1 Timothy 5:18

18 For the Scripture says, "You are not to muzzle the ox while it is treading out the grain;" and the workman deserves his pay.

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 a believing woman has widows dependent on her, she should relieve their wants, and save the Church from being burdened--so that the Church may relieve the widows who are really in need.

17 Let the Elders who perform their duties wisely and well be held worthy of double honour, especially those who labour in preaching and teaching.

18 For the Scripture says, "You are not to muzzle the ox while it is treading out the grain;" and the workman deserves his pay.

19 Never entertain an accusation against an Elder except on the evidence of two of three witnesses.

20 Those who persist in sin reprove in the presence of all, so that it may also be a warning to the rest.