Bible Verses About Running

Compiled by The BibleStudyTools Staff on 02/19/2024
Bible Verses About Running

Bible Verses about Running: Top Scripture Quotes

The Bible uses running metaphors in various contexts to convey spiritual and moral lessons. In 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 (NIV), the apostle Paul employs the imagery of a race to highlight the importance of perseverance and discipline in the Christian life. This passage encourages believers to approach their Christian journey with purpose, discipline, and the goal of an eternal reward.

The book of Hebrews also uses the metaphor of running, urging believers to persevere in their faith with endurance. Hebrews 12:1-2 (NIV) states, "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 imagery underscores the need to overcome obstacles and stay focused on the ultimate example of faith, Jesus Christ.

While the Bible may not directly address the act of running as a physical exercise, its metaphors involving running provide valuable insights into the Christian's journey, emphasizing perseverance, discipline, and a focus on the eternal prize.

Top Bible Verses about Running

1 Corinthians 9:24 - Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it.

Hebrews 12:1-2 - Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

Romans 5:3-4 - Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope,

Isaiah 40:31 - But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.

Matthew 24:13 - But the one who endures to the end will be saved.

Hebrews 12:1 - Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,

2 Timothy 4:7 - I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

1 Corinthians 9:26 - So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air.

Galatians 5:7 - You were running well. Who hindered you from obeying the truth?

Psalm 119:32 - I will run in the way of your commandments when you enlarge my heart!

Read more Bible verses about running in the collection of scripture quotes below:

 Photo credit: ©GettyImages/evgenyatamanenko

Hebrews 12:1 - Run with Endurance
1 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,
2 Timothy 4:7
7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
Galatians 5:1
7 You were running a good race. Who cut in on you to keep you from obeying the truth?
2 Then the LORD replied: “Write down the revelation and make it plain on tablets so that a herald may run with it.
Isaiah 40:8 - The Word of the Lord
31 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.
James 1:12
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.
1 “Go up and down the streets of Jerusalem, look around and consider, search through her squares. If you can find but one person who deals honestly and seeks the truth, I will forgive this city.
5 “If you have raced with men on foot and they have worn you out, how can you compete with horses? If you stumble in safe country, how will you manage in the thickets by the Jordan?
God Will Pour out His Spirit on His People
7 They charge like warriors; they scale walls like soldiers. They all march in line, not swerving from their course.
13 but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved.
Psalm 18:6
29 With your help I can advance against a troop ; with my God I can scale a wall.
Psalm 119:28
32 I run in the path of your commands, for you have broadened my understanding.
Romans 5:3-4
3 Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance;
4 perseverance, character; and character, hope.
24 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.
25 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.
26 Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air.
27 No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.
23 He said, “Come what may, I want to run.” So Joab said, “Run!” Then Ahimaaz ran by way of the plain and outran the Cushite.