(1Ti 4:8). An ascetic mortification of the flesh and denial of personal gratification (comp. Col 2:23) to which some sects of the Jews, especially the Essenes, attached importance.
Which things have indeed a show of wisdom in will-worship, and humility, and severity to the body; but are not of any value against the indulgence of the flesh.
for bodily exercise is profitable for a little; but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life which now is, and of that which is to come.
American Standard Version Public Domain