2 Timothy 2:3

Authorized King James Version

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Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.

Original Language Analysis

σὺ Thou G4771
σὺ Thou
Strong's: G4771
Word #: 1 of 8
thou
οὖν therefore G3767
οὖν therefore
Strong's: G3767
Word #: 2 of 8
(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly
κακοπάθησον, endure hardness G2553
κακοπάθησον, endure hardness
Strong's: G2553
Word #: 3 of 8
to undergo hardship
ὡς as G5613
ὡς as
Strong's: G5613
Word #: 4 of 8
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
καλὸς a good G2570
καλὸς a good
Strong's: G2570
Word #: 5 of 8
properly, beautiful, but chiefly (figuratively) good (literally or morally), i.e., valuable or virtuous (for appearance or use, and thus distinguished
στρατιώτης soldier G4757
στρατιώτης soldier
Strong's: G4757
Word #: 6 of 8
a camper-out, i.e., a (common) warrior (literally or figuratively)
Ἰησοῦ of Jesus G2424
Ἰησοῦ of Jesus
Strong's: G2424
Word #: 7 of 8
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
Χριστοῦ Christ G5547
Χριστοῦ Christ
Strong's: G5547
Word #: 8 of 8
anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus

Cross References

James 1:12Blessed 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.2 Timothy 4:5But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.2 Timothy 1:8Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God;Hebrews 10:32But call to remembrance the former days, in which, after ye were illuminated, ye endured a great fight of afflictions;1 Timothy 1:18This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy, according to the prophecies which went before on thee, that thou by them mightest war a good warfare;2 Corinthians 1:6And whether we be afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effectual in the enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer: or whether we be comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation.2 Timothy 3:11Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me.2 Timothy 2:10Therefore I endure all things for the elect's sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.Hebrews 6:15And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise.Hebrews 11:27By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible.

Analysis & Commentary

Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. Paul introduces the first of three metaphors for Christian ministry—soldier, athlete, and farmer. The command "endure hardness" (sygkakopathēson, συγκακοπάθησον) literally means "suffer hardship together with"—the same compound verb used in 1:8. The prefix syn (σύν, "together") indicates shared suffering: Timothy joins Paul in gospel hardships. This isn't optional but essential to faithful ministry.

The comparison "as a good soldier" (hōs kalos stratiōtēs, ὡς καλὸς στρατιώτης) evokes Roman military discipline. Roman soldiers endured rigorous training, harsh conditions, long marches, and constant danger. The adjective kalos (καλός) denotes not merely competent but exemplary, noble, excellent. Good soldiers don't seek comfort or complain about hardship—they accept suffering as intrinsic to their calling. They obey orders without question, maintain discipline under fire, and prioritize mission above personal welfare.

"Of Jesus Christ" (Christou Iēsou, Χριστοῦ Ἰησοῦ) identifies the commanding officer. Christian ministers aren't mercenaries serving themselves but enlisted soldiers serving Christ. This implies absolute authority (Christ commands), exclusive loyalty (no competing allegiances), willing sacrifice (even unto death), and confident victory (the Commander has already conquered death and guarantees ultimate triumph).

Historical Context

Roman military culture permeated first-century society. Rome's legions had conquered the known world through superior discipline, training, and willingness to endure hardship. Soldiers underwent brutal training, marched twenty miles daily carrying sixty pounds of gear, faced crucifixion for desertion, yet received glory and rewards for faithful service. Paul's original readers immediately understood the metaphor's implications. Christians are soldiers in spiritual warfare (Ephesians 6:10-18), facing real enemies (Satan, sin, world system), requiring discipline and sacrifice. Persecution under Nero made the soldier metaphor especially poignant—Christians literally faced martyrdom for refusing to deny Christ.

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