2 Timothy 2:5

5 Also if anyone ¹competes as an athlete, he does not win the prize unless * he competes according to the rules.

2 Timothy 2:5 Meaning and Commentary

2 Timothy 2:5

And if a man also strive for masteries
In the Olympic games, by running, wrestling, leaping

yet is he not crowned;
with a corruptible, fading crown, a crown made of herbs and leaves of trees, as parsley, laurel

except he strive lawfully;
according to the laws and rules fixed for those exercises; so no man that calls himself a Christian, minister, or any other, can expect the crown of life, the prize of the high calling of God, except he runs the race set before him, in the right way; looking to Christ, the mark, pressing through all difficulties, towards the prize, and holds on and out unto the end.

2 Timothy 2:5 In-Context

3 Suffer hardship with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.

4 No soldier in active service entangles himself in the affairs of everyday life, so that he may please the one who enlisted him as a soldier.

5 Also if anyone competes as an athlete, he does not win the prize unless he competes according to the rules.

6 The hard-working farmer ought to be the first to receive his share of the crops.

7 Consider what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything.

Cross References

• 1. 1 Corinthians 9:25

Footnotes

• [a] Lit "is not crowned"