2 Timothy 2:5

← 2 Timothy 2:4 2 Timothy 2:6 →

2 Timothy 2:5 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

Likewise, a competitor does not receive the crown unless he competes according to the rules.

King James Version KJV

And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully.

American Standard Version ASV

And if also a man contend in the games, he is not crowned, except he have contended lawfully.

Bible in Basic English BBE

And if a man takes part in a competition he does not get the crown if he has not kept the rules.

Free Bible Version FBV

Similarly athletes who compete in the games don't win a prize if they don't keep to the rules.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

And if any man also striue for a Masterie, he is not crowned, except he striue as he ought to doe.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

and if also any one may strive, he is not crowned, except he may strive lawfully;

World English Bible WEB

Also, if anyone competes in athletics, he isn’t crowned unless he has competed by the rules.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And if a man also striveth for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he striveth lawfully.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

For he also that striveth for the mastery, is not crowned, except he strive lawfully.

Translation for Translators T4T

Similarly, you know that athletes who do not obey the rules of the contest will not be given {not win} the prize [MET]. So, like athletes, do all that Christ Jesus has commanded so that God will reward you!

Plain English Version PEV

And you are also like a sportsman. You know that sportsmen have to follow the rules of their game. If they don’t, they can’t win. Well, just like that, you have to follow the rules that God set down, so that in the end God will tell you that you won.

Study Highlights

Key words in the translations above are automatically highlighted. Names of God and Jesus are marked in purple, the Holy Spirit in orange, divine action verbs are underlined, and repeated key words are highlighted in yellow.

Enable Study Highlights

God & Jesus

Holy Spirit

Divine Actions

Repeated Words

Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Timothy 2:5

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

2 Timothy 2:5 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

GRK εαν δε και αθλη τις ου στεφανουται εαν μη νομιμως αθληση

εαν ean G1437 if COND

δε de G1161 then Conj

και kai G2532 and Conj

αθλη athleō G118 to compete Verb-PAS-3S

τις tis G5100 one Indef-NSM

ου ou G3756 no Particle-N

στεφανουται stephanoō G4737 to crown Verb-PPI-3S

εαν ean G1437 if COND

μη mē G3361 not Particle-N

νομιμως nomimōs G3545 lawfully Adv

αθληση athleō G118 to compete Verb-AAS-3S

Greek Word Study

Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.

Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.

Greek Word Reference — 2 Timothy 2:5

εαν ean G1437 "if" COND

This word means 'if' and is used to show uncertainty or possibility, as in Matthew 6:22 and Romans 2:25, to express conditions or circumstances.

Definition: ἐάν, contr. fr. εἰ ἄν, conditional particle, representing something as "under certain circumstances actual or liable to happen," but not so definitely expected as in the case of εἰ with ind. (Bl., §65, 4; cf. Jhn.13:17, 1Co.7:36), if haply, if; __1. with subjc. (cl.); __(a) pres.: Mat.6:22, Luk.10:6, Jhn.7:17, Rom.2:25, 26 al.; { __(b) aor. (= Lat. fut. pf.): Mat.4:9 16:26 (cf. ptcp. in Luk.9:25; M, Pr., 230), Mrk.3:24, Luk.14:34, Jhn.5:43, Rom.7:2, al.; = cl. εἰ, with opt., Jhn.9:22 11:57, Act.9:2; as Heb. אִם = ὅταν, Jhn.12:32 14:3, I Jhn.2:28 3:2, Heb.3:7" (LXX) . __2. C. indic, (as in late writers, fr. Arist. on; see WH, App., 171; VD, MGr. 2, App., §77; Deiss., BS, 201f., LAE, 155, 254; M, Pr., 168, 187; Bl., §65, 4); __(a) fut.: Mat.18:19 T, Luk.19:40, Act.7:7; __(b) pres.: 1Th.3:8 (see Milligan, in l.). __3. With other particles: ἐ. καί (Bl., §65, 6), Gal.6:1; ἐ. μή (M, Pr., 185, 187; Bl., l.with), with subjc. pres., Mat.10:13, 1Co.8:8, Jas.2:17, 1Jn.3:21; aor., Mat.6:15, Mrk.3:27, Jhn.3:3, Rom.10:15, Gal.1:8 2:16 (see Lft., Ellic., in ll.); ἐ. τε . . . ἐ. τε, [in LXX for אִם . . . אִם, Est.19:13, al.,] Rom.14:8. __4. = cl. ἄν (which see) after relat. pronouns and adverbs (Tdf., Pr., 96; WH, App., 173; M, Pr., 42f.; Bl., §26, 4; Mayser, 152f.; Deiss., BS, 202ff.): ὃς ἐ., Mat.5:19, Mrk.6:22, 23 Luk.17:32, 1Co.6:18, al.; ὅπου ἐ., Mat.8:19; ὁσάκις ἐ., Rev.11:6; οὗ ἐ., 1Co.16:6; καθὸ ἐ., 2Co.8:12; ὅστις ἐ., Gal.5:10. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 317 NT verses. KJV: before, but, except, (and) if, (if) so, (what-, whither-)soever, though, when (-soever), whether (or), to whom, (who-)so(-ever) See also: 1 Corinthians 4:15; Hebrews 13:23; 1 Peter 3:13.

