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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>2 Timothy 2:4 A soldier refrains from entangling himself in civilian affairs, in order to please the one who enlisted him.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/2_timothy/2-4.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/7/55_2Ti_02_04.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="2 Timothy 2:4 - Grace and Perseverance" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="A soldier refrains from entangling himself in civilian affairs, in order to please the one who enlisted him." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; 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that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier. <a href="/nkjv/2_timothy/2.htm">New King James Version</a> No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier. <a href="/nasb_/2_timothy/2.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> No soldier in active service entangles himself in the affairs of everyday life, so that he may please the one who enlisted him. <a href="/nasb/2_timothy/2.htm">NASB 1995</a> No soldier in active service entangles himself in the affairs of everyday life, so that he may please the one who enlisted him as a soldier. <a href="/nasb77/2_timothy/2.htm">NASB 1977 </a> No soldier in active service entangles himself in the affairs of everyday life, so that he may please the one who enlisted him as a soldier. <a href="/lsb/2_timothy/2.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> No soldier in active service entangles himself in the affairs of everyday life, so that he may please the one who enlisted him as a soldier. <a href="/amp/2_timothy/2.htm">Amplified Bible</a> No soldier in active service gets entangled in the [ordinary business] affairs of civilian life; [he avoids them] so that he may please the one who enlisted him to serve. <a href="/csb/2_timothy/2.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in the concerns of civilian life; he seeks to please the commanding officer. <a href="/hcsb/2_timothy/2.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in the concerns of civilian life; he seeks to please the recruiter. <a href="/asv/2_timothy/2.htm">American Standard Version</a> No soldier on service entangleth himself in the affairs of this life; that he may please him who enrolled him as a soldier. <a href="/cev/2_timothy/2.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Soldiers on duty don't work at outside jobs. They try only to please their commanding officer. <a href="/erv/2_timothy/2.htm">English Revised Version</a> No soldier on service entangleth himself in the affairs of this life; that he may please him who enrolled him as a soldier. <a href="/gwt/2_timothy/2.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Whoever serves in the military doesn't get mixed up in non-military activities. This pleases his commanding officer. <a href="/gnt/2_timothy/2.htm">Good News Translation</a> A soldier on active duty wants to please his commanding officer and so does not get mixed up in the affairs of civilian life. <a href="/isv/2_timothy/2.htm">International Standard Version</a> No one serving in the military gets mixed up in civilian matters, for his aim is to please his commanding officer. <a href="/msb/2_timothy/2.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> A soldier refrains from entangling himself in civilian affairs, in order to please the one who enlisted him. <a href="/net/2_timothy/2.htm">NET Bible</a> No one in military service gets entangled in matters of everyday life; otherwise he will not please the one who recruited him. <a href="/nheb/2_timothy/2.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> No soldier on duty entangles himself in the affairs of life, that he may please him who enrolled him as a soldier. <a href="/wbt/2_timothy/2.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> 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. <a href="/wey/2_timothy/2.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Every one who serves as a soldier keeps himself from becoming entangled in the world's business--so that he may satisfy the officer who enlisted him. <a href="/web/2_timothy/2.htm">World English Bible</a> No soldier on duty entangles himself in the affairs of life, that he may please him who enrolled him as a soldier. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/2_timothy/2.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> no one serving as a soldier entangles himself with the affairs of life, that he may please him who enlisted him; <a href="/blb/2_timothy/2.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> No one serving as a soldier entangles himself in the affairs of this life, that he might please the one having enlisted him. <a href="/ylt/2_timothy/2.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> no one serving as a soldier did entangle himself with the affairs of life, that him who did enlist him he may please; <a href="/slt/2_timothy/2.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> None making war is entangled with the affairs of life: that he may please him having enlisted him.