A.T. Robertson Commentary 2 Timothy 2:6

"The husbandmen that laboreth must be the first to partake of the fruits." — 2 Timothy 2:6 (ASV)

The husbandman that laboureth (τον κοπιωντα γεωργον). "The toiling tiller of the soil" (γεωργον, from γη and εργω, worker of the earth). See γεωργιον (field) in 1 Corinthians 3:9 and also 1 Corinthians 9:7.

First (πρωτον). As is natural and right.

To partake (μεταλαμβανειν). Old word as in Ac 2:46 to share in. Paul elsewhere uses μετεχω as in 1 Corinthians 9:12.