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2 Timothy 2:3-7
New International Version
2 Timothy 2:3-7
New International Version
3 Join with me in suffering,(A) like a good soldier(B) of Christ Jesus. 4 No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer. 5 Similarly, anyone who competes as an athlete does not receive the victor’s crown(C) except by competing according to the rules. 6 The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops.(D) 7 Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this.
2 Timothy 2:3-7
New English Translation
2 Timothy 2:3-7
New English Translation
3 Take your share of suffering[a] as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4 No one in military service gets entangled in matters of everyday life; otherwise he will not please[b] the one who recruited him. 5 Also, if anyone competes as an athlete, he will not be crowned as the winner[c] unless he competes according to the rules.[d] 6 The farmer who works hard ought to have the first share of the crops. 7 Think about what I am saying and[e] the Lord will give you understanding of all this.[f]
Read full chapterFootnotes
- 2 Timothy 2:3 tn Grk “suffer hardship together,” implying “join with me and others in suffering” (cf. 1:8).
- 2 Timothy 2:4 tn Grk “that he may please.”
- 2 Timothy 2:5 tn Grk “will not be crowned,” speaking of the wreath awarded to the victor.
- 2 Timothy 2:5 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 Timothy 2:7 tn The Greek word here usually means “for,” but is used in this verse for a milder continuation of thought.
- 2 Timothy 2:7 tn Grk “in all things.”
New International Version (NIV) 
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New English Translation (NET)
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