εαν 1437 COND δε 1161 CONJ και 2532 CONJ αθλη 118 5725 V-PAS-3S τις 5100 X-NSM ου 3756 PRT-N στεφανουται 4737 5743 V-PPI-3S εαν 1437 COND μη 3361 PRT-N νομιμως 3545 ADV αθληση 118 5661 V-AAS-3S
Vincent's NT Word Studies
5. Strive for masteries (aqlh). N.T.o . o LXX. Paul uses ajgwnizesqai (see 1 Cor. ix. 25), which appears also in 1 Tim. iv. 10; vi. 12; 2 Timothy iv. 7. For masteries is superfluous. Rev. contend in the games; but the meaning of the verb is not limited to that. It may mean to contend in battle; and the preceding reference to the soldier would seem to suggest that meaning here. The allusion to crowning is not decisive in favor of the Rev. rendering. Among the Rom. crowns were the highest distinction for service in war. The corona triumphalis of laurel was presented to a triumphant general; and the corona obsidionalis was awarded to a general by the army which he had saved from a siege or from a shameful capitulation. It was woven of grass which grew on the spot, and was also called corona graminea. The corona myrtea or ovatio, the crown of bay, was worn by the general who celebrated the lesser triumph or ovatio. The golden corona muralis, with embattled ornaments, was given for the storming of a wall; and the corona castrensis or vallaris, also of gold, and ornamented in imitation of palisades, was awarded to the soldier who first climbed the rampart of the enemy's camp.Is he not crowned (ou stefanoutai). The verb only here and Hebrews ii. 7, 9. For stefanov crown, see on Apoc. ii. 9; iv. 4; 1 Pet. v. 4. Paul has stefanon labein, 1 Cor. ix. 25.
Lawfully (nomimwv). Past o . See 1 Tim. i. 8. According to the law of military service which requires him to abandon all other pursuits. So the law of the ministerial office requires that the minister shall not entangle himself with secular pursuits. If he fulfills this requirement, he is not to trouble himself about his worldly maintenance, for it is right that he should draw his support from his ministerial labor: nay, he has the first right to its material fruits.
Robertson's NT Word Studies
2:5 {If also a man contend in the games} (ean de kai aqlei tis). Condition of third class with present (linear) active subjunctive of aqlew, old and common verb (from aqlos, a contest), only this verse in N.T., but sunaqlew in #Php 1:27. Note sharp distinction between aqlei (present subjunctive, engage in a contest in general) and aqlesei (first aorist active subjunctive, engage in a particular contest). Not "except he have contended," but simply "unless he contend" (in any given case) "lawfully" (nomimws). Old adverb, agreeably to the law, in N.T. only here and #1Ti 1:8. {Is not crowned} (ou stefanoutai). Present passive indicative of stefanow, old verb (from stefanos, crown), in N.T. only here and #Heb 2:7,9. One apodosis for two protases. The victor in the athletic contests was crowned with a garland.
