Topical Encyclopedia Sport, as a concept of organized physical activity for competition or recreation, is not explicitly mentioned in the Bible. However, the Scriptures do provide principles and examples that can be applied to the understanding of sports and physical exercise.Biblical References and Principles 1. Physical Exercise and Bodily Discipline: The Apostle Paul makes a notable reference to physical training in his letters. In 1 Timothy 4:8, he states, "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." Here, Paul acknowledges the value of physical exercise, though he emphasizes the greater importance of spiritual discipline. 2. Athletic Metaphors: Paul frequently uses athletic metaphors to illustrate spiritual truths. In 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, he writes, "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. Therefore I do not run aimlessly; I do not fight like I am beating the air. No, I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified." This passage highlights the importance of discipline, focus, and perseverance, qualities that are essential in both sports and the Christian life. 3. Competition and Fairness: The Bible encourages fair play and integrity, principles that are foundational to sportsmanship. Proverbs 11:1 states, "Dishonest scales are an abomination to the LORD, but an accurate weight is His delight." This can be applied to the context of sports, where honesty and fairness are crucial. 4. Teamwork and Unity: While not directly related to sports, the Bible emphasizes the importance of working together in unity. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 says, "Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor. For if one falls, the other will lift up his companion." This principle is applicable to team sports, where cooperation and mutual support are vital. 5. Rest and Recreation: The concept of rest is biblically endorsed, as seen in the Sabbath commandment (Exodus 20:8-11). Recreation, including sports, can be a form of rest and rejuvenation, provided it is kept in balance with spiritual and other life priorities. Historical Context In the ancient world, sports were a significant part of Greek and Roman culture, with events like the Olympic Games and gladiatorial contests. While the Bible does not explicitly mention these events, early Christians lived in societies where such activities were prevalent. The early church often viewed these spectacles with caution, particularly when they involved idolatry or immorality. Christian Perspective on Sports From a Christian perspective, sports can be seen as a gift from God that promotes health, fellowship, and character development. However, it is essential to maintain a balance, ensuring that sports do not become an idol or detract from one's spiritual commitments. Christians are encouraged to engage in sports with integrity, humility, and a spirit of thankfulness, using their talents to glorify God (Colossians 3:17). In summary, while the Bible does not directly address sports, it provides principles that guide Christians in their participation, emphasizing discipline, fairness, teamwork, and the proper place of physical activity in a life devoted to God. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) That which diverts, and makes mirth; pastime; amusement.2. (n.) Mock; mockery; contemptuous mirth; derision. 3. (n.) That with which one plays, or which is driven about in play; a toy; a plaything; an object of mockery. 4. (n.) Play; idle jingle. 5. (n.) Diversion of the field, as fowling, hunting, fishing, racing, games, and the like, esp. when money is staked. 6. (n.) A plant or an animal, or part of a plant or animal, which has some peculiarity not usually seen in the species; an abnormal variety or growth. See Sporting plant, under Sporting. 7. (n.) A sportsman; a gambler. 8. (v. i.) To play; to frolic; to wanton. 