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/2_timothy/2.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> No man, being a soldier to God, entangleth himself with secular businesses; that he may please him to whom he hath engaged himself. <a href="/cpdv/2_timothy/2.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> No man, acting as a soldier for God, entangles himself in worldly matters, so that he may be pleasing to him for whom he has proven himself. <a href="/nabre/2_timothy/2.htm">New American Bible</a> To satisfy the one who recruited him, a soldier does not become entangled in the business affairs of life. <a href="/nrsvce/2_timothy/2.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> No one serving in the army gets entangled in everyday affairs; the soldier’s aim is to please the enlisting officer.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/2_timothy/2.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> No man can be a soldier, and also entangle himself with the things of this life; if he would please him who has chosen him to be a soldier. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/2_timothy/2.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> Is not a Soldier bound in matters of the world to please him who has chosen him?<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/2_timothy/2.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> Every one that serves as a soldier keeps himself free from the business of this life, that he may please him that has chosen him to be a soldier. <a href="/godbey/2_timothy/2.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> No one operating as a soldier is entangled with the affairs of life; in order that he may please his commander. <a href="/haweis/2_timothy/2.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> No man who enters the army involves himself with secular affairs; that he may please the person who hath enlisted him. <a href="/mace/2_timothy/2.htm">Mace New Testament</a> he that enters into the service, disengages himself from civil affairs, that he may be acceptable to his officer. <a href="/wey/2_timothy/2.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Every one who serves as a soldier keeps himself from becoming entangled in the world's business--so that he may satisfy the officer who enlisted him. <a href="/worrell/2_timothy/2.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> No one, serving as a soldier, entangles himself in the affairs of life, that he may please him who enrolled him as a soldier. <a href="/worsley/2_timothy/2.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> No one, that enters into military service, embarrasseth himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him. <a href="/parallel/2_timothy/2-4.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/FxoCLii8Z48?start=202" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/2_timothy/2.htm">Grace and Perseverance</a> …3Join me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4<a href="/greek/4754.htm" title="4754: strateuomenos (V-PPM-NMS) -- To wage war, fight, serve as a soldier; fig: of the warring lusts against the soul. ">A soldier</a> <a href="/greek/3762.htm" title="3762: oudeis (Adj-NMS) -- No one, none, nothing. ">refrains from</a> <a href="/greek/1707.htm" title="1707: empleketai (V-PIM/P-3S) -- To enfold, entangle; pass: To be involved in. From en and pleko; to entwine, i.e. involve with.">entangling himself</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tais (Art-DFP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">in</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tou (Art-GMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/979.htm" title="979: biou (N-GMS) -- A primary word; life, i.e. the present state of existence; by implication, the means of livelihood.">civilian</a> <a href="/greek/4230.htm" title="4230: pragmateiais (N-DFP) -- A business, an occupation, affair, transaction. From pragmateuomai; a transaction, i.e. Negotiation.">affairs,</a> <a href="/greek/2443.htm" title="2443: hina (Conj) -- In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that.">in order</a> <a href="/greek/700.htm" title="700: aresē (V-ASA-3S) -- To please, with the idea of willing service rendered to others; hence almost: I serve. Probably from airo; to be agreeable.">to please</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tō (Art-DMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the one who</a> <a href="/greek/4758.htm" title="4758: stratologēsanti (V-APA-DMS) -- To collect an army, enlist troops. From a compound of the base of stratia and lego; to gather as a warrior, i.e. Enlist in the army.">enlisted him.</a> 5Likewise, a competitor does not receive the crown unless he competes according to the rules.