2 Timothy 2:4

Authorized King James Version

No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
οὐδεὶς
G3762
No man
not even one (man, woman or thing), i.e., none, nobody, nothing
#2
στρατευόμενος
G4754
that warreth
to serve in a military campaign; figuratively, to execute the apostolate (with its arduous duties and functions), to contend with carnal inclinations
#3
ἐμπλέκεται
G1707
entangleth himself
to entwine, i.e., (figuratively) involve with
#4
ταῖς
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#5
τοῦ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#6
βίου
G979
of this life
life, i.e., (literally) the present state of existence; by implication, the means of livelihood
#7
πραγματείαις
G4230
with the affairs
a transaction, i.e., negotiation
#8
ἵνα
G2443
that
in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)
#9
τῷ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#10
στρατολογήσαντι
G4758
him who hath chosen him to be a soldier
to gather (or select) as a warrior, i.e., enlist in the army
#11
ἀρέσῃ
G700
he may please
to be agreeable (or by implication, to seek to be so)

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing life contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of 2 Timothy Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes life in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection