2 Timothy 2:5

KJV

And if a man also strive for masteries, [yet] is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} if {G1437} a man {G5100} also {G2532} strive {G118} for masteries, yet is he {G4737} not {G3756} crowned {G4737}, except {G3362} he strive {G118} lawfully {G3545}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Also an athlete can’t win a contest unless he competes according to the rules.

Berean Standard Bible

Likewise, a competitor does not receive the crown unless he competes according to the rules.

American Standard Version

And if also a man contend in the games, he is not crowned, except he have contended lawfully.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 2 Timothy 2:5, the Apostle Paul employs a vivid athletic metaphor to instruct Timothy on the essential nature of faithful Christian living and ministry. He underscores that just as an athlete must compete according to established rules to receive a prize, so too must a believer live and serve according to God's divine principles to gain the ultimate heavenly reward. This verse highlights the profound importance of discipline, integrity, and unwavering adherence to biblical truth throughout the Christian journey.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of a series of powerful illustrations Paul uses in [2 Timothy chapter 2](/2_timothy/2 "2 Timothy 2 - Paul's Charge to Timothy") to encourage Timothy in his demanding ministry. Paul presents Timothy as a [good soldier of Jesus Christ](/2_timothy/2-3 "2 Timothy 2:3 - Enduring Hardship as a Good Soldier") (verse 3), a diligent farmer (verse 6), and here, a disciplined athlete. These metaphors collectively emphasize the commitment, hard work, and strict adherence to specific standards required for effective and fruitful service to God. As Paul's final charge to his protégé, the letter urges Timothy to remain steadfast in the face of growing apostasy and challenges to sound doctrine, reminding him that the path to true spiritual fruitfulness is marked by both effort and obedience.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul's audience, particularly in the Greco-Roman world, would have been intimately familiar with the imagery of athletic contests. Major events like the Olympic and Isthmian Games were central to their culture, symbolizing peak human effort, discipline, and the pursuit of excellence. Participants underwent rigorous training, adhered to strict diets, and, crucially, competed under precise rules. The victor's prize was not monetary but a highly esteemed wreath (like laurel or wild celery), signifying honor and achievement. Paul leverages this universally understood framework to convey spiritual truths, making the concept of "striving lawfully" immediately relatable and impactful to Timothy and the early church.
* **Key Themes:** The athletic metaphor in [2 Timothy 2:5](/2_timothy/2-5 "2 Timothy 2:5 - Striving Lawfully") contributes significantly to several overarching themes within [2 Timothy](/2_timothy/1 "The Book of 2 Timothy") and Paul's broader theology. First, it underscores **Discipline and Diligence**, echoing Paul's own commitment to [discipline his body and make it his slave](/1_corinthians/9-27 "1 Corinthians 9:27 - Disciplining the Body") so as not to be disqualified. The imagery of an athlete striving for mastery speaks to intense effort, rigorous training, and self-control, translating for believers into spiritual disciplines like consistent prayer, diligent study of God's Word, and resisting worldly temptations. Second, the phrase "strive lawfully" highlights **Adherence to God's Rules**, implying that spiritual success and divine approval are not merely about effort or zeal, but about operating strictly within the boundaries and principles set by God's revealed will. This includes living righteously, proclaiming sound doctrine, and serving with pure motives, ensuring our actions align with God's commands. Finally, the promise of being "crowned" points to **The Promise of Reward**, not as a result of human merit alone, but as God's gracious commendation for faithful perseverance, often linked to the [crown of life](/james/1-12 "James 1:12 - The Crown of Life for Enduring Temptation") or the [crown of righteousness](/2_timothy/4-8 "2 Timothy 4:8 - The Crown of Righteousness for Finishing the Race").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **strive (Greek, _athléō'_):** From a word referring to a public contest, this term denotes engaging in a strenuous competition or struggle, much like an athlete in ancient games. It implies intense effort, rigorous training, and a focused pursuit of victory.
* **crowned (Greek, _stephanóō'_):** Derived from _stephanos_ (wreath), this word signifies the act of adorning someone with an honorary wreath or garland, which was the prize awarded to victors in athletic contests. It represents the ultimate recognition and reward for successful competition.
* **lawfully (Greek, _nomímōs'_):** This adverb means "according to the rules," "legitimately," or "in a proper manner." In the context of athletic contests, it refers to competing strictly within the established regulations and conventions of the game. For the believer, it underscores the necessity of adhering to God's revealed principles and commands.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And if a man also strive for masteries":** This clause introduces the athletic metaphor, depicting a person who engages in a competitive struggle or contest. The phrase "for masteries" (often translated "in the games" or "as an athlete") refers to the pursuit of victory or supremacy in such an arena, requiring intense dedication and effort. It sets the stage for a discussion about the conditions for success in this spiritual contest.
* **"yet is he not crowned":** This part presents the consequence of failing to meet the necessary conditions. Despite participation or effort, the ultimate recognition—the victor's wreath—is withheld. This highlights that mere engagement or even strenuous exertion is insufficient; the outcome depends on adherence to specific, non-negotiable standards. It underscores that there is a right way and a wrong way to compete.
* **"except he strive lawfully":** This crucial qualifying clause specifies the indispensable condition for receiving the crown. The athlete must compete "according to the rules" or "legitimately." This implies that success and reward are contingent not just on effort, but on integrity, obedience to established regulations, and fair play within the context of the competition. For the believer, this translates to living and serving according to God's revealed will and principles, not by human standards or self-invented methods.

#### Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs a powerful **Metaphor**, comparing the Christian life and ministry to an athletic contest. This extended comparison allows Paul to convey complex spiritual truths through a relatable, vivid image common in the Greco-Roman world. The athlete's discipline, effort, and adherence to rules serve as an **Analogy** for the believer's commitment to Christ, diligent service, and obedience to divine principles. Furthermore, the verse is structured as a **Conditional Statement** ("if... then... except"), which clearly articulates the necessary condition for receiving the spiritual "crown." This logical structure emphasizes the critical link between righteous conduct ("striving lawfully") and divine commendation ("being crowned"), reinforcing the idea that God's approval is not arbitrary but tied to faithful obedience.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The theological implications of 2 Timothy 2:5 are profound, emphasizing that the Christian life is not a passive existence but an active, disciplined pursuit of God's will. It underscores the biblical truth that while salvation is by grace through faith, the outworking of that faith involves diligent effort and obedience. The "crown" symbolizes divine commendation and eternal reward, not earned by human merit in isolation, but graciously bestowed upon those who faithfully participate in God's kingdom work according to His established ways. This striving is not for self-glory but for the glory of God, reflecting a life submitted to His authority and empowered by His Spirit. It reminds believers that integrity and adherence to truth are paramount in their spiritual journey and service.

* [1 Corinthians 9:24-27](/1_corinthians/9-24-27 "1 Corinthians 9:24-27 - Running the Race with Discipline")
* [James 1:12](/james/1-12 "James 1:12 - The Crown of Life for Enduring Temptation")
* [2 Timothy 4:7-8](/2_timothy/4-7-8 "2 Timothy 4:7-8 - The Crown of Righteousness for Finishing the Race")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
For believers today, 2 Timothy 2:5 serves as a powerful and enduring call to intentionality, integrity, and perseverance in their walk with Christ. It challenges us to examine not only the zeal of our efforts but also the alignment of our lives and ministries with God's revealed will. Just as an athlete cannot invent their own rules and expect to be crowned, so too must Christians submit to the divine "rules" of righteousness, sound doctrine, and Spirit-led living. This means diligently studying God's Word, praying without ceasing, resisting temptation, and serving others with pure motives, always striving to honor Christ in all things. The promise of the "crown" serves as a powerful motivator, reminding us that our faithful, lawful striving in this life has eternal significance and will be graciously rewarded by God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your spiritual life do you need to apply more discipline, like an athlete training for a contest?**
* **What does "striving lawfully" mean for your daily decisions and interactions, particularly in areas where you might be tempted to compromise or take shortcuts?**
* **How does the promise of a "crown" or eternal reward motivate you to persevere in your faith, especially when facing challenges or discouragement?**
* **Are there any "rules" or principles from God's Word that you might be neglecting or inadvertently breaking in your pursuit of spiritual growth or ministry?**

### FAQ
**What does "strive lawfully" mean for believers today, and how does it relate to grace?**

Answer: "Strive lawfully" (Greek: _nomímōs_) means to compete or live according to the established rules or laws. For believers, this signifies living and serving in accordance with God's revealed will, as found in Scripture. It implies integrity, obedience to biblical principles, adherence to sound doctrine, and conducting oneself in a manner pleasing to God. This is not about earning salvation, which is a free gift of grace through faith in [Jesus Christ](/ephesians/2-8-9 "Ephesians 2:8-9 - Salvation by Grace Through Faith"). Rather, it pertains to the Christian's sanctification and service *after* salvation. Our striving is a response to grace, empowered by the Holy Spirit, demonstrating our love for God and our commitment to His kingdom. Just as an athlete receives a prize for competing correctly, believers receive divine commendation and reward for faithfully stewarding their lives and ministries within the boundaries God has set, not as a means to earn salvation, but as an expression of a life transformed by His grace. It's about living out the implications of our new identity in Christ, [walking in a manner worthy of the calling](/ephesians/4-1 "Ephesians 4:1 - Walk Worthy of Your Calling") we have received.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The athletic metaphor of 2 Timothy 2:5 finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Christ. Jesus Himself is the perfect example of one who "strove lawfully," living a life of absolute obedience to the Father's will, perfectly fulfilling all righteousness ([Matthew 3:15](/matthew/3-15 "Matthew 3:15 - Fulfilling All Righteousness")). His entire earthly ministry, culminating in His sacrificial death on the cross, was a "lawful" striving—a perfect adherence to God's divine plan for redemption. He ran the race with endurance, [looking to Himself as the founder and perfecter of our faith](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Jesus, the Founder and Perfecter of Faith"). As a result, He was not only "crowned" with glory and honor ([Hebrews 2:9](/hebrews/2-9 "Hebrews 2:9 - Jesus Crowned with Glory and Honor")) but also received all authority in heaven and on earth ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Jesus")). For the believer, our "striving lawfully" is not an independent effort to earn a crown, but a participation in Christ's own victory. We are united with Him, and it is through His perfect obedience and sacrifice that we are enabled to live righteously and receive the promised "crowns" as a gracious inheritance, not as earned merit. Our reward is secured by His triumph, and we are called to live in a way that reflects His righteousness, empowered by the Spirit He provides, ultimately sharing in the glory of the [One who finished the race perfectly](/john/19-30 "John 19:30 - It is Finished!").

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Corinthians 9:24

¶ Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.

1 Corinthians 9:27

But I keep under my body, and bring [it] into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.

Revelation 3:11

Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.

2 Timothy 4:7

I have fought a good fight, I have finished [my] course, I have kept the faith:

2 Timothy 4:8

Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

Colossians 1:29

Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily.

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.