2 Timothy 2:5 - Exposition

Also a man for a man also, A.V.; contend in the games for strive for masteries, A.V.; he is not for yet is he not, A.V.; have contended for strive, A.V. Contend in the games ( ἀθλῇ ); only here in the New Testament, and not found in the LXX ., but common in classical Greek. It means "to contend for ἄθλον " the prize, to be an "athlete." This is also the meaning of the A.V. "strive for masteries." "To strive," means properly to contend with an antagonist, and "mastery" is an old English word for "superiority," "victory," or the like. Dryden has "mastership" in the same sense—

"When noble youths for mastership should strive,

To quoit, to run, and steeds and chariots drive."

(Ovid., 'Met,' bk. 1.)

Lawfully ( νομίμως , as 1 Timothy 1:8 ); according to the laws and usages of the games. So Timothy must conform to the laws of the Christian warfare, and not shrink from afflictions, if he would gain the great Christian prize.