1 Timothy 5:18

18 For the Writings say, It is not right to keep the ox from taking the grain when he is crushing it. And, The worker has a right to his reward.

1 Timothy 5:18 Meaning and Commentary

Ver. 18 For the Scripture saith
In ( Deuteronomy 25:4 )

thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn;
(See Gill on 1 Corinthians 9:9). (See Gill on 1 Corinthians 9:10). The ox, for its strength and labour, is a fit emblem of a Gospel minister; and its treading the corn out of the husk and ear aptly represents the beating out, as it were, of Gospel truths, by the ministers of it, their making the doctrines of the Gospel clear, plain, and evident to the understandings of men; wherefore, as the ox was not muzzled when it trod out the corn, but might freely and largely feed upon it, so such who labour in the preaching of the Gospel ought to have a sufficient and competent maintenance: for which purpose this citation is made, as also the following:

and the labourer is worthy of his reward;
which seems to be taken from ( Luke 10:7 ) which Gospel was now written, and in the hands of the apostle; who here, by two testimonies, the one from Moses, and the other from Christ, supports the right of the honourable maintenance of the ministers of the Gospel.

1 Timothy 5:18 In-Context

16 If any woman of the faith has relations who are widows, let her give them help, so that the care of them does not come on the church, and so it may give help to those who are truly widowed.

17 Let rulers whose rule is good be honoured twice over, specially those whose work is preaching and teaching.

18 For the Writings say, It is not right to keep the ox from taking the grain when he is crushing it. And, The worker has a right to his reward.

19 Do not take as true any statement made against one in authority, but only if two or three give witness to it.

20 Say sharp words to sinners when all are present, so that the rest may be in fear.