1 Timothy 5:18

Authorized King James Version

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

Original Language Analysis

λέγει saith G3004
λέγει saith
Strong's: G3004
Word #: 1 of 15
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
γὰρ For G1063
γὰρ For
Strong's: G1063
Word #: 2 of 15
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
ἡ G3588
ἡ
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 3 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
γραφή the scripture G1124
γραφή the scripture
Strong's: G1124
Word #: 4 of 15
a document, i.e., holy writ (or its contents or a statement in it)
Βοῦν the ox G1016
Βοῦν the ox
Strong's: G1016
Word #: 5 of 15
an ox (as grazing), i.e., an animal of that species ("beef")
ἀλοῶντα that treadeth out the corn G248
ἀλοῶντα that treadeth out the corn
Strong's: G248
Word #: 6 of 15
to tread out grain
οὐ not G3756
οὐ not
Strong's: G3756
Word #: 7 of 15
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
φιμώσεις Thou shalt G5392
φιμώσεις Thou shalt
Strong's: G5392
Word #: 8 of 15
to muzzle
καί And G2532
καί And
Strong's: G2532
Word #: 9 of 15
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Ἄξιος is worthy G514
Ἄξιος is worthy
Strong's: G514
Word #: 10 of 15
deserving, comparable or suitable (as if drawing praise)
ὁ G3588
ὁ
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 11 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐργάτης The labourer G2040
ἐργάτης The labourer
Strong's: G2040
Word #: 12 of 15
a toiler; figuratively, a teacher
τοῦ G3588
τοῦ
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 13 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μισθοῦ reward G3408
μισθοῦ reward
Strong's: G3408
Word #: 14 of 15
pay for service (literally or figuratively), good or bad
αὐτοῦ G846
αὐτοῦ
Strong's: G846
Word #: 15 of 15
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

Analysis & Commentary

For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn (λέγει γὰρ ἡ γραφή· βοῦν ἀλοῶντα οὐ φιμώσεις, legei gar hē graphē· boun aloōnta ou phimōseis)—quoting Deuteronomy 25:4, Paul argues from analogy: if oxen working deserve to eat grain, how much more do human workers deserve support? Phimoō means to muzzle, to put to silence.

And, The labourer is worthy of his reward (Καί· ἄξιος ὁ ἐργάτης τοῦ μισθοῦ αὐτοῦ, Kai· axios ho ergatēs tou misthou autou)—quoting Jesus' words (Luke 10:7), Paul affirms workers deserve wages. Misthos means wage, pay, reward. This verse combines OT law and Jesus' teaching to establish the principle: ministers deserve financial support for their labor.

Paul uses this same OT-NT combination in 1 Corinthians 9:9-14 to defend his right to support (though he voluntarily waived it). The principle is universal: those who labor for gospel ministry deserve material support from those who benefit spiritually. The ox isn't muzzled while working; the minister shouldn't labor without support.

Historical Context

Paul often worked as a tentmaker to support himself, refusing payment to avoid accusations of greed (Acts 18:3, 1 Corinthians 9:12-18). But he insists this was his personal choice, not universal requirement. Churches should support their pastors. The combination of Moses and Jesus establishes this principle firmly: gospel workers deserve financial support for their labor.

Questions for Reflection

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