### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **gymnasía**, represented by `{{G1129}}`, is defined as **training** or, figuratively, asceticism. It is translated as **exercise**. This term is highly specific in its biblical usage, appearing only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the entire New Testament. Its singular appearance serves to make a pointed comparison about spiritual priorities.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole use of `{{G1129}}` is found in [[1 Timothy 4:8]], where it is used to contrast physical discipline with spiritual devotion. The verse states that "bodily **exercise** profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things." Here, **gymnasía** is not condemned but is assigned a limited value, serving as a lesser example to highlight the far greater, all-encompassing benefit of godliness, which holds a divine promise for both the present life and the life to come.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words from its context in [[1 Timothy 4:8]] illuminate the meaning of `{{G1129}}`:
* `{{G4984}}` **sōmatikós** (corporeal or physical): This word directly modifies `{{G1129}}`, specifying the context as **bodily** exercise. It is also used to describe the **bodily** shape of the Holy Ghost's descent [[Luke 3:22]].
* `{{G2150}}` **eusébeia** (piety; specially, the gospel scheme): This is the term for **godliness** that is presented as superior to bodily exercise. It is described as being a source of "great gain" [[1 Timothy 6:6]] and something to be pursued alongside righteousness and faith [[1 Timothy 6:11]].
* `{{G1860}}` **epangelía** (a divine assurance of good): This is the **promise** that godliness holds. This divine assurance is a core component of faith, tied to the Holy Spirit [[Ephesians 1:13]] and received through patience [[Hebrews 10:36]].
* `{{G3641}}` **olígos** (puny in extent, degree, number, duration or value): This word quantifies the profit of bodily exercise as **little**, emphasizing its limited and temporary nature in the apostle's argument.
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G1129}}` is derived entirely from its role as a point of contrast.
* **A Contrast of Value:** The primary function of `{{G1129}}` is to establish a hierarchy of discipline. While bodily training has a place, its benefit is minimal when compared to the profit of **godliness** `{{G2150}}`, which is valuable for **all things** `{{G3956}}`.
* **Temporal vs. Eternal Profit:** Bodily **exercise** `{{G1129}}` offers a temporary, physical benefit. Godliness, however, is profitable for "the **life** `{{G2222}}` that **now is** `{{G3568}}`, and of that which is **to come** `{{G3195}}`," demonstrating its eternal scope.
* **The Foundation of Benefit:** The profit associated with godliness is secured by a divine **promise** `{{G1860}}`, which is an assurance from God. This contrasts with the self-generated and limited benefits of physical training.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G1129}}` **gymnasía** is a term used with precise intention. Its single appearance is not to discourage physical discipline but to use it as an analogy to elevate spiritual discipline. By contextualizing bodily **exercise** as something that "profiteth **little**" `{{G3641}}`, the scripture powerfully redirects focus toward **godliness** `{{G2150}}` as the discipline with ultimate, eternal, and all-encompassing value, rooted in the very **promise** of God.
TRV