1 Timothy 5:18

18 For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treads out the grain. And, The labourer is worthy of 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 faithful man or woman has widows, let them maintain them and let not the congregation {Gr. ekklesia – called out ones} be charged, that it may relieve those that are widows indeed.

17 Let the elders that govern well be counted worthy of double honour, especially those who labour in the word and doctrine.

18 For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treads out the grain. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward.

19 Against an elder do not receive an accusation, unless there are two or three witnesses.

20 Those that persist in sin rebuke before all, that the others may also fear.