2 Timothy 2:3

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.

Complete Jewish Bible:

Accept your share in suffering disgrace as a good soldier of the Messiah Yeshua.

Berean Standard Bible:

Join me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus.

American Standard Version:

Suffer hardship with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

Thou{G4771} therefore{G3767} endure hardness{G2553}, as{G5613} a good{G2570} soldier{G4757} of Jesus{G2424} Christ{G5547}.

Cross-References (KJV):

Hebrews 12:2

  • Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of [our] faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Hebrews 12:3

  • For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.

James 1:12

  • Blessed [is] the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.

2 Timothy 4:5

  • But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.

Ephesians 6:11

  • Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

Ephesians 6:18

  • Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

2 Timothy 1:8

  • Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God;

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Commentary for 2 Timothy 2:3

2 Timothy 2:3 is a verse from the New Testament of the Christian Bible, written by the Apostle Paul to his protégé Timothy. The historical context of this letter is during Paul's second imprisonment in Rome, around AD 67, shortly before his execution. Paul is nearing the end of his life and is aware that his time to spread the Gospel is limited. He writes to Timothy, who is pastoring the church in Ephesus, to encourage him in his ministry and to remind him of the importance of remaining steadfast in faith and doctrine amidst the challenges he faces.

The verse itself, "Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ," reflects the theme of endurance in the face of adversity. Paul uses the metaphor of a soldier to illustrate the commitment and perseverance required of Timothy, and by extension, all Christians. A "good soldier" is one who remains loyal and obedient, even when facing hardship or battle. Paul is urging Timothy to embrace the disciplined life of a soldier, which in a spiritual sense means being prepared to suffer for the sake of the Gospel and to stand firm in his faith in Jesus Christ.

The call to "endure hardness" implies that following Christ is not always easy and may involve sacrifice and suffering. This hardness could include persecution, personal trials, or the resistance one might encounter while spreading the Christian message. Paul's instruction is a reflection of the broader Christian ethic that discipleship involves self-denial, resilience, and wholehearted devotion to Christ, regardless of the personal cost.

In summary, 2 Timothy 2:3 encapsulates the Christian call to steadfastness and courage in the face of life's difficulties, emphasizing that, like a soldier, a follower of Christ must be willing to endure hardship for the sake of a greater cause—the proclamation and advancement of the Gospel. This verse serves as a powerful exhortation to remain faithful and strong in one's commitment to Jesus Christ, even in times of trial.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

  1. Strong's Number: G4771
    There are 163 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: σύ
    Transliteration:
    Pronunciation: soo
    Description: the personal pronoun of the second person singular; thou:-- thou. See also σέ, σοί, σοῦ; and for the plural ὑμᾶς, ὑμεῖς, ὑμῖν, ὑμῶν.
  2. Strong's Number: G3767
    There are 519 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: οὖν
    Transliteration: oûn
    Pronunciation: oon
    Description: apparently a primary word; (adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly:--and (so, truly), but, now (then), so (likewise then), then, therefore, verily, wherefore.
  3. Strong's Number: G2553
    There are 4 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: κακοπαθέω
    Transliteration: kakopathéō
    Pronunciation: kak-op-ath-eh'-o
    Description: from the same as κακοπάθεια; to undergo hardship:--be afflicted, endure afflictions (hardness), suffer trouble.
  4. Strong's Number: G5613
    There are 433 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: ὡς
    Transliteration: hōs
    Pronunciation: hoce
    Description: probably adverb of comparative from ὅς; which how, i.e. in that manner (very variously used, as follows):--about, after (that), (according) as (it had been, it were), as soon (as), even as (like), for, how (greatly), like (as, unto), since, so (that), that, to wit, unto, when(-soever), while, X with all speed.
  5. Strong's Number: G2570
    There are 91 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: καλός
    Transliteration: kalós
    Pronunciation: kal-os'
    Description: of uncertain affinity; properly, beautiful, but chiefly (figuratively) good (literally or morally), i.e. valuable or virtuous (for appearance or use, and thus distinguished from ἀγαθός, which is properly intrinsic):--X better, fair, good(-ly), honest, meet, well, worthy.
  6. Strong's Number: G4757
    There are 24 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: στρατιώτης
    Transliteration: stratiṓtēs
    Pronunciation: strat-ee-o'-tace
    Description: from a presumed derivative of the same as στρατιά; a camper-out, i.e. a (common) warrior (literally or figuratively):--soldier.
  7. Strong's Number: G2424
    There are 935 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: Ἰησοῦς
    Transliteration: Iēsoûs
    Pronunciation: ee-ay-sooce'
    Description: of Hebrew origin (יְהוֹשׁוּעַ); Jesus (i.e. Jehoshua), the name of our Lord and two (three) other Israelites:--Jesus.
  8. Strong's Number: G5547
    There are 530 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: Χριστός
    Transliteration: Christós
    Pronunciation: khris-tos'
    Description: from χρίω; anointed, i.e. the Messiah, an epithet of Jesus:--Christ.