Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary 2 Timothy 4:8

"henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give to me at that day; and not to me only, but also to all them that have loved his appearing." — 2 Timothy 4:8 (ASV)

One of the main reasons for preferring the athletic interpretation in v.7 is that it fits in perfectly with v.8, where Paul says a “crown” (GK 5109) awaits him. The word for “crown” is not the one used for a royal crown but for the laurel wreath that was given to the winner of the Marathon race (cf. 1 Corinthians 9:25). The Lord, the righteous Judge (of the contest) was ready to “award” this prize to Paul at the end of the race, his victorious life. The same reward awaits all who run the Christian race successfully to the finish and long for "his appearing” (the Second Coming).