2 Timothy 2:6

6 The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops.

2 Timothy 2:6 in Other Translations

6 The husbandman that laboureth must be first partaker of the fruits.

6 It is the hard-working farmer who ought to have the first share of the crops.

6 And hardworking farmers should be the first to enjoy the fruit of their labor.

6 It's the diligent farmer who gets the produce.

6 It is the hardworking farmer who ought to be the first to get a share of the crops.

2 Timothy 2:6 Meaning and Commentary

2 Timothy 2:6

The husbandman that laboureth
In manuring his ground, in ploughing, in sowing, in weeding, in reaping

must be first partaker of the fruits;
of his labour, before others; and the design may be to observe that the ministers of the word ought first to be partakers of the grace of God, the fruits of the Spirit, and of the Gospel, and rightly and spiritually understand it, before they preach it to others; or that such who labour in the word and doctrine, ought in the first place to be taken care of, and have a sufficient maintenance provided for them, ( 1 Corinthians 9:7 1 Corinthians 9:11 ) or that as they shall have in the first place some seals and fruits of their ministry, in the conversion of souls, so they shall shine in the kingdom of heaven as the brightness of the firmament, and as the stars for ever and ever. Though the words may be rendered, and which seems more agreeable to the context, and to the apostle's argument, "the husbandman must first labour before he partakes of the fruits"; so a minister of the Gospel must first labour, and endure hardships in this life, before he sits down in the kingdom of heaven, and takes his rest, and enjoys the crown of glory, which fades not away, which the chief Shepherd shall give unto him.

2 Timothy 2:6 In-Context

4 No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer.

5 Similarly, anyone who competes as an athlete does not receive the victor’s crown except by competing according to the rules.

6 The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops.

7 Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this.

8 Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David. This is my gospel,

Cross References

• 1. 1 Corinthians 9:10