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/1_corinthians/9-25.htm">1 Corinthians 9:25-27</a> Everyone who competes in the games trains with strict discipline. They do it for a crown that is perishable, but we do it for a crown that is imperishable. / Therefore I do not run aimlessly; I do not fight like I am beating the air. / No, I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified. <a href="/ephesians/6-11.htm">Ephesians 6:11-17</a> Put on the full armor of God, so that you can make your stand against the devil’s schemes. / For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this world’s darkness, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. / Therefore take up the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you will be able to stand your ground, and having done everything, to stand. ... <a href="/philippians/3-13.htm">Philippians 3:13-14</a> Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, / I press on toward the goal to win the prize of God’s heavenly calling in Christ Jesus. <a href="/1_timothy/6-12.htm">1 Timothy 6:12</a> Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made the good confession before many witnesses. <a href="/hebrews/12-1.htm">Hebrews 12:1-2</a> Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off every encumbrance and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with endurance the race set out for us. / Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. <a href="/luke/9-62.htm">Luke 9:62</a> Then Jesus declared, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and then looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.” <a href="/matthew/6-24.htm">Matthew 6:24</a> No one can serve two masters: Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money. <a href="/romans/12-2.htm">Romans 12:2</a> Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God. <a href="/1_peter/2-11.htm">1 Peter 2:11</a> Beloved, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from the desires of the flesh, which war against your soul. <a href="/galatians/5-1.htm">Galatians 5:1</a> It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not be encumbered once more by a yoke of slavery. <a href="/colossians/3-2.htm">Colossians 3:2</a> Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. <a href="/james/4-4.htm">James 4:4</a> You adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is hostility toward God? Therefore, whoever chooses to be a friend of the world renders himself an enemy of God. <a href="/1_john/2-15.htm">1 John 2:15-17</a> Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. / For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh, the desires of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not from the Father but from the world. / The world is passing away, along with its desires; but whoever does the will of God remains forever. <a href="/joshua/1-7.htm">Joshua 1:7-9</a> Above all, be strong and very courageous. Be careful to observe all the law that My servant Moses commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right or to the left, so that you may prosper wherever you go. / This Book of the Law must not depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. For then you will prosper and succeed in all you do. / Have I not commanded you to be strong and courageous? Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” <a href="/proverbs/4-25.htm">Proverbs 4:25-27</a> Let your eyes look forward; fix your gaze straight ahead. / Make a level path for your feet, and all your ways will be sure. / Do not swerve to the right or to the left; turn your feet away from evil.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>No man that wars entangles himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who has chosen him to be a soldier.that warreth.<a href="/deuteronomy/20-5.htm">Deuteronomy 20:5-7</a> And the officers shall speak unto the people, saying, What man is there that hath built a new house, and hath not dedicated it? let him go and return to his house, lest he die in the battle, and another man dedicate it… <a href="/luke/9-59.htm">Luke 9:59-62</a> And he said unto another, Follow me. But he said, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father… entangleth.<a href="/2_timothy/4-10.htm">2 Timothy 4:10</a> For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia.<a href="/luke/8-14.htm">Luke 8:14</a> And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection.<a href="/1_corinthians/9-25.htm">1 Corinthians 9:25,26</a> 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… that he.<a href="/1_corinthians/7-22.htm">1 Corinthians 7:22,23</a> For he that is called in the Lord, being a servant, is the Lord's freeman: likewise also he that is called, being free, is Christ's servant… <a href="/2_corinthians/5-9.htm">2 Corinthians 5:9</a> Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him.<a href="/1_thessalonians/2-4.htm">1 Thessalonians 2:4</a> But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/acts/22-19.htm">Active</a> <a href="/1_timothy/5-17.htm">Affairs</a> <a href="/1_timothy/6-11.htm">Aim</a> <a href="/2_timothy/2-3.htm">Army</a> <a href="/1_timothy/5-13.htm">Business</a> <a href="/1_timothy/5-21.htm">Chosen</a> <a href="/1_timothy/4-3.htm">Commanding</a> <a href="/1_timothy/5-4.htm">Duty</a> <a href="/1_timothy/5-9.htm">Enrolled</a> <a href="/galatians/5-1.htm">Entangled</a> <a href="/hebrews/12-1.htm">Entangles</a> <a href="/1_timothy/6-12.htm">Fighting</a> <a href="/2_timothy/1-9.htm">Free</a> <a href="/galatians/6-6.htm">Gets</a> <a href="/1_timothy/2-14.htm">Involved</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/7-38.htm">Keeps</a> <a