What is the meaning of 2 Timothy 2:6?

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).

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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).

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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).

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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).

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summary

Paul’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.