δε de G1161 "then" Conj

This is a conjunction that means and, but, or then, used to connect ideas like in Matthew 1:2 and 2 Corinthians 6:15.

Definition: δέ (before vowels δ᾽; on the general neglect of the elision in NT, see WH, App., 146; Tdf., Pr., 96), post-positive conjunctive particle; __1. copulative, but, in the next place, and, now (Abbott, JG, 104): Mat.1:2ff., 2Co.6:15, 16, 2Pe.1:5-7; in repetition for emphasis, Rom.3:21, 22, 9:30, 1Co.2:6, Gal.2:2, Php.2:8; in transition to something new, Mat.1:18, 2:19, Luk.13:1, Jhn.7:14, Act.6:1, Rom.8:28, 1Co.7:1 8:1, al.; in explanatory parenthesis or addition, Jhn.3:19, Rom.5:8, 1Co.1:12, Eph.2:4, 5:32, al.; ὡς δέ, Jhn.2:9; καὶ . . . δέ, but also, Mat.10:18, Luk.1:76, Jhn.6:51, Rom.11:23, al.; καὶ ἐὰν δέ, yea even if, Jhn.8:16. __2. Adversative, but, on the other hand, prop., answering to a foregoing μέν (which see), and distinguishing a word or clause from one preceding (in NT most frequently without μέν; Bl., §77, 12): ἐὰν δέ, Mat.6:14, 23, al.; ἐγὼ (σὺ, etc.) δέ, Mat.5:22, 6:6, Mrk.8:29, al.; ὁ δέ, αὐτὸς δέ, Mrk.1:45, Luk.4:40, al.; after a negation, Mat.6:19, 20, Rom.3:4, 1Th.5:21, al. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 2552 NT verses. KJV: also, and, but, moreover, now (often unexpressed in English) See also: 1 Corinthians 1:10; 1 Corinthians 12:9; 1 Peter 1:7.

και kai G2532 "and" Conj

And or also, a connecting word used to join ideas or words, like in Matthew 2:18 and Hebrews 1:1.

