2 Timothy 2:5

And if a man also striue for masteries, yet is hee not crowned except hee striue lawfully.
- King James Version (1611) - View 1611 Bible Scan

Also if anyone competes as an athlete, he does not win the prize unless he competes according to the rules.
- New American Standard Version (1995)

And if also a man contend in the games, he is not crowded, except he have contended lawfully.
- American Standard Version (1901)

And if a man takes part in a competition he does not get the crown if he has not kept the rules.
- Basic English Bible

And if also any one contend [in the games], he is not crowned unless he contend lawfully.
- Darby Bible

And if a man also striveth for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he striveth lawfully.
- Webster's Bible

And if any one takes part in an athletic contest, he gets no prize unless he obeys the rules.
- Weymouth Bible

Also, if anyone competes in athletics, he isn't crowned unless he has competed by the rules.
- World English Bible

For he that fiytith in a batel, schal not be corowned, but he fiyte lawfuli.
- Wycliffe Bible

and if also any one may strive, he is not crowned, except he may strive lawfully;
- Youngs Literal Bible

Wesley's Notes for 2 Timothy 2:5

2:4 No man that warreth entangleth himself - Any more than is unavoidable. In the affairs of this life - With worldly business or cares. That - Minding war only, he may please his captain. In this and the next verse there is a plain allusion to the Roman law of arms, and to that of the Grecian games. According to the former, no soldier was to engage in any civil employment; according to the latter, none could be crowned as conqueror, who did not keep strictly to the rules of the game.

2:6 Unless he labour first, he will reap no fruit.