2 Timothy 2:1-7

Serving Faithfully Despite Hardship

2:1 So you, my child, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2:2 And entrust what you heard me say ¹  in the presence of many others as witnesses ²  to faithful people ³  who will be competent ⁴  to teach others as well. 2:3 Take your share of suffering ⁵  as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 2:4 No one in military service gets entangled in matters of everyday life; otherwise he will not please ⁶  the one who recruited him. 2:5 Also, if anyone competes as an athlete, he will not be crowned as the winner ⁷  unless he competes according to the rules. ⁸  2:6 The farmer who works hard ought to have the first share of the crops. 2:7 Think about what I am saying and ⁹  the Lord will give you understanding of all this. ¹⁰ 

[2:2]  ¹ tn Grk “what you heard from me” (cf. 1:13).

[2:2]  ² tn Grk “through many witnesses.” The “through” is used here to show attendant circumstances: “accompanied by,” “in the presence of.”

[2:2]  ³ tn Grk “faithful men”; but here ἀνθρώποις (anqrwpoi") is generic, referring to both men and women.

[2:2]  ⁴ tn Or “able” (see Paul’s use of this word in regard to ministry in 2 Cor 2:16; 3:5-6).

[2:3]  ⁵ tn Grk “suffer hardship together,” implying “join with me and others in suffering” (cf. 1:8).

[2:4]  ⁶ tn Grk “that he may please.”

[2:5]  ⁷ tn Grk “will not be crowned,” speaking of the wreath awarded to the victor.

[2:5]  ⁸ sn According to the rules (Grk “lawfully, by law”) referring to the rules of competition. In the ancient world these included requirements for training as well as rules for the competition itself.

[2:7]  ⁹ tn The Greek word here usually means “for,” but is used in this verse for a milder continuation of thought.

[2:7]  ¹⁰ tn Grk “in all things.”