Bible Strands
2 Timothy 2:5
Likewise, a competitor does not receive the crown unless he competes according to the rules.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — The author addresses Timothy, situating this instruction between the preceding soldier metaphor and the following farmer metaphor. The words — ἀθλῇ (athlēa) = shall compete and στεφανοῦται (stephanoutai) = he is crowned anchor the verse's conditional structure around athletic contest and reward. The thread — The athletic contest and crown imagery appear in 1 Corinthians 9:24 regarding the prize, Revelation 3:11 regarding holding fast to preserve the crown, and 2 Timothy 4:7 regarding finishing the race. Why it lands — The text states a competitor does not receive the crown unless he competes according to the rules, requiring strict adherence to established standards rather than mere participation.
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
And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully.
Cross-references
- 1 Corinthians 9:24 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way as to take the prize.
- Revelation 3:11 I am coming soon. Hold fast to what you have, so that no one will take your crown.
- 2 Timothy 4:7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
- Colossians 1:29 To this end I also labor, striving with all His energy working powerfully within me.
- 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.
- Luke 13:24 “Make every effort to enter through the narrow door. For many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able.
- Philippians 1:15 It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill.
- Hebrews 2:7 You made him a little lower than the angels; You crowned him with glory and honor
- Revelation 2:10 Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison to test you, and you will suffer tribulation for ten days. Be faithful even unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.
- Hebrews 2:9 But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, now crowned with glory and honor because He suffered death, so that by the grace of God He might taste death for everyone.