2 Timothy 2:4 bbe — A fighting man, when he is with the army, keeps himself free from the business of this life so that he may be pleasing…

Bible in Basic English

"A fighting man, when he is with the army, keeps himself free from the business of this life so that he may be pleasing to him who has taken him into his army."

— 2 Timothy 2:4, Bible in Basic English

Read in Another Translation

5 of 21 translations

2 Timothy 2:4 in Other Translations

6 versions All translations

2 Timothy 2 — Context

1

So then, my child, be strong in the grace which is in Christ Jesus.

2

And the things which I have said to you before a number of witnesses, give to those of the faith, so that they may be teachers of others.

3

Be ready to do without the comforts of life, as one of the army of Christ Jesus.

4

A fighting man, when he is with the army, keeps himself free from the business of this life so that he may be pleasing to him who has taken him into his army.

5

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

6

It is right for the worker in the fields to be the first to take of the fruit.

7

Give thought to what I say; for the Lord will give you wisdom in all things.

2 Timothy 2:4 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does 2 Timothy 2:4 say?
2 Timothy 2:4 in the Bible in Basic English reads: “A fighting man, when he is with the army, keeps himself free from the business of this life so that he may be pleasing to him who has taken him into his army.”
Where is 2 Timothy 2:4 in the Bible?
2 Timothy 2:4 is found in the New Testament, in the book of 2 Timothy, chapter 2, verse 4.
Who wrote 2 Timothy?
2 Timothy is traditionally attributed to Paul the Apostle. It was written c. AD 66–67.
What is the book of 2 Timothy about?
Paul's last letter, written from a Roman prison shortly before his execution. It is a tender, urgent passing-on of the baton: keep the faith, guard the gospel, preach the word, endure hardship. "I have fought a good fight."
What are the major themes of 2 Timothy?
2 Timothy explores themes including Endurance, Scripture, Faithfulness, Preaching, Final Hope. These themes shape the meaning and context of 2 Timothy 2:4.
What translation should I read 2 Timothy 2:4 in?
2 Timothy 2:4 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.
How can I memorize 2 Timothy 2:4?
2 Timothy 2:4 reads (BBE): “A fighting man, when he is with the army, keeps himself free from the business of this life so that he may be pleasing to him who has taken him into his army.” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.
GodsGoodBook logo

GodsGoodBook

Making God's Word accessible to everyone

Experience the Bible like never before with multiple translations, powerful search tools, and features to make God's Word personal to you. Completely free, forever.

Features

15+ Bible Translations
Powerful Search Tools
Highlight & Annotate
Share Verses
100% Free Forever
© 2025 GodsGoodBookVersion 1.8.2