Explain Bible

What does the Bible say about how to take care of our bodies?

Bible Topic · WEB

The Bible teaches that caring for our bodies is a grateful response to God, who made us and redeemed us in Christ, not a way to earn his favor. Believers' bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit and belong to God, so 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 calls us to honor him in our bodies. This includes pursuing wise habits, self-control, rest, and appropriate bodily exercise, while remembering that godliness has greater and lasting value (1 Timothy 4:8). Romans 12:1 urges us to present our whole selves as living sacrifices. We also care for body and soul by bringing anxieties to God in prayer, trusting his peace and provision (Philippians 4:6-7; 4:19).

Top passages, ranked by readers

Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible

  • 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 3 votes

    [19] Or don't you know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit which is in you, which you have from God? You are not your own, [20] for you were bought with a price. Therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's.

  • 1 Corinthians 6:19 3 votes

    Or don't you know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit which is in you, which you have from God? You are not your own,

  • 1 Corinthians 3:16-17 3 votes

    [16] Don't you know that you are a temple of God, and that God's Spirit lives in you? [17] If anyone destroys the temple of God, God will destroy him; for God's temple is holy, which you are.

  • 1 Timothy 4:8 3 votes

    For bodily exercise has some value, but godliness has value for all things, having the promise of the life which is now, and of that which is to come.

  • Philippians 4:6-7 2 votes

    [6] In nothing be anxious, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. [7] And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus.

  • Romans 12:1 2 votes

    Therefore I urge you, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service.

  • Revelation 1:1 2 votes

    This is the Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show to his servants the things which must happen soon, which he sent and made known by his angel to his servant, John,

  • Romans 12:2 2 votes

    Don't be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what is the good, well-pleasing, and perfect will of God.

  • Philippians 4:19 2 votes

    My God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

  • 3 John 1:2 2 votes

    Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be healthy, even as your soul prospers.

Related topics

Go deeper

Ask Explain Bible AI about how to take care of our bodies and get a fuller answer from a Reformed theological perspective.

Ask what the Bible says about how to take care of our bodies