Definition: καί, conj., and __I. Copulative. __1. Connecting single words; __(a) in general: Mat.2:18, 16:1, Mrk.2:15, Luk.8:15, Heb.1:1, al. mult.; repeated before each of the terms in a series, Mat.23:23, Luk.14:21, Rom.7:12, 9:4, al. __(b) connecting numerals (WM, §37, 4): Jhn.2:20, Act.13:20; __(with) joining terms which are not mutually exclusive, as the part with the whole: Mat.8:33, 26:59, Mrk.16:17, Act.5:29, al. __2. Connecting clauses and sentences: Mat.3:12, Act.5:21, al. mult.; esp. __(a) where, after the simplicity of the popular language, sentences are paratactically joined (WM, §60, 3; M, Pr., 12; Deiss., LAE, 128ff.): Mat.1:21, 7:25, Mrk.9:5, Jhn.10:3, al.; __(b) joining affirmative to negative sentences: Luk.3:14, Jhn.4:11, IIIJhn.10; __(with) consecutive, and so: Mat.5:1, 23:32, Heb.3:19, al.; after imperatives, Mat.4:19, Luk.7:7, al.; __(d) = καίτοι, and yet: Mat.3:14, 6:26, Mrk.12:12, Luk.18:7 (Field, Notes, 72), 1Co.5:2, al.; __(e) beginning an apodosis (= Heb. וְ; so sometimes δέ in cl.), then: Luk.2:21, 7:12, Act.1:10; beginning a question (WM, §53, 3a): Mrk.10:26, Luk.10:29, Jhn.9:36. __3. Epexegetic, and, and indeed, namely (WM, §53, 3c): Luk.3:18, Jhn.1:16, Act.23:6, Rom.1:5, 1Co.3:5, al. __4. In transition: Mat.4:23, Mrk.5:1, 21, Jhn.1:19, al.; so, Hebraistically, καὶ ἐγένετο (וַי:הִי; also ἐγένετο δέ), Mrk.1:9 (cf. Luk.5:1; V. Burton, §§357-60; M, Pr., 14, 16). __5. καὶ . . . καί, both . . . and (for τε . . . καί, see: τε); __(a) connecting single words: Mat.10:28, Mrk.4:41, Rom.11:33, al.; __(b) clauses and sentences: Mrk.9:13, Jhn.7:28, 1Co.1:22, al. __II. Adjunctive, also, even, still: Mat.5:39, 40; Mrk.2:28, al. mult.; esp. with pron., adv., etc., Mat.20:4, Jhn.7:47, al; ὡς κ., Act.11:17; καθὼς κ., Rom.15:7; οὑτω κ., Rom.6:11; διὸ κ., Luk.1:35; ὁ κ. (Deiss., BS, 313ff.), Act.13:9; pleonastically, μετὰ κ.. (Bl., §77, 7; Deiss., BS, 265f,), Php.4:3; τί κ., 1 Co 15:29; ἀλλὰ κ., Luk.14:22, Jhn.5:18, al.; καίγε (M, Pr., 230; Burton, §437), Act.17:27; καίπερ, Heb.5:8; κ. ἐάν, see: ἐάν. ἐάν, contr. fr. εἰ ἄν, conditional particle, representing something as "under certain circumstances actual or liable to happen," but not so definitely expected as in the case of εἰ with ind. (Bl., §65, 4; cf. Jhn.13:17, 1Co.7:36), if haply, if; __1. with subjc. (cl.); __(a) pres.: Mat.6:22, Luk.10:6, Jhn.7:17, Rom.2:25, 26 al.; { __(b) aor. (= Lat. fut. pf.): Mat.4:9 16:26 (cf. ptcp. in Luk.9:25; M, Pr., 230), Mrk.3:24, Luk.14:34, Jhn.5:43, Rom.7:2, al.; = cl. εἰ, with opt., Jhn.9:22 11:57, Act.9:2; as Heb. אִם = ὅταν, Jhn.12:32 14:3, I Jhn.2:28 3:2, Heb.3:7" (LXX) . __2. C. indic, (as in late writers, fr. Arist. on; see WH, App., 171; VD, MGr. 2, App., §77; Deiss., BS, 201f., LAE, 155, 254; M, Pr., 168, 187; Bl., §65, 4); __(a) fut.: Mat.18:19 T, Luk.19:40, Act.7:7; __(b) pres.: 1Th.3:8 (see Milligan, in l.). __3. With other particles: ἐ. καί (Bl., §65, 6), Gal.6:1; ἐ. μή (M, Pr., 185, 187; Bl., l.with), with subjc. pres., Mat.10:13, 1Co.8:8, Jas.2:17, 1Jn.3:21; aor., Mat.6:15, Mrk.3:27, Jhn.3:3, Rom.10:15, Gal.1:8 2:16 (see Lft., Ellic., in ll.); ἐ. τε . . . ἐ. τε, [in LXX for אִם . . . אִם, Est.19:13, al.,] Rom.14:8. __4. = cl. ἄν (which see) after relat. pronouns and adverbs (Tdf., Pr., 96; WH, App., 173; M, Pr., 42f.; Bl., §26, 4; Mayser, 152f.; Deiss., BS, 202ff.): ὃς ἐ., Mat.5:19, Mrk.6:22, 23 Luk.17:32, 1Co.6:18, al.; ὅπου ἐ., Mat.8:19; ὁσάκις ἐ., Rev.11:6; οὗ ἐ., 1Co.16:6; καθὸ ἐ., 2Co.8:12; ὅστις ἐ., Gal.5:10. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 5212 NT verses. KJV: and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 10:4; 1 Corinthians 16:1.

