1 Timothy 5:18
16 If any believing woman has dependent widows, she must assist them and not allow the church to be burdened, so that it can help the widows who are truly in need.
17 Elders who lead effectively are worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching.
For the Scripture says, “Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain,” and, “The worker is worthy of his wages.”
19 Do not entertain an accusation against an elder, except on the testimony of two or three witnesses.
20 But those who persist in sin should be rebuked in front of everyone, so that the others will stand in fear of sin.
This was said to Israel at a particular time, so it is wise to read it together with the surrounding text. Do read the surrounding verses too, because the context often says more than a single verse.
Compare
- BSB
- For the Scripture says, “Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain,” and, “The worker is worthy of his wages.”
- KJV
- For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward.
- WEB
- For the Scripture says, “You shall not muzzle the ox when it treads out the grain.” And, “The laborer is worthy of his wages.”
- ASV
- For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox when he treadeth out the corn. And, The laborer is worthy of his hire.
- DARBY
- for the scripture says, Thou shalt not muzzle an ox that treadeth out corn, and, The workman [is] worthy of his hire.
- BLB
- For the Scripture says, “You shall not muzzle an ox treading out grain,” and, “The worker [is] worthy of his wages.”
- ÅB
- For Skriften sier: Du skal ikke binde munnen på en okse som tresker. Og en arbeider er sin lønn verd.
- OTB
- For Skriften sier: "Du skal ikke binde munnen på oksen mens den tresker," og "Arbeideren er verd sin lønn."
- B1930
- For Skriften sier: Du skal ikke binde munnen på en okse som tresker. Og en arbeider er sin lønn verd.
Study notes (Tyndale)
Original text and word study
Cross references
Deuteronomy 25:4
Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain.
Read in context1 Corinthians 9:14
In the same way, the Lord has prescribed that those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel.
Read in context1 Corinthians 9:7–10
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?
Read in contextLuke 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.
Read in contextMatthew 10:10
Take no bag for the road, or second tunic, or sandals, or staff; for the worker is worthy of his provisions.
Read in contextDeuteronomy 24:14–15
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.
Read in contextLeviticus 19:13
You must not defraud your neighbor or rob him. You must not withhold until morning the wages due a hired hand.
Read in contextJames 4:5
Or do you think the Scripture says without reason that the Spirit He caused to dwell in us yearns with envy?
Read in context