href="/2_timothy/2-3.htm">Life</a> <a href="/acts/26-16.htm">Officer</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/4-1.htm">Please</a> <a href="/1_timothy/2-3.htm">Pleasing</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-19.htm">Pursuits</a> <a href="/mark/15-15.htm">Satisfy</a> <a href="/philippians/2-22.htm">Serves</a> <a href="/2_timothy/1-18.htm">Service</a> <a href="/colossians/3-24.htm">Serving</a> <a href="/2_timothy/2-3.htm">Soldier</a> <a href="/1_timothy/5-16.htm">Wants</a> <a href="/colossians/2-20.htm">World's</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/philemon/1-6.htm">Active</a> <a href="/1_samuel/16-18.htm">Affairs</a> <a href="/2_timothy/2-22.htm">Aim</a> <a href="/philemon/1-2.htm">Army</a> <a href="/james/4-13.htm">Business</a> <a href="/2_timothy/2-10.htm">Chosen</a> <a href="/revelation/6-15.htm">Commanding</a> <a href="/2_timothy/4-5.htm">Duty</a> <a href="/hebrews/12-23.htm">Enrolled</a> <a href="/2_peter/2-20.htm">Entangled</a> <a href="/hebrews/12-1.htm">Entangles</a> <a href="/james/4-1.htm">Fighting</a> <a href="/2_timothy/2-26.htm">Free</a> <a href="/2_timothy/2-5.htm">Gets</a> <a href="/hebrews/9-16.htm">Involved</a> <a href="/2_timothy/2-13.htm">Keeps</a> <a href="/2_timothy/4-10.htm">Life</a> <a href="/genesis/37-36.htm">Officer</a> <a href="/titus/2-9.htm">Please</a> <a href="/titus/2-9.htm">Pleasing</a> <a href="/james/1-11.htm">Pursuits</a> <a href="/2_timothy/4-3.htm">Satisfy</a> <a href="/hebrews/8-2.htm">Serves</a> <a href="/2_timothy/4-11.htm">Service</a> <a href="/2_timothy/4-11.htm">Serving</a> <a href="/philemon/1-2.htm">Soldier</a> <a href="/2_timothy/3-12.htm">Wants</a> <a href="/1_john/2-16.htm">World's</a><div class="vheading2">2 Timothy 2</div>1. <a href="/2_timothy/2-1.htm">Timothy is exhorted again to constancy and perseverance.</a> 17. <a href="/2_timothy/2-17.htm">Of Hymenaeus and Philetus.</a> 19. <a href="/2_timothy/2-19.htm">The foundation of the Lord is sure.</a> 22. <a href="/2_timothy/2-22.htm">He is taught whereof to beware, and what to follow after.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/2_timothy/2.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/2_timothy/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/2_timothy/2.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>A soldier In the context of the New Testament, the metaphor of a soldier is used to describe the Christian life as one of discipline, endurance, and commitment. The Roman soldier, familiar to Paul's audience, was known for his rigorous training and loyalty. This imagery emphasizes the need for Christians to be spiritually prepared and dedicated to their mission, much like a soldier is to his duty.refrains from entangling himself The idea of refraining from entanglement suggests a deliberate choice to avoid distractions. In the Greco-Roman world, soldiers were expected to focus solely on their military duties, avoiding civilian occupations or concerns that could hinder their effectiveness. This reflects the call for Christians to prioritize their spiritual commitments over worldly distractions, as seen in <a href="/hebrews/12.htm">Hebrews 12:1</a>, which speaks of laying aside every weight and sin.in civilian affairs Civilian affairs refer to the everyday business and concerns of non-military life. For Christians, this can symbolize the worldly pursuits and concerns that can divert attention from spiritual growth and service. The call is to maintain a focus on the eternal rather than the temporal, echoing Jesus' teaching in <a href="/matthew/6-33.htm">Matthew 6:33</a> to seek first the kingdom of God.in order to please the one who enlisted him The phrase highlights the soldier's primary motivation: to please his commanding officer. For Christians, this is a call to live in a way that pleases God, who has called them into His service. This aligns with passages like <a href="/galatians/1-10.htm">Galatians 1:10</a>, where Paul speaks of seeking to please God rather than men. The ultimate aim is to fulfill the purpose for which they were called, reflecting the dedication and loyalty expected of a soldier.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/p/paul.htm">Paul</a> - The apostle who authored the letter to Timothy, providing guidance and encouragement to his young protégé in the faith. 2. <a href="/topical/t/timothy.htm">Timothy</a> - A young pastor and close companion of Paul, who is the recipient of this letter. Timothy is being instructed on how to lead and maintain his focus on his spiritual mission. 3. <a href="/topical/r/roman_soldiers.htm">Roman Soldiers</a> - The metaphorical reference used by Paul to illustrate the dedication and single-mindedness required of a Christian. Roman soldiers were known for their discipline and loyalty to their commanding officers. 4. <a href="/topical/e/ephesus.htm">Ephesus</a> - The city where Timothy was likely ministering at the time, known for its diverse culture and challenges to Christian living. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_church.htm">The Church</a> - The broader body of believers who are called to live with the same dedication and focus as a soldier in service to Christ.