αθλη athleō G118 "to compete" Verb-PAS-3S

To compete means to strive or contend in games or sports, like wrestling, as seen in 2 Timothy 2:5. It involves struggling or fighting for a goal.

Definition: ἀθλέω, -ῶ (in cl. also ἀθλεύω, ἆθλος, a contest, in war or in sport), to contend in games, wrestle, combat: 2Ti.2:5.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 1 NT verses. KJV: strive See also: 2 Timothy 2:5.

τις tis G5100 "one" Indef-NSM

This pronoun refers to a person or thing in a general sense, as seen in Luke 9:49 and John 11:1. It can mean someone, anyone, or anything. This term is often used to describe an unspecified individual or object.

Definition: τις, neut., τι, genitive, τινός, enclitic indefinite pron., related to interrog. τίς as πού, πως, ποτέ to ποῦ, πῶς, πότε. __I. As subst., __1. one, a certain one: Luk.9:49, Jhn.11:1, Act.5:25, al.; pl., τίνες, certain, some: Luk.13:1, Act.15:1, Rom.3:8, al. __2. someone, anyone, something, anything: Mat.12:29, Mrk.9:30, Luk.8:46, Jhn.2:25, Act.17:25, Rom.5:7, al.; = indef., one (French on), Mrk.8:4, Jhn.2:25, Rom.8:24, al.; pl., τινες, some, Mrk.14:4, al. __II. II. As adj., __1. a certain: Mat.18:12, Luk.1:5 8:27, Act.3:2, al.; with proper names, Mrk.15:21, Luk.23:26, al.; with genitive partit., Luk.7:19, al. __2. some: Mrk.16:[8], Jhn.5:14, Act.17:21 24:24, Heb.11:40, al. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 490 NT verses. KJV: a (kind of), any (man, thing, thing at all), certain (thing), divers, he (every) man, one (X thing), ought, + partly, some (man, -body, - thing, -what), (+ that no-)thing, what(-soever), X wherewith, whom(-soever), whose(-soever) See also: 1 Corinthians 1:15; 2 Corinthians 12:17; 1 Peter 2:19.

ου ou G3756 "no" Particle-N

This is a strong 'no', used to deny something completely. It appears in the New Testament, such as in Matthew 13:29 and John 1:21. It is a negative answer to a question.

Definition: οὐ, before a vowel with smooth breathing οὐκ, before one with rough breathing οὐχ (but improperly οὐχ ἰδού, Act.2:7, WH, mg.; cf. WH, Intr., §409; M, Pr., 44, 244), [in LXX for אֵין ,אַיִן ,לֹא ;] neg. particle, not, no, used generally with indic, and for a denial of fact (cf . μή); __1. absol. (accented), οὔ, no: Mat.13:29 Jhn.1:21 21:5; οὒ οὕ, Mat.5:37 Jas.5:12. __2. Most frequently negativing a verb or other word, Mat.1:25 10:26, 38, Mrk.3:25 9:37, Jhn.8:29, Act.7:5, Rom.1:16, Php.3:3, al.; in litotes, οὐκ ὀλίγοι (i.e. very many), Act.17:4, al.; οὐκ ἄσημος, Act.21:39; πᾶς . . . οὐ, with verb, (like Heb. כֹּל . . . לֹא), no, none, Mat.24:22, Mrk.13:20, Luk.1:37, Eph.5:5, al.; in disjunctive statements, οὐκ . . . ἀλλά, Luk.8:52 Jhn.1:33 Rom.8:2o, al.; with 2 of person(s) fut. (like Heb. לֹא, with impf.), as emphatic prohibition, Mat.4:7, Luk.4:12, Rom.7:7, al. __3. With another negative, __(a) strengthening the negation: Mrk.5:37, Jhn.8:15 12:19, Act.8:39, al.; __(b) making an affirmative: Act.4:20, 1Co.12:15. __4. With other particles: οὐ μή (see: μή); οὐ μηκέτι, Mat.21:19; with μή interrog., Rom.10:18, 1Co.9:4, 5 11:22. __5. Interrogative, expecting an affirmative answer (Lat. nonne): Mat.6:26, Mrk.4:21, Luk.11:40, Jhn.4:35, Rom.9:21, al. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 1410 NT verses. KJV: + long, nay, neither, never, no (X man), none, (can-)not, + nothing, + special, un(-worthy), when, + without, + yet but See also: 1 Corinthians 1:16; 1 Corinthians 15:32; 1 Peter 1:8.

