SEV Biblia, Chapter 2:5
Y aun también el que compete en juegos públicos , no es coronado si no hubiere competido legítimamente.
Clarke's Bible Commentary - 2 Timothy 2:5
Verse 5. If a man also strive for masteries] ean de kai aqlh tiv? If a man contend in the public games - the Olympic or Isthmian games among the Greeks, so often alluded to and particularly explained in the notes on 1 Cor. ix. 24-26, to which the reader is referred for a full illustration of this verse. Is he not crowned] Though he may have conquered, except he strive lawfully - unless he enter according to the rules of the athletae, and act as these direct. No man, however zealous he may have been, is to expect the Well done, good and faithful servant, from Jesus Christ, unless he have laboured in the word and doctrine, preached the truth as it is in Jesus, and built up the Church upon Him who is its only FOUNDATION.
John Gill's Bible Commentary
Ver. 5. And if a man also strive for masteries , etc.] In the Olympic games, by running, wrestling, leaping, etc. yet is he not crowned ; with a corruptible, fading crown, a crown made of herbs and leaves of trees, as parsley, laurel, etc. except he strive lawfully ; according to the laws and rules fixed for those exercises; so no man that calls himself a Christian, minister, or any other, can expect the crown of life, the prize of the high calling of God, except he runs the race set before him, in the right way; looking to Christ, the mark, pressing through all difficulties, towards the prize, and holds on and out unto the end.
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 1-7 - As our trials increase, we need to grow stronger in that which is good our faith stronger, our resolution stronger, our love to God and Chris stronger. This is opposed to our being strong in our own strength. All Christians, but especially ministers, must be faithful to their Captain, and resolute in his cause. The great care of a Christian mus be to please Christ. We are to strive to get the mastery of our lust and corruptions, but we cannot expect the prize unless we observe the laws. We must take care that we do good in a right manner, that ou good may not be spoken evil of. Some who are active, spend their zea about outward forms and doubtful disputations. But those who striv lawfully shall be crowned at last. If we would partake the fruits, we must labour; if we would gain the prize, we must run the race. We mus do the will of God, before we receive the promises, for which reason we have need of patience. Together with our prayers for others, that the Lord would give them understanding in all things, we must exhort an stir them up to consider what they hear or read.
Greek Textus Receptus
εαν 1437 δε 1161 και 2532 αθλη 118 5725 τις 5100 ου 3756 στεφανουται 4737 5743 εαν 1437 μη 3361 νομιμως 3545 αθληση 118 5661
Vincent's NT Word Studies
5. Strive for masteries (aqlh). N.T.o . o LXX. Paul uses ajgwnizesqai (see 1 Cor. ix. 25), which appears also in 1 Tim. iv. 10; vi. 12; 2 Timothy iv. 7. For masteries is superfluous. Rev. contend in the games; but the meaning of the verb is not limited to that. It may mean to contend in battle; and the preceding reference to the soldier would seem to suggest that meaning here. The allusion to crowning is not decisive in favor of the Rev. rendering. Among the Rom. crowns were the highest distinction for service in war. The corona triumphalis of laurel was presented to a triumphant general; and the corona obsidionalis was awarded to a general by the army which he had saved from a siege or from a shameful capitulation. It was woven of grass which grew on the spot, and was also called corona graminea. The corona myrtea or ovatio, the crown of bay, was worn by the general who celebrated the lesser triumph or ovatio. The golden corona muralis, with embattled ornaments, was given for the storming of a wall; and the corona castrensis or vallaris, also of gold, and ornamented in imitation of palisades, was awarded to the soldier who first climbed the rampart of the enemy's camp.
Is he not crowned (ou stefanoutai). The verb only here and Hebrews ii. 7, 9. For stefanov crown, see on Apoc. ii. 9; iv. 4; 1 Pet. v. 4. Paul has stefanon labein, 1 Cor. ix. 25.
Lawfully (nomimwv). Past o . See 1 Tim. i. 8. According to the law of military service which requires him to abandon all other pursuits. So the law of the ministerial office requires that the minister shall not entangle himself with secular pursuits. If he fulfills this requirement, he is not to trouble himself about his worldly maintenance, for it is right that he should draw his support from his ministerial labor: nay, he has the first right to its material fruits.
Robertson's NT Word Studies
2:5 {If also a man contend in the games} (ean de kai aqlei tis). Condition of third class with present (linear) active subjunctive of aqlew, old and common verb (from aqlos, a contest), only this verse in N.T., but sunaqlew in #Php 1:27. Note sharp distinction between aqlei (present subjunctive, engage in a contest in general) and aqlesei (first aorist active subjunctive, engage in a particular contest). Not "except he have contended," but simply "unless he contend" (in any given case) "lawfully" (nomimws). Old adverb, agreeably to the law, in N.T. only here and #1Ti 1:8. {Is not crowned} (ou stefanoutai). Present passive indicative of stefanow, old verb (from stefanos, crown), in N.T. only here and #Heb 2:7,9. One apodosis for two protases. The victor in the athletic contests was crowned with a garland.
