The hardworking farmerThis phrase emphasizes diligence and perseverance. In biblical times, farming was a labor-intensive occupation requiring patience and hard work. The farmer's role is often used metaphorically in Scripture to illustrate spiritual truths (e.g.,
James 5:7,
Matthew 13:3-9). The farmer's dedication mirrors the commitment required of believers in their spiritual journey and ministry.
should be the first
This suggests a principle of reward for effort. In the context of 2 Timothy, Paul is encouraging Timothy to endure hardship and remain steadfast in his ministry. The idea of being "first" implies a rightful claim to the fruits of one's labor, aligning with the biblical principle that those who work diligently should benefit from their efforts (1 Corinthians 9:7-10).
to partake of the crops
The crops symbolize the results or rewards of one's labor. In a spiritual sense, this can refer to the fruits of ministry, such as the growth of the church or the development of personal faith. This imagery is consistent with other biblical passages that speak of spiritual harvests (Galatians 6:9,John 4:35-38). The farmer's participation in the harvest underscores the joy and fulfillment found in seeing the results of one's faithful service.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
Paul- The apostle who authored the letter to Timothy, providing guidance and encouragement to his young protégé.
2.
Timothy- A young pastor and close companion of Paul, recipient of the letter, tasked with leading the church in Ephesus.
3.
Ephesus- The city where Timothy was ministering, known for its diverse culture and challenges to early Christian teachings.
4.
Farmers- Used metaphorically by Paul to illustrate the diligence and reward of those who labor in ministry.
5.
Crops- Symbolic of the spiritual fruits and rewards that come from faithful ministry and hard work.
Teaching Points
Diligence in MinistryJust as a farmer must work hard to cultivate the land, Christians are called to be diligent in their spiritual work and ministry. This involves consistent effort, patience, and perseverance.
Expectation of RewardThe farmer's expectation of being the first to receive a share of the crops highlights the principle that those who labor faithfully in God's work can expect to see the fruits of their labor, both spiritually and materially.
Spiritual Sowing and ReapingThe metaphor of farming underscores the biblical principle of sowing and reaping. Our spiritual efforts, like seeds planted in good soil, will eventually yield a harvest if we do not give up.
Patience and EnduranceFarming requires patience and endurance, qualities that are equally essential in the Christian life. Believers are encouraged to remain steadfast, trusting that God will bring about a harvest in due time.
Role of FaithfulnessThe hardworking farmer is a model of faithfulness. In the same way, Christians are called to be faithful stewards of the gifts and responsibilities entrusted to them by God.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of 2 Timothy 2:6?
2.How can we apply "hardworking farmer" to our daily Christian responsibilities?
3.What rewards might a "hardworking farmer" expect according to 2 Timothy 2:6?
4.How does 2 Timothy 2:6 relate to Galatians 6:9 about perseverance?
5.In what ways can we "be the first to partake" in spiritual growth?
6.How does this verse encourage diligence in our spiritual and earthly labors?
7.What does "The hardworking farmer should be the first to partake of the crops" mean in 2 Timothy 2:6?
8.How does 2 Timothy 2:6 relate to the concept of spiritual rewards for believers?
9.What historical context influenced Paul's message in 2 Timothy 2:6?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Timothy 2?
11.What does "husbandman" mean in the Bible?
12.If 2 Timothy 4:6 suggests Paul's imminent death, how do we reconcile this with later traditions claiming he continued his ministry longer?
13.Should we pray in public? (Matthew 6:5-6 vs. 1 Timothy 2:8)
14.1 Timothy 6:9-10 warns against the love of money, but does this align with interpretations that encourage 'prosperity gospel' teachings in some Christian circles?What Does 2 Timothy 2:6 Mean
The hardworking farmer• Paul pictures ministry and discipleship like a farmer in the field: steady, sweaty, and patient (Proverbs 12:11;Colossians 3:23-24).
• Scripture consistently links diligence with harvest. “He who tills his land will have plenty of bread” (Proverbs 28:19).
• Timothy is reminded that gospel labor is not glamorous but requires daily obedience, just as a farmer rises early, plows, plants, and protects the crop (1 Corinthians 3:9;1 Timothy 4:15-16).