9. (v. i.) To practice the diversions of the field or the turf; to be given to betting, as upon races. 10. (v. i.) To trifle. 11. (v. i.) To assume suddenly a new and different character from the rest of the plant or from the type of the species; -- said of a bud, shoot, plant, or animal. See Sport, n., 6. 12. (v. t.) To divert; to amuse; to make merry; -- used with the reciprocal pronoun. 13. (v. t.) To represent by any kind of play. 14. (v. t.) To exhibit, or bring out, in public; to use or wear; as, to sport a new equipage. 15. (v. t.) To give utterance to in a sportive manner; to throw out in an easy and copious manner; -- with off; as, to sport off epigrams. Greek 3815. paizo -- to play as a child ... to play as a child. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: paizo Phonetic Spelling: (paheed'-zo) Short Definition: I play, sport Definition: I play, sport ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3815.htm - 6k 1702. empaizo -- to mock at Strong's Hebrew 7814. sechoq -- laughter, derision, sport... 7813, 7814. sechoq or sechoq. 7815 . laughter, derision, sport. Transliteration: sechoq or sechoq Phonetic Spelling: (sekh-oke') Short Definition: laughter ... /hebrew/7814.htm - 6k 8173b. shaa -- to sport, take delight in, delight 6711. tsachaq -- to laugh 7832. sachaq -- to laugh 6026. anog -- to be soft, delicate, dainty 5953a. alal -- to act severely Library And when Herod Saw that He had Been Made Sport of by the Magi... A Love-Song of the Bride of Christ, in Early Summertide. How we are to Understand the Words, "The Devil Sinneth from the ... I am Told, Further, that You Touch with Some Critical Sharpness ... A Funeral Oration. Strength Profaned and Lost Samson Conquered All who Walk According to Truth are Children of God. Through-The-Week Activities for Boys' Organized Classes Sundry Sharp Reproofs Thesaurus Sport (99 Occurrences)... See Sport, n., 6. 12. ... 13. (vt) To represent by any kind of play. 14. (vt) To exhibit, or bring out, in public; to use or wear; as, to sport a new equipage. 15. ... /s/sport.htm - 35k Laughing (38 Occurrences) Laughed (27 Occurrences) Uncontrolled (58 Occurrences) Joke (1 Occurrence) Jest (1 Occurrence) Game (11 Occurrences) Fool (95 Occurrences) Finished (157 Occurrences) Ridicule (14 Occurrences) Resources What is the meaning of life? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean that “zeal for your house will consume me” in John 2:17? | GotQuestions.org Is it a sin to watch pornography with my spouse? | GotQuestions.org Sport: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Sport (99 Occurrences)Matthew 20:19 Matthew 27:27 Matthew 27:29 Matthew 27:31 Matthew 27:41 Mark 10:34 Mark 15:20 Mark 15:29 Luke 16:14 Luke 18:32 Luke 22:63 Luke 23:11 Luke 23:35 Luke 23:36 Acts 2:13 Acts 17:32 Galatians 6:7 Ephesians 5:4 2 Peter 2:10 2 Peter 3:3 Jude 1:18 Genesis 21:9 Genesis 39:14 Genesis 39:17 Exodus 10:2 Exodus 32:6 Numbers 22:29 Judges 8:15 Judges 16:10 Judges 16:15 Judges 16:25 Judges 16:27 1 Samuel 6:6 1 Samuel 31:4 2 Samuel 2:14 1 Kings 18:27 2 Kings 2:23 2 Kings 19:21 1 Chronicles 10:4 2 Chronicles 30:10 2 Chronicles 36:16 Nehemiah 2:19 Nehemiah 4:1 Job 5:22 Job 9:23 Job 11:3 Job 12:4 Job 16:20 Job 17:2 Job 17:6 Job 19:3 Job 21:3 Job 22:19 Job 30:1 Job 31:34 Job 34:7 Job 34:37 Job 39:7 Job 39:18 Job 39:21 Job 41:5 Job 41:29 Psalms 2:4 Psalms 35:19 Psalms 59:8 Psalms 69:11 Psalms 79:4 Psalms 104:26 Psalms 109:25 Psalms 119:51 Psalms 123:4 Psalms 139:20 Proverbs 1:26 Proverbs 3:34 Proverbs 10:23 Proverbs 13:13 Proverbs 17:5 Proverbs 19:28 Proverbs 26:19 Proverbs 30:17 Isaiah 23:9 Isaiah 28:22 Isaiah 29:20 Isaiah 33:8 Isaiah 37:22 Isaiah 49:7 Isaiah 53:3 Isaiah 57:4 Isaiah 60:14 Jeremiah 9:5 Jeremiah 20:7 Jeremiah 48:26 Jeremiah 48:27 Jeremiah 48:39 Lamentations 1:15 Lamentations 3:14 Ezekiel 22:5 Hosea 7:16 Habakkuk 1:10 Subtopics Related Terms |