2 Timothy 2:6

6 the labouring husbandman it behoveth first of the fruits to partake;

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 did entangle himself with the affairs of life, that him who did enlist him he may please;

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

6 the labouring husbandman it behoveth first of the fruits to partake;

7 be considering what things I say, for the Lord give to thee understanding in all things.

8 Remember Jesus Christ, raised out of the dead, of the seed of David, according to my good news,