Deuteronomy 25:4

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

Thou shalt not muzzle {H2629} the ox {H7794} when he treadeth out {H1778} the corn.

Complete Jewish Bible

"You are not to muzzle an ox when it is treading out the grain.

Berean Standard Bible

Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain.

American Standard Version

Thou shalt not muzzle the ox when he treadeth out the grain.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 25:4, "Thou shalt not muzzle the ox when he treadeth out [the corn]," is a concise yet profoundly insightful command from the Mosaic Law. Far from being merely an agricultural regulation, this verse encapsulates foundational principles of divine justice, compassion for creation, and the equitable compensation for labor. It reveals God's character as one who cares for the well-being of all His creatures and who demands fairness in all human interactions, particularly concerning those who exert effort for the benefit of others.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the broader legal corpus of Deuteronomy, specifically in a section (chapters 22-25) that deals with a diverse array of civil, social, and ethical regulations. These laws follow the Ten Commandments and elaborate on their principles, providing practical applications for daily life in ancient Israel. The immediate context of [Deuteronomy 25](/deuteronomy/25 "Deuteronomy 25 - Laws Regarding Justice, Marriage, and Warfare") includes laws concerning judicial fairness (verses 1-3), followed by this command about the ox, and then regulations regarding levirate marriage (verses 5-10), weights and measures (verses 13-16), and the Amalekites (verses 17-19). The placement of this seemingly simple agricultural law amidst more complex social statutes underscores its fundamental importance as a principle of justice and humane treatment applicable across various spheres of life, from animal welfare to human relationships and economic practices. Its brevity and directness make it a memorable aphorism, easily recalled and applied.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The command in [Deuteronomy 25:4](/deuteronomy/25-4 "Deuteronomy 25:4 - Do Not Muzzle the Ox") directly addresses a common and essential agricultural practice in ancient Israel: threshing. After the grain harvest, stalks of wheat or barley were spread on a threshing floor, a hard, flat surface, often exposed to the wind. Oxen, typically yoked together, would then be driven over the grain repeatedly. Their weight and hooves would break open the husks, separating the valuable kernels from the inedible chaff and straw. This was arduous and dusty work, often performed under the hot sun. Muzzling the ox would prevent it from eating any of the grain it was diligently working to process, thereby denying it immediate sustenance and a small, natural reward for its labor. Such a practice would be cruel, exploitative, and potentially diminish the animal's strength and productivity. The law, therefore, serves as a direct prohibition against a harsh and unjust practice, highlighting God's concern for the welfare of His working animals and setting a precedent for ethical labor practices.
* **Key Themes:** [Deuteronomy 25:4](/deuteronomy/25-4 "Deuteronomy 25:4 - Do Not Muzzle the Ox") contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Deuteronomy and the broader Pentateuch. Primarily, it champions **Divine Justice and Equity**, reflecting God's character as a righteous judge who demands fairness not only among humans but also in the treatment of animals. This principle of justice is foundational to the entire Deuteronomic code, which repeatedly calls Israel to administer justice impartially, as seen in [Deuteronomy 16:18-20](/deuteronomy/16-18-20 "Deuteronomy 16:18-20 - Judges and Justice"). Secondly, it underscores **Compassion and Welfare for Creation**, demonstrating God's concern for the well-being of all living things, even those used for labor. This theme resonates with other laws that protect animals, such as the command not to take a mother bird with her young in [Deuteronomy 22:6-7](/deuteronomy/22-6-7 "Deuteronomy 22:6-7 - Mother Bird and Young"), or the Sabbath rest for animals in [Deuteronomy 5:14](/deuteronomy/5-14 "Deuteronomy 5:14 - Sabbath Rest for All"). Finally, the verse implicitly establishes the principle of **Fair Compensation for Labor**. If an animal is entitled to partake of the fruit of its toil, how much more should a human laborer be justly rewarded for their effort? This principle is a cornerstone of biblical ethics regarding work and remuneration, echoing throughout the wisdom literature and prophetic calls for social justice, such as in [Leviticus 19:13](/leviticus/19-13 "Leviticus 19:13 - Wages of a Hired Servant").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Muzzle (Hebrew, _châçam'_):** This verb (H2629) means "to stop up," "to tie up the mouth," or "to restrain." In this context, it refers specifically to placing a device over an animal's mouth to prevent it from eating. The command is a direct and unequivocal prohibition against this act, emphasizing the immediate and tangible impact on the working animal. The simplicity of the verb highlights the directness of the divine injunction against exploitation.
* **Ox (Hebrew, _shôwr'_):** This common noun (H7794) refers to a bullock, steer, or ox, typically a castrated male bovine used for heavy labor such as plowing, drawing carts, or, as here, threshing grain. The choice of the ox, a powerful and indispensable animal for agricultural societies, underscores the practical and economic significance of the law. It applies to the most common and vital working animal of the time, whose strength and endurance were essential for the community's sustenance.
* **Treadeth out (Aramaic, _dîyn'_):** While the primary Hebrew root for "treadeth out" (threshing) is typically *dûsh*, the provided Aramaic cognate *dîyn* (H1778) means "to judge." In the context of this command, this nuance can highlight the divine judgment inherent in the law: God judges the fairness of the labor relationship. It implies a divine verdict against exploitation, asserting the ox's inherent right to partake in the fruit of its labor. This underscores that the command is not merely a practical regulation but a moral injunction from a judging God who demands justice for all, even working animals.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thou shalt not muzzle the ox":** This is a direct, negative command, characteristic of Mosaic law, immediately establishing a prohibition. The command against muzzling the ox is not merely about animal welfare, though it certainly includes that. More profoundly, it's a statement against exploitation, a recognition that the laborer (even an animal) has a right to benefit from its toil. The immediate implication is that the ox, while performing the strenuous work of threshing, should be allowed to eat some of the grain it is helping to process. This ensures its strength is maintained, acknowledges its contribution, and embodies a principle of just compensation.
* **"when he treadeth out [the corn]":** This clause specifies the precise context and timing of the prohibition. The "corn" here refers to any cereal grain (like wheat or barley), not modern maize. The phrase "when he treadeth out" highlights the active, ongoing nature of the labor. The law is not about general feeding but about allowing the animal immediate sustenance and reward *during* its work. This specific context elevates the command from a general humane principle to a specific directive about fair treatment during productive labor. It implies that the animal's right to eat is directly tied to its active contribution to the harvest, setting a precedent for the principle of receiving benefit from one's own labor.

