2 Timothy 2:6

6 The harvestman who labours in the field must be the first to get a share of the crop.

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 Every one who serves as a soldier keeps himself from becoming entangled in the world's business--so that he may satisfy the officer who enlisted him.

5 And if any one takes part in an athletic contest, he gets no prize unless he obeys the rules.

6 The harvestman who labours in the field must be the first to get a share of the crop.

7 Mark well what I am saying: the Lord will give you discernment in everything.

8 Never forget that Jesus Christ has risen from among the dead and is a descendant of David, as is declared in the Good News which I preach.