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/s/single-minded_devotion.htm">Single-Minded Devotion</a> Just as a soldier is focused on pleasing his commanding officer, Christians are called to live with a singular focus on pleasing Christ. This requires setting aside distractions and worldly concerns that can entangle us. <a href="/topical/u/understanding_our_enlistment.htm">Understanding Our Enlistment</a> Recognize that as believers, we have been enlisted by Christ into His service. This calling demands our loyalty and commitment, much like a soldier's duty to his country. <a href="/topical/a/avoiding_entanglements.htm">Avoiding Entanglements</a> The "civilian affairs" represent worldly distractions and pursuits that can divert our attention from our spiritual mission. We must be vigilant in identifying and avoiding these entanglements. <a href="/topical/p/pleasing_our_commander.htm">Pleasing Our Commander</a> Our ultimate aim is to please Christ, who has called us into His service. This involves obedience, faithfulness, and a heart fully devoted to His purposes. <a href="/topical/s/spiritual_warfare_awareness.htm">Spiritual Warfare Awareness</a> Understanding the spiritual battle we are in helps us maintain focus and utilize the spiritual resources God has provided, such as prayer, scripture, and fellowship with other believers.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_2_timothy_2.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 2 Timothy 2</a> <a href="/q/how_does_predestination_fit_god's_will.htm">Romans 9 compared with 1 Timothy 2:4: How can predestination be reconciled with God's desire for all to be saved?</a> <a href="/q/is_'lion's_mouth'_in_2_tim_4_17_literal.htm">In 2 Timothy 4:17, is Paul's claim of being rescued 'from the lion's mouth' literal or a figurative expression, and how does this align with historical or scientific understanding?</a> <a href="/q/how_reconcile_2_tim_4_6_with_later_traditions.htm">If 2 Timothy 4:6 suggests Paul's imminent death, how do we reconcile this with later traditions claiming he continued his ministry longer?</a> <a href="/q/will_everyone_be_saved.htm">Will all be saved? (1 Timothy 2:4 vs. Matthew 7:13-14)</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/2_timothy/2.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(4) No man that warreth . . .--Better rendered, while engaged on military service, or serving as a soldier. The first picture is suggested by the last simile (in <a href="/2_timothy/2-3.htm" title="You therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.">2Timothy 2:3</a>). It was one very familiar to the numerous peoples dwelling under the shadow of the Roman power, this picture of the soldier concerned only in the military affairs of the great empire--the legionary wrapped up in his service, with no thought or care outside the profession of which he was so proud. None of these sworn legionaries have aught to do with buying or selling, with the Forum, or any of the many employments of civil life. So should it be with the earnest and faithful Christian; paramount and above any earthly considerations ever must rank his Master's service, his Master's commands.The soldier of Christ should never allow himself to be entangled in any earthly business which would interfere with his duty to his own General. But while this general reference to all members of the Church lies on the outside, beneath the surface a solemn injunction may surely be read, addressed to Timothy and to others like him in after times specially engaged in the ministry of the Word and in matters connected with the government of the Church of Christ. And so the Catholic Church has generally understood this direction to Timothy as warning her ministers from engaging in secular pursuits, either connected with business or pleasure.That he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.--More accurately rendered, who enrolled him as a soldier. Only those soldiers who with heart and soul devote themselves to their military work win the heart of their commander. The question has been asked, What of St. Paul's own example and that of other of the early Christian teachers, such as Aquila? did not they, at all events from time to time, pursue a secular calling--that of tent-makers? The reply here is not a difficult one. The Jewish life in those days contemplated and even desired that its rabbis and teachers should be acquainted with, and even, if necessary, practise some handicraft. The well-known Hebrew saying, "He that teacheth not his son a trade teacheth him to be a thief," is a proof of this. In the case of these early teachers, this occasional practice of an industry or a trade brought them more directly into contact with their Jewish brethren. It was thus among the Jewish people that the Hebrew rabbi often passed imperceptibly into a Christian teacher. It must also be borne in mind that in St. Paul's case, and also in the case of the presbyters of the first and second age, especially if missionaries, it was impossible always to ensure subsistence, unless by some exertions of their own they maintained themselves. It was, too, most desirable that these pioneers of Christianity should ever be above all reproach of covetousness, or even of the suspicion that they wished for any earthly thing from their converts. That however, it was not intended that any such combination of work--at once for the Church and for the world--should be the rule of ecclesiastical order in coming days, the positive and very plain directions of <a href="/context/1_corinthians/9-1.htm" title="Am I not an apostle? am I not free? have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? are not you my work in the Lord?">1Corinthians 9:1-15</a> are decisive, and incapable of being misunderstood.