• The lesson: faithful effort in Christ’s service is non-negotiable; fruit follows toil, not shortcuts (Luke 9:62).
should be• “Should” speaks of rightful expectation—God’s design, not mere suggestion (Hebrews 6:10).
• The Lord never forgets labor done for Him. “Each will be rewarded according to his own labor” (1 Corinthians 3:8).
• Therefore, Timothy need not fear that sacrifice will go unnoticed; the divine order guarantees reward in God’s timing (Galatians 6:9;1 Corinthians 15:58).
the first• Priority is in view. Just as the farmer tastes the new grain before selling the rest, the gospel worker is entitled to the initial share (Deuteronomy 25:4;1 Corinthians 9:7-11).
• This is not selfishness but God-ordained provision so the worker can keep working (Luke 10:7).
• Spiritually, those who teach and lead must feed on the Word before feeding others (Ezra 7:10;Acts 20:28).
to partake of the crops• “Partake” means enjoying both physical provision and spiritual fruit. “The hard-working farmer ought to be the first to receive his share of the crops” (2 Timothy 2:6).
• Materially, churches should support faithful teachers (1 Timothy 5:17-18;Galatians 6:6).
• Personally, the servant gains inner nourishment: “Your words were found, and I ate them” (Jeremiah 15:16).
• Eternally, harvest pictures souls won and lives matured. “He who reaps receives wages and gathers fruit for eternal life” (John 4:36).
summaryPaul’s image assures Timothy—and every disciple—that persistent, disciplined labor for Christ leads to rightful, timely reward. God values faithfulness; therefore keep plowing in His Word, trust His promise of provision, and expect to taste the firstfruits of the eternal harvest.
(6)
The husbandman that laboureth must be first partaker of the fruits.--Again the picture is painted from every-day life. "The husbandman that laboureth"--with an emphasis upon "that laboureth"--is the successful tiller of the ground; "the
labouring husbandman" it is, for whom the earth brings forth her increase. It is the enduring, patient, self-sacrificing toil that is rewarded in the affairs of common life--the man that "endures hardness," whether as a soldier, or athlete, or tiller of the ground, wins the reward; and as in the world, so in religion. Further on in the Epistle the Apostle speaks of
his having won the crown of righteousness.
He had
endured hardness of every conceivable kind; every affliction for the Lord's sake he had endured save death, and
that he was expecting, and knew it could not long tarry. The teaching of St. Paul in this triple picture is--not
every soldier wins its commander's applause, but only the veteran who devotes himself heart and soul to his profession; not
every athlete wins the crown or prize, but only he who trains with anxious, painful care; not
every tiller of the ground gathers the earth's fruits, but only the patient toiler. So must it be in religious life. It is not enough to
say we are Christians, or even to
wish to be of the brotherhood of Christ. Men must really
live the life they say they love.
Verse 6. -
The first to partake for
first partaker, A.V.
That laboureth (
τὸν κοπιῶντα). Let not Timothy think to shirk labour and yet enjoy its fruits. (For
κοπιάω, see note on 1 Timothy 5:17.)
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek
Theτὸν(ton)Article - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.hardworkingκοπιῶντα(kopiōnta)Verb - Present Participle Active - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2872:From a derivative of kopos; to feel fatigue; by implication, to work hard.farmerγεωργὸν(geōrgon)Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1092:From ge and the base of ergon; a land-worker, i.e. Farmer.should beδεῖ(dei)Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1163:Third person singular active present of deo; also deon deh-on'; neuter active participle of the same; both used impersonally; it is Necessary.the firstπρῶτον(prōton)Adverb - Superlative
Strong's 4412:First, in the first place, before, formerly. Neuter of protos as adverb; firstly.to receive his shareμεταλαμβάνειν(metalambanein)Verb - Present Infinitive Active
Strong's 3335:From meta and lambano; to participate; genitive case, to accept.of theτῶν(tōn)Article - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.crops.καρπῶν(karpōn)Noun - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 2590:Probably from the base of harpazo; fruit, literally or figuratively.
Links
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2 Timothy 2:6 BibleApps.com2 Timothy 2:6 Biblia Paralela2 Timothy 2:6 Chinese Bible2 Timothy 2:6 French Bible2 Timothy 2:6 Catholic Bible
NT Letters: 2 Timothy 2:6 The farmers who labor must be (2 Tim. 2Ti iiTi ii Tim) 