στεφανουται stephanoō G4737 "to crown" Verb-PPI-3S

To crown means to honor someone with a wreath or garland, like a winner in a game, as seen in 2 Timothy 2:5 and Hebrews 2:7-9.

Definition: στεφανόω, -ῶ (στέφανος), [in LXX for עָטַר ;] with accusative of person(s), to crown: of a victor, 2Ti.2:5. Metaphorical, δόξῃ κ. τιμῇ, Heb.2:7, 9" (LXX) .† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 3 NT verses. KJV: crown See also: 2 Timothy 2:5; Hebrews 2:7; Hebrews 2:9.

εαν ean G1437 "if" COND

This word means 'if' and is used to show uncertainty or possibility, as in Matthew 6:22 and Romans 2:25, to express conditions or circumstances.

μη mē G3361 "not" Particle-N

Not is a word used to show that something is not true or is not happening, like in phrases that say 'lest' or 'God forbid', as seen in various parts of the New Testament.

Definition: μή, subjective negative particle, used where the negation depends on a condition or hypothesis, expressed or understood, as distinct from οὐ, which denies absolutely. μή is used where one thinks a thing is not, as distinct from an absolute negation. As a general rule, οὐ negatives the indic, μή the other moods, incl, ptcp. [In LXX for אֵין ,אַיִן ,אַל ] __I. As a neg. adv., not; __1. with ref. to thought or opinion: Jhn.3:18, Tit.1:11, 2Pe.1:9. __2. In delib. questions, with subjc. (M, Pr., 185): Mrk.12:14, Rom.3:8. __3. In conditional and final sentences, after εἰ, ἐάν, ἄν, ἵνα, ὅπως: Mat.10:14, Mrk.6:11 12:19, Luk.9:5, Jhn.6:50, Rom.11:25, al. __4. C. inf. (see M, Pr., 234f., 239, 255), __(a) after verbs of saying, etc.: Mat.2:12 5:34, Mrk.12:18, Act.15:38, Rom.2:21, al.; __(b) with artic. inf.: after a prep., Mat.13:5, Mrk.4:5, Act.7:19, 1Co.10:6, al.; without a prep., Rom.14:13, 2Co.2:1, 13 1Th 4:6; __(with) in sentences expressing consequence, after ὥστε: Mat.8:28, Mrk.3:20, 1Co.1:7, 2Co.3:7, al. __5. C. ptcp. (see M, Pr., 231f., 239), in hypothetical references to persons of a certain character or description: Mat.10:28 12:30, Luk.6:49, Jhn.3:18, Rom.4:5, 1Co.7:38, 1Jn.3:10, al.; where the person or thing being definite, the denial is a matter of opinion: Jhn.6:64, 1Co.1:28 4:7, 18, 2Co.5:21, al.; where the ptcp. has a concessive, causal or conditional force, if, though, because not: Mat.18:25, Luk.2:45, Jhn.7:49, Act.9:26, Rom.2:14 5:13, 2Co.3:14, Gal.6:9, Ju 5; where the ptcp. has a descriptive force (being such as), not: Act.9:9, Rom.1:28, 1Co.10:33, Gal.4:8, Heb.12:27, al. __6. μή prohibitive, in indep. sentences, __(a) with subjc. praes., 1 of person(s) pl.: Gal.5:26 6:9, 1Th.5:6, 1Jn.3:18; __(b) with imperat. praes., usually where one is bidden to desist from what has already begun (cf. M, Pr., 122ff.): Mat.7:1, Mrk.5:36, Luk.6:30, Jhn.2:16 5:45, Act.10:15, Rom.11:18, Jas.2:1, Rev.5:5, al.; __(with) forbidding that which is still future: with imperat. aor., 3 of person(s), Mat.24:18, Mrk.13:15, Luk.17:31, al.; with subjc. aor., 2 of person(s), Mat.3:9 10:26, Mrk.5:7, Luk.6:29, Jhn.3:7, Rom.10:6, al.; __(d) with optative, in wishes: 2Ti.4:16 (LXX); μὴ γένοιτο (see M, Pr., 194; Bl., §66, 1), Luk.20:16, Rom.3:3, al.; μή τις, Mrk.13:5, al. __II. As a conj., __1. after verbs of fearing, caution, etc., that, lest, perhaps (M, Pr., 192f.): with subjc. praes., Heb.12:15; with subjc. aor., Mat.24:4, Mrk.13:5, Luk.21:8, Act.13:40, Gal.5:15, al.; ὅρα μή (see M, Pr., 124, 178), elliptically, Rev.19:10 22:9; with indic, fut. (M, Pr., l.with), Col.2:8. __2. in order that not: with subjc. aor., Mrk.13:36, 2Co.8:20 12:6. __III. Interrogative, in hesitant questions (M, Pr., 170), or where a negative answer is expected: Mat.7:9, 10, Mrk.2:19, Jhn.3:4, Rom.3:3 10:18, 19, 1Co.1:13, al.; μή τις, Luk.22:35, al.; before οὐ (Rom.10:17, al. in Pl.), expecting an affirm, ans.; οὐ μή, Luk.18:7, Jhn.18:11. __IV. οὐ μή as emphatic negation (cf. M, Pr., 188, 190ff.; Bl. §64, 5), not at all, by no means: with indic, fut., Mat.16:22, Jhn.6:35, Heb.10:17, al.; with subjc. aor., Mat.24:2, Mrk.13:2, Luk.6:37, Jhn.13:8, 1Co.8:13, al. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 910 NT verses. KJV: any but (that), X forbear, + God forbid, + lack, lest, neither, never, no (X wise in), none, nor, (can-)not, nothing, that not, un(-taken), without See also: 1 Corinthians 1:7; 1 Peter 2:16; 1 Peter 1:8.