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/2_timothy/2.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 4. - Soldier on service for man that warreth, A.V.; in for with, A.V.; enrolled him as for hath chosen him to be, A.V. Soldier on service (στρατευόμενος); as <a href="/1_corinthians/9-7.htm">1 Corinthians 9:7</a> (see, too. <a href="/1_timothy/1-18.htm">1 Timothy 1:18</a>). In <a href="/luke/3-14.htm">Luke 3:14</a> στρατευόμενοι is rendered simply "soldiers," with margin, "Greek, soldiers on service." There is no difference in meaning between the "man that warreth" in the A.V., and the "soldier on service" of the R.V. Affairs (πραγματείσις); only here in the New Testament, but common in the LXX. and in classical Greek, where it means, as here, "business," "affairs," "occupation," "trade," and the like, with the accessory idea of its being an "absorbing, engrossing pursuit." Enrolled him, etc. (στρατολογήσαντι); only here in the New Testament, not found in the LXX., but common in classical Greek for "to levy an army," "to enlist soldiers." The great lesson here taught is that the warfare of the Christian soldier requires the same concentration of purpose as that of the earthly warrior, if he would win the victory. <a href="/commentaries/2_timothy/2-4.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>A soldier στρατευόμενος (strateuomenos) Verb - Present Participle Middle - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4754.htm">Strong's 4754: </a> To wage war, fight, serve as a soldier; fig: of the warring lusts against the soul. refrains from οὐδεὶς (oudeis) Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3762.htm">Strong's 3762: </a> No one, none, nothing. entangling himself ἐμπλέκεται (empleketai) Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1707.htm">Strong's 1707: </a> To enfold, entangle; pass: To be involved in. From en and pleko; to entwine, i.e. involve with. in ταῖς (tais) Article - Dative Feminine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. [civilian] βίου (biou) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_979.htm">Strong's 979: </a> A primary word; life, i.e. the present state of existence; by implication, the means of livelihood. affairs, πραγματείαις (pragmateiais) Noun - Dative Feminine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4230.htm">Strong's 4230: </a> A business, an occupation, affair, transaction. From pragmateuomai; a transaction, i.e. Negotiation. in order ἵνα (hina) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2443.htm">Strong's 2443: </a> In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that. to please ἀρέσῃ (aresē) Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_700.htm">Strong's 700: </a> To please, with the idea of willing service rendered to others; hence almost: I serve. Probably from airo; to be agreeable. the [one who] τῷ (tō) Article - Dative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. enlisted him. στρατολογήσαντι (stratologēsanti) Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Dative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4758.htm">Strong's 4758: </a> To collect an army, enlist troops. From a compound of the base of stratia and lego; to gather as a warrior, i.e. Enlist in the army. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/2_timothy/2-4.htm">2 Timothy 2:4 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/2_timothy/2-4.htm">2 Timothy 2:4 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/2_timothy/2-4.htm">2 Timothy 2:4 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/2_timothy/2-4.htm">2 Timothy 2:4 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/2_timothy/2-4.htm">2 Timothy 2:4 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/2_timothy/2-4.htm">2 Timothy 2:4 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/2_timothy/2-4.htm">2 Timothy 2:4 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/2_timothy/2-4.htm">2 Timothy 2:4 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/2_timothy/2-4.htm">2 Timothy 2:4 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/2_timothy/2-4.htm">2 Timothy 2:4 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/2_timothy/2-4.htm">NT Letters: 2 Timothy 2:4 No soldier on duty entangles himself (2 Tim. 2Ti iiTi ii Tim) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/2_timothy/2-3.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="2 Timothy 2:3"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="2 Timothy 2:3" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/2_timothy/2-5.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="2 Timothy 2:5"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="2 Timothy 2:5" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>