Bible Strands
2 Timothy 2:3
Join me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Paul writes to Timothy, likely from his first Roman imprisonment, urging him to remain steadfast in ministry.
The words — συγκακοπθήσων (sugkakopathēson) is a rare imperative meaning "share in suffering" or "suffer alongside," binding the reader to a common hardship rather than a private one.
The thread — The call to endure hardship under trial appears in James 1:12 and the perseverance of Christ in Hebrews 12:2; Paul restates it for Timothy in 2 Timothy 4:5.
Why it lands — The verse is a direct command, not a suggestion: Timothy is to voluntarily enter suffering as a soldier enters service, with the purpose of pleasing the one who enlisted him (v. 4).
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.
Cross-references
- Hebrews 12:2 Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
- James 1:12 Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him.
- 2 Timothy 4:5 But you, be sober in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.
- 2 Timothy 1:8 So do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, or of me, His prisoner. Instead, join me in suffering for the gospel by the power of God.
- Ephesians 6:11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can make your stand against the devil’s schemes.
- 2 Corinthians 10:3 For though we live in the flesh, we do not wage war according to the flesh.
- Hebrews 10:32 Remember the early days that you were in the light. In those days, you endured a great conflict in the face of suffering.
- 2 Timothy 2:10 For this reason I endure all things for the sake of the elect, so that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory.
- 2 Corinthians 1:6 If we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which accomplishes in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we experience.
- 1 Timothy 1:18 Timothy, my child, I entrust you with this command in keeping with the previous prophecies about you, so that by them you may fight the good fight,