νομιμως nomimōs G3545 "lawfully" Adv

This word means to do something in a way that follows the rules, like in 1 Timothy 1:8 where Paul talks about using the law lawfully. It means to act rightly and fairly.

Definition: νομίμως adv. (νόμιμος, conformable to law), [in LXX: 4Ma.6:18 * ;] rightly, lawfully: 1Ti.1:8, 2Ti.2:5.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 2 NT verses. KJV: lawfully See also: 1 Timothy 1:8; 2 Timothy 2:5.

αθληση athleō G118 "to compete" Verb-AAS-3S

To compete means to strive or contend in games or sports, like wrestling, as seen in 2 Timothy 2:5. It involves struggling or fighting for a goal.

Definition: ἀθλέω, -ῶ (in cl. also ἀθλεύω, ἆθλος, a contest, in war or in sport), to contend in games, wrestle, combat: 2Ti.2:5.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 1 NT verses. KJV: strive See also: 2 Timothy 2:5.

Study Notes — 2 Timothy 2:5

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
2 Timothy 2:5 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on 2 Timothy 2:5
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Timothy 2:5
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Timothy 2:5
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Timothy 2:5
Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Timothy 2:5
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Timothy 2:5
Cambridge Bible on 2 Timothy 2:5
Barnes' Notes on 2 Timothy 2:5
Whedon's Commentary on 2 Timothy 2:5
Sermons on 2 Timothy 2:5

Context — Grace and Perseverance

3Join me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4A soldier refrains from entangling himself in civilian affairs, in order to please the one who enlisted him.

5Likewise, a competitor does not receive the crown unless he competes according to the rules.

6The hardworking farmer should be the first to partake of the crops. 7Consider what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all things.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	1 Corinthians 9:24–27	Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way as to take the prize. Everyone who competes in the games trains with strict discipline. They do it for a crown that is perishable, but we do it for a crown that is imperishable. Therefore I do not run aimlessly; I do not fight like I am beating the air. No, I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified.
2	Revelation 3:11	I am coming soon. Hold fast to what you have, so that no one will take your crown.
3	2 Timothy 4:7–8	I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. From now on there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but to all who crave His appearing.
4	Colossians 1:29	To this end I also labor, striving with all His energy working powerfully within me.
5	James 1:12	Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him.
6	Luke 13:24	“Make every effort to enter through the narrow door. For many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able.
7	Hebrews 2:7	You made him a little lower than the angels; You crowned him with glory and honor
8	Revelation 2:10	Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Look, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison to test you, and you will suffer tribulation for ten days. Be faithful even unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.
9	Philippians 1:15	It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill.
10	1 Peter 5:4	And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.

