Sports bring out the best in us: dedication, discipline, teamwork, and perseverance.
As athletes and fans, we seek motivation and encouragement, and the Bible offers timeless wisdom that applies both on and off the field.
Here are 90 powerful Bible verses to inspire athletes, coaches, and anyone striving to achieve their goals.
Bible Verses for Sports
Bible Verses for Strength and Endurance
- Isaiah 40:31 – “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.”
- Philippians 4:13 – “I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”
- Psalm 18:32 – “It is God who arms me with strength and keeps my way secure.”
- 2 Timothy 1:7 – “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.”
- 1 Corinthians 9:24 – “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.”
- Psalm 73:26 – “My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”
- Psalm 46:1 – “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.”
- Isaiah 40:29 – “He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.”
- Nehemiah 8:10 – “Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”
- Exodus 15:2 – “The Lord is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation.”
Bible Verses for Perseverance and Determination
- James 1:12 – “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.”
- Hebrews 12:1 – “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.”
- Galatians 6:9 – “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”
- Romans 5:3-4 – “Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.”
- 2 Corinthians 4:16 – “Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.”
- 1 Corinthians 15:58 – “Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.”
- Proverbs 24:10 – “If you falter in a time of trouble, how small is your strength!”
- Matthew 24:13 – “But the one who stands firm to the end will be saved.”
- Revelation 3:11 – “I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown.”
- 1 Peter 5:10 – “And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.”
Bible Verses for Teamwork and Unity
- Ecclesiastes 4:9 – “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor.”
- Philippians 2:3-4 – “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”
- 1 Corinthians 12:12 – “Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ.”
- Romans 12:4-5 – “For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.”
- Psalm 133:1 – “How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!”
- 1 Thessalonians 5:11 – “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”
- Colossians 3:14 – “And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.”
- Romans 15:5-6 – “May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
- 1 Peter 3:8 – “Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble.”
- Proverbs 27:17 – “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”
Bible Verses for Courage and Boldness
- Joshua 1:9 – “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
- Deuteronomy 31:6 – “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”
- Psalm 27:1 – “The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?”
- 2 Samuel 22:30 – “With your help I can advance against a troop; with my God I can scale a wall.”
- Psalm 16:8 – “I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.”
- Isaiah 41:10 – “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
- 1 Corinthians 16:13 – “Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.”
- Proverbs 28:1 – “The wicked flee though no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion.”
- Psalm 31:24 – “Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord.”
- Psalm 56:3-4 – “When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise— in God I trust and am not afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?”
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Bible Verses for Trusting in God
- Proverbs 3:5-6 – “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
- Psalm 37:5 – “Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this.”
- Isaiah 26:3-4 – “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord himself, is the Rock eternal.”
- Jeremiah 17:7 – “But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him.”
- Psalm 9:10 – “Those who know your name trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you.”
- Psalm 125:1 – “Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion, which cannot be shaken but endures forever.”
- Nahum 1:7 – “The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him.”
- Psalm 28:7 – “The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him.”
- Psalm 62:8 – “Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.”
- 2 Corinthians 5:7 – “For we live by faith, not by sight.”
Bible Verses for Self-Control and Discipline
- 1 Corinthians 9:25 – “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.”
- 2 Timothy 1:7 – “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love, and self-discipline.”
- Galatians 5:22-23 – “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”
- Proverbs 25:28 – “Like a city whose walls are broken through is a person who lacks self-control.”
- Romans 12:1-2 – “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”
- 1 Timothy 4:8 – “For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.”
- Proverbs 16:32 – “Better a patient person than a warrior, one with self-control than one who takes a city.”
- Titus 2:11-12 – “For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say ‘No’ to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age.”
- James 1:19 – “My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.”
- 1 Corinthians 10:31 – “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”
Bible Verses for Confidence and Boldness
- Psalm 138:3 – “When I called, you answered me; you greatly emboldened me.”
- Proverbs 3:26 – “For the Lord will be at your side and will keep your foot from being snared.”
- Hebrews 10:35-36 – “So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.”
- Ephesians 3:12 – “In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.”
- Jeremiah 17:7-8 – “But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream.”
- 2 Timothy 1:12 – “I am not ashamed, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until that day.”
- Proverbs 14:26 – “Whoever fears the Lord has a secure fortress, and for their children it will be a refuge.”
- Romans 8:31 – “What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?”
- Philippians 1:6 – “Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”
- Psalm 27:3 – “Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then I will be confident.”
Bible Verses for Faith and Trust During Competition
- Matthew 19:26 – “Jesus looked at them and said, ‘With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.’”
- Mark 9:23 – “Everything is possible for one who believes.”
- 2 Timothy 2:5 – “Similarly, anyone who competes as an athlete does not receive the victor’s crown except by competing according to the rules.”
- Hebrews 11:1 – “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.”
- Psalm 20:4 – “May he give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed.”
- Isaiah 40:29 – “He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.”
- Psalm 34:10 – “The lions may grow weak and hungry, but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing.”
- 2 Chronicles 15:7 – “But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded.”
- Romans 12:12 – “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.”
- Psalm 37:4 – “Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.”
Bible Verses for Overcoming Fear and Anxiety in Sports
- Philippians 4:6-7 – “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
- Psalm 34:4 – “I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.”
- John 14:27 – “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
- 1 Peter 5:7 – “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”
- Isaiah 41:13 – “For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, ‘Do not fear; I will help you.’”
- Psalm 55:22 – “Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.”
- Psalm 27:1 – “The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?”
- 2 Thessalonians 3:3 – “But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one.”
- Romans 8:37 – “No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.”
- 1 John 4:4 – “You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.”
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Conclusion
Sports require physical strength, mental resilience, and spiritual grounding. The Bible offers endless wisdom and inspiration that applies to every aspect of an athlete’s life.
May these 90 Bible verses encourage you, remind you of God’s love and faithfulness, and help you give your best in every game and practice.
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