2 Timothy 2:5

2 Timothy 2:5

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

a. NLT: And athletes cannot win the prize unless they follow the rules.  [Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.]

b. ASV: And if also a man contend in the games, he is not crowned, except he have contended lawfully. [Thomas Nelson & Sons first published the American Standard Version in 1901. This translation of the Bible is in the public domain.]

c. YLT: And if also any one may strive, he is not crowned, except he may strive lawfully; [The Young's Literal Translation was translated by Robert Young, who believed in a strictly literal translation of God's word. This version of the Bible is in the public domain.]

d. Classic Amplified: And if anyone enters competitive games, he is not crowned unless he competes lawfully (fairly, according to the rules laid down).  [Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC) Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation]

1. “And if a man also strive for masteries…”

a. And [Strong: 1161. de deh a primary particle (adversative or continuative); but, and, etc.:--also, and, but, moreover, now (often unexpressed in English).]

b. if [Strong: 1437. ean eh-an' from 1487 and 302; a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty:--before, but, except, (and) if, (if) so, (what-, whither-)soever, though, when (-soever), whether (or), to whom, (who-)so(-ever).] 

c. [a] man [Strong: 5100. tis tis an enclitic indefinite pronoun; some or any person or object:--a (kind of), any (man, thing, thing at all), certain (thing), divers, he (every) man, one (X thing), ought, + partly, some (man, -body, - thing, -what), (+ that no-)thing, what(-soever), X wherewith, whom(-soever), whose(-soever).]

d. also [Strong: 2532. kai kahee apparently, a primary particle, having a copulative and sometimes also a cumulative force; and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words:--and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet.]

e. strive [for masteries] [Strong: 118. athleo ath-leh'-o from athlos (a contest in the public lists); to contend in the competitive games:--strive.]

1). This same English phrase (in KJV: 1 Corinthians 9:25 “striveth for the mastery”), is not the same in the Greek.

a).  striveth for the mastery [Strong: 75. agonizomai ag-o-nid'-zom-ahee from 73; to struggle, literally (to compete for a prize), figuratively (to contend with an adversary), or genitive case (to endeavor to accomplish something):--fight, labor fervently, strive.] [Zodhiates: To contend for victory in the public games…generally to fight or wrestle…as an inward contest…to take pains…straining every nerve to the  uttermost towards the goal…special pain and toil. (English: agony)]

2). Paul in both passages is relating that even though we are powerless without the grace of God, in order to be victorious, there will have to be in some cases agonizing effort exerted.

a). 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.

9:25 And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.

9:26 I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air:

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.

3). Rick Renner 11/20/16: The word “strive” is from the Greek word athlesis, which always described a man involved in a tremendous athletic competition. This kind of athlete was serious about his sport and totally committed to the goal of climbing to the top in his profession. He was willing to undergo any hardship, any training, any regimen, and any kind of discipline in order to reach that goal of becoming the very best in his field of sports. The word athlesis describes this type of committed, full-time, professional, determined athlete.

2. “...yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully.”

a. [yet he is] not [Strong: 3756. ou oo, also (before a vowel) ouk ook, and (before an aspirate) ouch ookh a primary word; the absolute negative (compare 3361) adverb; no or not:--+ long, nay, neither, never, no (X man), none, (can-)not, + nothing, + special, un(-worthy), when, + without, + yet but.] 

b. crowned [Strong: 4737. stephanoo stef-an-o'-o from 4735; to adorn with an honorary wreath (literally or figuratively):--crown.]

1). There are five crowns mentioned in the New Testament that are rewards for believers faithfulness.

a). Incorruptible Crown : Given to those who successfully run their race, bringing their bodies into subjection, crucifying  lusts: 1 Corinthians 9:24-27.

b). The Crown of Rejoicing:  Soul winners crown, given to those who win others to Christ: 1 Thessalonians 2:19, 20; Daniel 12:3.

c). The Crown of Life: Given to those who endure trials and severe suffering: James 1:12; Revelation 2:8-11.

d). The Crown of Righteousness: Given to those who faithfully and anxiously await the coming of the Lord: 2 Timothy 4:8.

e). The Crown of Glory: Given to those who faithfully lead the flock of God, pastors, teachers, Sunday school teachers: 1 Peter 5:1-4.

c. except [Strong: 1437. ean eh-an' from 1487 and 302; a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty:--before, but, except, (and) if, (if) so, (what-, whither-)soever, though, when (-soever), whether (or), to whom, (who-)so(-ever).]

d. [Strong: 3361. me may a primary particle of qualified negation (whereas 3756 expresses an absolute denial); (adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas 3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether:--any but (that), X forbear, + God forbid, + lack, lest, neither, never, no (X wise in), none, nor, (can-)not, nothing, that not, un(-taken), without. Often used in compounds in substantially the same relations.]

e. [he] strive [Strong: 118. athleo ath-leh'-o from athlos (a contest in the public lists); to contend in the competitive games:--strive.]

f. lawfully [Strong: 3545. nomimos nom-im'-oce adverb from a derivative of 3551; legitimately (specially, agreeably to the rules of the lists):--lawfully.]