Bible Strands
1 Timothy 5:18
For the Scripture says, “Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain,” and, “The worker is worthy of his wages.”
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Paul writes to Timothy, his delegate in Ephesus, placing this verse between instructions to honor laboring elders (v.17) and the procedure for accusations against them (v.19).
The words — φιμώσεις (phimōseis), "you will muzzle," is a rare verb (root of English "phimosis") that captures the cruelty of preventing a working ox from eating what it processes.
The thread — Paul quotes Deuteronomy 25:4 directly and applies the same principle to gospel workers in 1 Corinthians 9:14; the second clause echoes Luke 10:7.
Why it lands — The verse removes material support for ministers from the realm of optional charity and places it under the authority of Scripture.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward.
Cross-references
- Deuteronomy 25:4 Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain.
- 1 Corinthians 9:14 In the same way, the Lord has prescribed that those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel.
- 1 Corinthians 9:7 Who serves as a soldier at his own expense? Who plants a vineyard and does not eat of its fruit? Who tends a flock and does not drink of its milk?
- Luke 10:7 Stay at the same house, eating and drinking whatever you are offered. For the worker is worthy of his wages. Do not move around from house to house.
- Matthew 10:10 Take no bag for the road, or second tunic, or sandals, or staff; for the worker is worthy of his provisions.
- Deuteronomy 24:14 Do not oppress a hired hand who is poor and needy, whether he is a brother or a foreigner residing in one of your towns.
- Leviticus 19:13 You must not defraud your neighbor or rob him. You must not withhold until morning the wages due a hired hand.
- James 4:5 Or do you think the Scripture says without reason that the Spirit He caused to dwell in us yearns with envy?
- Romans 9:17 For the Scripture says to Pharaoh: “I raised you up for this very purpose, that I might display My power in you, and that My name might be proclaimed in all the earth.”
- Romans 10:11 It is just as the Scripture says: “Anyone who believes in Him will never be put to shame.”