2 Timothy 2:5
What does 2 Timothy 2:5 mean?
A plain-English look at 2 Timothy 2:5 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 2 Timothy 2:5 means
Paul adds a second picture: the athlete is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules. This underscores that zeal alone is not enough; discipline and obedience to God’s order are essential. In ministry, methods matter as much as goals. The crown (the victor’s wreath) points to God’s approval and future reward. Truth must be handled lawfully—within the boundaries of apostolic teaching, moral integrity, and godly conduct. Shortcuts and compromises may yield quick applause but forfeit the true prize. Timothy is to embrace training, self-control, and adherence to the gospel’s pattern, confident that God recognizes not only outcomes but also the faithfulness of the path taken to reach them.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And if also a man contend in the games, he is not crowned, except he have contended lawfully.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And if also a man contend in the games, he is not crowned, except he have contended lawfully.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And if a man takes part in a competition he does not get the crown if he has not kept the rules.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and if also any one may strive, he is not crowned, except he may strive lawfully;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752For he also that striveth for the mastery is not crowned, except he strive lawfully.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And if also any one contend [in the games], he is not crowned unless he contend lawfully.
Context
Following the soldier’s single-mindedness (v.4), the athlete adds the principle of legitimate effort and submission to standards. This prepares Timothy for Paul’s later charge to “handle aright the word of truth” (v.15). The third image, the farmer (v.6), will stress steady, laborious work with an expectancy of reward. These three metaphors provide a composite portrait of faithful ministry before Paul directs Timothy to ponder them (v.7) and then anchors everything in the remembrance of Jesus Christ (v.8).
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Hebrews 2:9
But we behold him who hath been made a little lower than the angels, even Jesus, because of the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, that by the grace of God he should taste of death for every man.
- Philippians 1:15
Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will:
- Revelation 2:10
Fear not the things which thou art about to suffer: behold, the devil is about to cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days. Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee the crown of life.
- Luke 13:24
Strive to enter in by the narrow door: for many, I say unto you, shall seek to enter in, and shall not be able.
- 1 Peter 5:4
And when the chief Shepherd shall be manifested, ye shall receive the crown of glory that fadeth not away.
- Colossians 1:29
whereunto I labor also, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily.
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