1 Timothy 5:18

For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer [is] worthy of his reward.

For {G1063} the scripture {G1124} saith {G3004}, Thou shalt {G5392} not {G3756} muzzle {G5392} the ox {G1016} that treadeth out the corn {G248}. And {G2532}, The labourer {G2040} is worthy {G514} of his {G846} reward {G3408}.

For the Tanakh says, “You are not to muzzle an ox when it is treading out the grain,” in other words, “The worker deserves his wages.”

For the Scripture says, “Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain,” and, “The worker is worthy of his wages.”

For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox when he treadeth out the corn. And, The laborer is worthy of his hire.

1 Timothy 5:18 presents two powerful scriptural principles that underscore the importance of fair compensation for labor, particularly for those dedicated to spiritual work within the church. Paul cites both Old Testament law and a saying of Jesus to establish a foundational truth: those who work diligently deserve their just reward.

Context

This verse falls within Paul's instructions to Timothy regarding the proper conduct and order within the church at Ephesus. Specifically, 1 Timothy 5:17 discusses the honor due to elders, especially "those who labor in the word and doctrine." Verse 18 serves as the scriptural justification for financially supporting these dedicated leaders. Paul draws on widely accepted truths to reinforce the idea that those who invest their time and energy in serving the community, especially in spiritual teaching and leadership, should be appropriately sustained.

Key Themes

  • Fair Compensation for Labor: The core message is that work should be justly rewarded. This principle applies universally, but Paul emphasizes its particular relevance to those serving in ministry. It's a call to avoid exploitation and ensure that workers can sustain themselves through their efforts.
  • Biblical Principle of Support: The verse highlights God's concern for the welfare of laborers. The Old Testament law regarding the ox demonstrates God's compassion even for animals, extending the principle to human workers who dedicate their lives to serving others, especially in spiritual matters.
  • Dignity of Work: By quoting both the Law and the words of Jesus, Paul elevates the act of labor and the right to benefit from it. It implies that honest work carries inherent dignity and deserves recognition and sustenance.

Linguistic Insights

The first quote, "Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn," is a direct reference to Deuteronomy 25:4. The Greek word for "muzzle" (phimoo) literally means to stop the mouth, preventing the ox from eating the grain it is threshing. This vivid imagery illustrates the injustice of denying a worker the fruit of their labor.

The second quote, "The labourer is worthy of his reward," is a saying of Jesus found in Luke 10:7 (and also Matthew 10:10). The Greek word for "labourer" (ergatēs) refers to a worker or toiler, and "worthy" (axios) implies deserving or having commensurate value. Paul uses this well-known teaching to reinforce the expectation that those who work hard, particularly in ministry, should receive appropriate compensation.

Related Scriptures

  • Paul reiterates the principle of supporting ministers in 1 Corinthians 9:9-14, where he again uses the analogy of the ox and other examples to argue for the right of those who preach the gospel to live from the gospel.
  • The idea of sharing resources with those who teach is also seen in Galatians 6:6: "Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things."

Practical Application

For believers today, 1 Timothy 5:18 offers several vital lessons:

  1. Support for Ministry: It provides a clear biblical basis for churches to financially support their pastors, teachers, and other full-time ministry workers. This support allows them to dedicate themselves fully to their calling without undue financial burden.
  2. Ethical Treatment of Workers: Beyond the church context, this verse serves as a timeless reminder for employers to treat their employees fairly and compensate them justly for their efforts. Exploitation of labor is contrary to biblical principles.
  3. Value of Contribution: It encourages recognition and appreciation for all who contribute valuable work, affirming that every honest laborer deserves to reap the benefits of their toil.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Deuteronomy 25:4

    Thou shalt not muzzle the ox when he treadeth out [the corn].

  • 1 Corinthians 9:14

    Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel.

  • 1 Corinthians 9:7

    Who goeth a warfare any time at his own charges? who planteth a vineyard, and eateth not of the fruit thereof? or who feedeth a flock, and eateth not of the milk of the flock?

  • 1 Corinthians 9:10

    Or saith he [it] altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, [this] is written: that he that ploweth should plow in hope; and that he that thresheth in hope should be partaker of his hope.

  • Luke 10:7

    And in the same house remain, eating and drinking such things as they give: for the labourer is worthy of his hire. Go not from house to house.

  • Matthew 10:10

    Nor scrip for [your] journey, neither two coats, neither shoes, nor yet staves: for the workman is worthy of his meat.

  • Deuteronomy 24:14

    ¶ Thou shalt not oppress an hired servant [that is] poor and needy, [whether he be] of thy brethren, or of thy strangers that [are] in thy land within thy gates:

Add TrulyRandomVerse to your Home Screen for quick access!

← Back