#### Literary Devices
[Deuteronomy 25:4](/deuteronomy/25-4 "Deuteronomy 25:4 - Do Not Muzzle the Ox") employs several literary devices that enhance its meaning and impact. The most prominent is **Legal Aphorism**, presenting a concise, memorable, and universally applicable truth in the form of a legal command. Its brevity and directness ("Thou shalt not") make it easily remembered and transmitted across generations. The verse also utilizes **Metonymy**, where "corn" stands for the broader category of grain being threshed, emphasizing the direct product of the animal's labor and the immediate benefit it should receive. Furthermore, there is an implicit **Analogy** or **Anthropomorphism** at play; while the law is literally about an ox, the underlying principle of fair compensation and humane treatment is clearly intended to apply to human laborers as well. This is not a literal attribution of human qualities to the ox, but rather an indirect teaching method where a clear, simple case (the ox) illustrates a profound moral principle (justice in labor) that transcends the immediate context. The verse's **Didacticism** is evident, as it functions as a teaching tool, instructing Israel in God's character and expectations for their society's ethical conduct.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
[Deuteronomy 25:4](/deuteronomy/25-4 "Deuteronomy 25:4 - Do Not Muzzle the Ox"), while seemingly a minor agricultural regulation, serves as a powerful theological statement about God's character and His expectations for human society. It reveals a God who is not only concerned with grand covenants and moral laws but also with the practical, everyday realities of justice and compassion, extending even to the treatment of working animals. This law establishes a foundational principle: those who labor, whether animal or human, are entitled to partake of the fruit of their toil. It reflects God's generosity and opposition to exploitation, laying the groundwork for a society built on fairness and equity rather than oppressive gain. The principle transcends its immediate context, becoming a timeless truth about the dignity of labor and the just reward for effort, thereby reflecting the very nature of a righteous and benevolent Creator.