2 Timothy 2:5 Summary

This verse teaches that, just like an athlete has to follow the rules to win a prize, we as Christians need to follow God's rules to receive the prize of eternal life. This means living a life of obedience, faith, and humility, as described in verses like 1 Timothy 6:11-12 and 2 Timothy 2:3-4. By following God's rules and living for Him, we can receive the crown of eternal life, as promised in James 1:12 and Revelation 2:10. As we strive to live for God, we can remember that He is our helper and guide, and that He will give us the strength and wisdom we need to follow His rules and receive the crown.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the meaning of 'competitor' in 2 Timothy 2:5?

The term 'competitor' refers to an athlete, likely in the context of the ancient Olympic Games, where participants would strive to win a crown or wreath, as seen in 1 Corinthians 9:24-25, where the Apostle Paul uses a similar analogy to describe the Christian life.

What are the 'rules' that the competitor must follow to receive the crown?

The 'rules' likely refer to the standards and expectations set by God for the Christian life, such as living a life of obedience, faith, and humility, as described in verses like 2 Timothy 2:3-4 and 1 Timothy 6:11-12.

How does this verse relate to the Christian life?

This verse teaches that, just as an athlete must follow the rules to win the crown, a Christian must live according to God's standards and expectations to receive the crown of eternal life, as promised in James 1:12 and Revelation 2:10.

What is the significance of the 'crown' in this verse?

The 'crown' is a symbol of victory, achievement, and reward, representing the eternal life and glory that God promises to those who faithfully follow Him, as seen in verses like 1 Peter 5:4 and 2 Timothy 4:8.

Reflection Questions

What are the 'rules' that I need to follow as a Christian to receive the crown of eternal life?
In what ways can I 'compete' in the Christian life, and what are the rewards for doing so?
How can I ensure that I am living according to God's standards and expectations, rather than my own or the world's?
What does it mean to 'receive the crown' in the context of the Christian life, and how can I strive for this goal?

Gill's Exposition on 2 Timothy 2:5

And if a man also strive for masteries,.... In the Olympic games, by running, wrestling, leaping, c. yet is he not crowned with a corruptible, fading crown, a crown made of herbs and leaves of trees, as parsley, laurel, c.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Timothy 2:5

And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully. And , [ De (G1161)] - 'Moreover.' Strive for masteries - in the great national games of Greece.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Timothy 2:5

And look as it is in the public games in use amongst you, where divers strive by wrestling, fighting, racing, where there is a crown proposed as the prize for those who are the conquerors in the game; they have not that crown set upon their heads, unless they keep to the laws of that game wherein they are exercised. So it is in the spiritual warfare, or contest; there is a far greater reward, even a crown of glory, proposed for such as overcome; but none shall have it, unless those who keep to the laws which God hath made for those who exercise themselves in that spiritual combat.

Trapp's Commentary on 2 Timothy 2:5

5 And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully. Ver. 5. Except we strive lawfully] Tam circa ciborum quam continentiae ac honestatis rationem, saith Cassianus, except for matter and manner he observe the laws of wrestling, both for preparation and execution. Aristotle saith, Not he that had a strong body, but he that ran well had the crown in the Olympic games; it was not he that had an athletic ability, but he that wrestled best, that get the garland.

Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Timothy 2:5

(5) And if a man also strive for masteries.—More accurately translated, again, if a man strive in the games. Another picture is drawn, and the picture is, as before, a well-known one to all the dwellers in the great cities of the empire. An athlete is chosen to represent the professed servant of Christ, one of those who, after long and careful training, contends in the public games, then so popular, so entirely a part of the life of every city—in the games of wrestling or running, or in the chariot-racing, or in the hand-to-hand contests. Again, this one—as in the case of the soldier—if he aspired to victory and success, must “endure hardness.” Except he strive lawfully.—“Lawfully”—i.e. according to the prescribed conditions of the contest. He must, of course, submit himself to the strict rules of the theatre where the games are held, and (for this is also included in the “lawfully”) must besides—if he hopes for a prize—go through all the long and severe training and discipline necessary before engaging in such a contest. Galen uses the same phrase, in the sense of complying with the recognised rules of training as regarding diet.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Timothy 2:5

Verse 5. If a man also strive for masteries] εανδεκαιαθλητις. If a man contend in the public games-the Olympic or Isthmian games among the Greeks, so often alluded to and particularly explained in the notes on 1 Corinthians 9:24-26, to which the reader is referred for a full illustration of this verse. Is he not crowned] Though he may have conquered, except he strive lawfully-unless he enter according to the rules of the athletae, and act as these direct. No man, however zealous he may have been, is to expect the Well done, good and faithful servant, from Jesus Christ, unless he have laboured in the word and doctrine, preached the truth as it is in Jesus, and built up the Church upon Him who is its only FOUNDATION.

