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What does the Bible say about running?

Bible Topic · WEB

The Bible portrays running as a picture of the Christian life: believers press on with endurance, discipline, and faith, trusting God’s grace rather than their own strength. In 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, Paul urges Christians to run for the imperishable prize, exercising self-control so that their lives match the gospel they proclaim. Hebrews 12:1-2 calls us to lay aside sin and run with perseverance, fixing our eyes on Jesus, who endured the cross for us. Trials produce endurance and mature hope (Romans 5:3-4), while those who wait on the Lord receive renewed strength to run without growing weary (Isaiah 40:31). Faithful perseverance marks those who finish the race (2 Timothy 4:7).

Top passages, ranked by readers

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

  • 1 Corinthians 9:24

    Don't you know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run like that, that you may win.

  • Hebrews 12:1-2

    [1] Therefore let us also, seeing we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, lay aside every weight and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, [2] looking to Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

  • Romans 5:3-4

    [3] Not only this, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering works perseverance; [4] and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope:

  • Isaiah 40:31

    but those who wait for Yahweh shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; they shall walk, and not faint.

  • 1 Corinthians 9:24-27

    [24] Don't you know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run like that, that you may win. [25] Every man who strives in the games exercises self-control in all things. Now they do it to receive a corruptible crown, but we an incorruptible. [26] I therefore run like that, as not uncertainly. I fight like that, as not beating the air, [27] but I beat my body and bring it into submission, lest by any means, after I have preached to others, I myself should be rejected.

  • 2 Timothy 4:7

    I have fought the good fight. I have finished the course. I have kept the faith.

  • Hebrews 12:1

    Therefore let us also, seeing we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, lay aside every weight and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,

  • Matthew 24:13

    But he who endures to the end, the same will be saved.

  • Galatians 5:7

    You were running well! Who interfered with you that you should not obey the truth?

  • 1 Corinthians 9:26

    I therefore run like that, as not uncertainly. I fight like that, as not beating the air,

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