* [1 Corinthians 9:9-10](/1_corinthians/9-9-10 "1 Corinthians 9:9-10 - Paul's Application of the Ox Law")
* [1 Timothy 5:18](/1_timothy/5-18 "1 Timothy 5:18 - The Laborer is Worthy of His Reward")
* [Proverbs 3:9-10](/proverbs/3-9-10 "Proverbs 3:9-10 - Honor the Lord with Your Wealth")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[Deuteronomy 25:4](/deuteronomy/25-4 "Deuteronomy 25:4 - Do Not Muzzle the Ox") offers profound insights for believers today, extending far beyond ancient agricultural practices. At its core, it challenges us to embody God's character of justice, compassion, and generosity in all our dealings, particularly concerning those who labor for our benefit. For employers, it serves as a divine mandate for fair labor practices, urging us to provide just wages, reasonable working conditions, and to recognize the inherent dignity of every worker. It calls us to avoid all forms of exploitation, ensuring that those who contribute to the creation of wealth or service are not unjustly deprived of their due reward. For those who benefit from the work of others, it cultivates a spirit of gratitude and equitable reciprocity, prompting us to consider how we can honor and support those who serve us. Furthermore, as highlighted by the Apostle Paul, this verse provides a biblical basis for supporting those who labor in spiritual ministry, recognizing that those who sow spiritual seeds are worthy of material support, enabling them to devote themselves fully to their calling without undue burden. Ultimately, it reminds us that true prosperity and blessing are found not in hoarding or exploiting, but in living out God's principles of justice and care for all creation.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might we be "muzzling the ox" in our contemporary society, whether in our workplaces, communities, or even in our personal relationships?**
* **How does this verse challenge our understanding of fair compensation and ethical labor practices in today's global economy, particularly concerning supply chains and international labor?**
* **What practical steps can I take to ensure that those who serve or work under my influence are treated with the dignity and fairness that God's law demands?**
* **How does this seemingly simple command about an animal deepen my appreciation for God's comprehensive concern for justice and welfare across all of creation, from the smallest creature to the human laborer?**

### FAQ
**Why is this law about an ox so important that it's quoted in the New Testament?**

Answer: This law is significant because it's not just about animal welfare; it embodies a foundational principle of divine justice and fair compensation for labor. While God certainly cares for oxen (as seen in other laws like the Sabbath rest for animals in [Exodus 23:12](/exodus/23-12 "Exodus 23:12 - Sabbath Rest for Animals")), the Apostle Paul, in [1 Corinthians 9:9-10](/1_corinthians/9-9-10 "1 Corinthians 9:9-10 - Paul's Application of the Ox Law") and [1 Timothy 5:18](/1_timothy/5-18 "1 Timothy 5:18 - The Laborer is Worthy of His Reward"), uses it as an *a fortiori* argument (from the lesser to the greater). If God commands fair treatment for a working animal, how much more does He expect it for human laborers, especially those who minister spiritually? It highlights that the principle of a laborer being worthy of their reward is a timeless divine truth, applicable across covenants and contexts.

**Does this law apply to humans today, especially regarding fair wages?**

Answer: Absolutely. While the direct command is about an ox, the underlying principle is universally applicable to human labor. The New Testament's use of this verse by Paul explicitly applies it to human workers, particularly those in ministry. This principle underpins biblical teachings on economic justice, fair wages, and ethical employer-employee relationships. It teaches that those who exert effort and create value should be justly compensated and not exploited. This aligns with other biblical injunctions against defrauding laborers (e.g., [James 5:4](/james/5-4 "James 5:4 - Wages Withheld")) and advocating for righteous business practices that reflect God's character of justice and generosity.

