reminds us of the importance of community and encouragement in the Christian life. Those who participate in team sports can particularly benefit from this idea; being surrounded by teammates who uplift and support each other can help build strong bonds and ultimately lead to personal and team success.

What does the Bible say About Sports?

The Bible does not specifically address modern sports as we know them today, as organized sports as we understand them did not exist during the time when the various books of the Bible were written. However, while there are no direct references to sports or athletic activities, the Bible does contain principles and teachings that can be applied to sportsmanship and physical activities.

1. Physical Training and Discipline: The Bible emphasizes the importance of taking care of our bodies, as they are temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). Engaging in physical activities, including sports, can promote discipline, endurance, and self-control.
2. Humility and Grace: The Bible promotes humility and encourages individuals to be gracious in both victory and defeat. Philippians 2:3-4 encourages believers to consider others better than themselves, which can apply to both team and individual sports.
3. Fair Play and Integrity: The Bible promotes honesty and integrity in all aspects of life, and this includes sports. Cheating, dishonesty, and unfair practices should be avoided.
4. Teamwork and Unity: The Bible highlights the importance of unity and working together for a common goal. Team sports can exemplify the idea of how a group of individuals with different strengths can come together as a cohesive unit.
5. Balancing Priorities: While physical activities and sports can be enjoyable and beneficial, they should not become idols or take precedence over our relationship with God or neglecting other essential aspects of life.
6. Encouragement and Support: The Bible encourages believers to build each other up and provide support to one another. This principle can be applied to sports, where teammates should encourage and support each other.
7. Use of Gifts and Talents: The Bible teaches that God has given each person unique gifts and talents. Engaging in sports can be a way to use and develop these abilities to bring glory to God.

It’s important to note that while the Bible can offer general principles that can be applied to sports, it is not a comprehensive guide to sportsmanship or physical activities. Christians can use their understanding of biblical principles and discernment to engage in sports in a way that aligns with their faith and values.