Cambridge Bible on 2 Timothy 2:5

5. And if a man also strive for masteries] The ‘also’ is placed by R.V. before ‘a man’ instead of after as A.V.; correctly, though awkwardly; as implying not that a man may perhaps beside soldiering also contend in the games, which is the proper inference from the position of ‘also’ in A.V., but that ‘there is first the case of a soldier, and there is also the case of an athlete.’ The verb, from which comes our ‘athlete,’ occurs here only in N.T., though the substantive in the derived sense of ‘conflict’ occurs in Hebrews 10:32, ‘a great conflict of sufferings.’ Render, and if again a man contend in the games. We have had the illustration from the race-course and its ‘games’ in 1 Timothy 6:12, and shall have it again lower down, ch. 2 Timothy 4:7. As Ephesians 6 is the chief soldier’s illustration, so 1 Corinthians 9:25 sqq. is the chief athlete’s, in St Paul. The foot-race is used very strikingly also, Hebrews 12:1. Cf. Appendix, K.except he strive lawfully] Except he have kept the rules of the contest. ‘The six statues of Jupiter at Olympia were made from the fines levied on athletes who had not contended lawfully.’ Pausan. 2 Timothy 2:21. (Bp Wordsworth.) Among the rules of the Olympic games were the following; competitors had to prove to the judges that they were freemen, of pure Hellenic blood, not disfranchised, or convicted of sacrilege, and that they had gone through the ten months’ preparatory training; they, their fathers, brothers, and trainers had to take oath that they would be guilty of no misconduct in the contests; and they had then a month’s preliminary exercises in the gymnasium at Elis under the superintendence of the judges. The ‘games’ included longer and shorter foot-races for men and for boys, chariot-races, horse-races, wrestling, boxing; the pentathlon, a combination of leaping, flat-racing, discus-throwing, spear-throwing, and wrestling; and the pancration, a union of boxing and wrestling. ‘Without interruption for upwards of a thousand years the full moon after the summer solstice every fourth year witnessed the celebration of these games. b.c. 776–a.d. 394.’ Wordsworth, Greece, p. 315.

Barnes' Notes on 2 Timothy 2:5

And if a man also strive for masteries - As in the Grecian games. See this favorite illustration of Paul explained in the notes at 1 Corinthians 9:24 ff.

Whedon's Commentary on 2 Timothy 2:5

5. Crowned—Notes on 1 Corinthians 9:25. Lawfully—This implies not only that he loses his crown by any unfairness, or violation of rule in the race, but by any such violation of the laws of diet and

Sermons on 2 Timothy 2:5

	Sermon	Description
	A Plea for Moral Purity by Carter Conlon	This sermon emphasizes the importance of running the race of faith with determination and honesty, drawing from the story of King David's moral failure and plea for purity. It call
	If It Be Thou, Bid Me Come by Carter Conlon	This sermon emphasizes the importance of deepening our relationship with God and running the race of faith with determination and truth. It calls for a commitment to seek God's wil
	The Unclean Person by Frank Knox	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of following God's word without questioning or backtalk. He shares a story about a man who claimed to speak for God but didn'
	Free in Christ by George Verwer	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of living a life of love, as expressed in the epistle of John. He mentions the limited time available to convey his message an
	1 Corinthians 9 by John Nelson Darby	John Nelson Darby expounds on 1 Corinthians 9, emphasizing the nature of ministry and the responsibilities of preachers. He highlights Paul's refusal to exercise his rights as an a
	Lawful Strife by J.C. Philpot	J.C. Philpot preaches about the importance of striving lawfully in the Christian race, drawing parallels between the natural and spiritual realms. He emphasizes the need for the Ho
	Run the Race Like Abraham by K.P. Yohannan	In this sermon, the speaker reflects on his own journey of serving God for over 43 years and the caution and fear he feels about his own spiritual journey. He emphasizes the import