**How does this verse relate to broader animal welfare concerns in the Bible?**

Answer: [Deuteronomy 25:4](/deuteronomy/25-4 "Deuteronomy 25:4 - Do Not Muzzle the Ox") is a clear example of God's concern for the humane treatment of animals within the Mosaic Law. It demonstrates that God's compassion extends beyond humanity to His creation. Other laws, such as the command to give animals rest on the Sabbath ([Exodus 20:10](/exodus/20-10 "Exodus 20:10 - Sabbath for All")), the prohibition against yoking an ox and a donkey together ([Deuteronomy 22:10](/deuteronomy/22-10 "Deuteronomy 22:10 - Do Not Plow with an Ox and a Donkey Together")), and the care for fallen animals ([Deuteronomy 22:4](/deuteronomy/22-4 "Deuteronomy 22:4 - Help a Fallen Animal")), collectively show a consistent biblical ethic of care and responsibility towards animals. These laws recognize the inherent value of animals as part of God's creation and prevent unnecessary suffering, reflecting the Creator's benevolent character.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[Deuteronomy 25:4](/deuteronomy/25-4 "Deuteronomy 25:4 - Do Not Muzzle the Ox"), with its profound principle of fair compensation for labor and compassionate treatment, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Jesus Christ. As the quintessential laborer, Christ perfectly embodied the spirit of this law. He came not to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many ([Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve")). His earthly ministry was one of tireless work, sowing the seeds of the Kingdom of God, healing the sick, teaching the multitudes, and ultimately treading out the winepress of God's wrath against sin on the cross ([Revelation 19:15](/revelation/19-15 "Revelation 19:15 - The Winepress of God's Wrath")). Yet, unlike the muzzled ox, Christ, through His obedient labor, was fully "partaker of His hope" ([1 Corinthians 9:10](/1_corinthians/9-10 "1 Corinthians 9:10 - Paul's Application of the Ox Law")). He received the ultimate reward: resurrection, exaltation to the right hand of the Father ([Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9-11 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Christ's Exaltation")), and the joy of seeing the fruit of His suffering ([Isaiah 53:11](/isaiah/53-11 "Isaiah 53:11 - The Suffering Servant's Reward")). Moreover, Christ's teaching on the Kingdom of God consistently upheld principles of justice, generosity, and care for the vulnerable, echoing the heart of this Deuteronomic command. He teaches His disciples to expect their reward from God ([Matthew 6:1-6](/matthew/6-1-6 "Matthew 6:1-6 - Your Father Who Sees in Secret Will Reward You")) and promises that those who labor for Him will not lose their reward ([Matthew 10:42](/matthew/10-42 "Matthew 10:42 - Reward for a Cup of Cold Water")). In Christ, the principle of the laborer being worthy of his reward is not merely a legalistic demand but a gracious promise, fulfilled in His own life and extended to all who labor in His name, empowered by His Spirit, and assured of their eternal inheritance in Him ([Colossians 3:23-24](/colossians/3-23-24 "Colossians 3:23-24 - Whatever You Do, Do It Heartily for the Lord")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Timothy 5:17

¶ Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.

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.

1 Corinthians 9:9

For it is written in the law of Moses, Thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treadeth out the corn. Doth God take care for oxen?

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.

Proverbs 12:10

¶ A righteous [man] regardeth the life of his beast: but the tender mercies of the wicked [are] cruel.

Hosea 10:11

And Ephraim [is as] an heifer [that is] taught, [and] loveth to tread out [the corn]; but I passed over upon her fair neck: I will make Ephraim to ride; Judah shall plow, [and] Jacob shall break his clods.

Isaiah 28:27

For the fitches are not threshed with a threshing instrument, neither is a cart wheel turned about upon the cummin; but the fitches are beaten out with a staff, and the cummin with a rod.