1 Timothy 5:18 - Printer Friendly

ESV: For the Scripture says, “You shall not muzzle an ox when it treads out the grain,” and, “The laborer deserves his wages.”

NIV: For Scripture says, 'Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain,' and 'The worker deserves his wages.'

NASB: For the Scripture says, 'YOU SHALL NOT MUZZLE THE OX WHILE IT IS THRESHING,' and 'The laborer is worthy of his wages.'

CSB: For the Scripture says: Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain, and, "The worker is worthy of his wages."

NLT: For the Scripture says, 'You must not muzzle an ox to keep it from eating as it treads out the grain.' And in another place, 'Those who work deserve their pay!'

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

NKJV: For the Scripture says, “You shall not muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain,” and, “The laborer is worthy of his wages.”

In Paul's writings, reference to "Scripture" almost always means the Old Testament. The first quote regarding an ox and grain is from Deuteronomy 25:4, the final book of the Torah. This verse has both a specific and general application. Putting a muzzle on the ox would prevent it from eating grain while it was working. This might save a small amount of grain, but it means the ox can't replenish its strength while it works.

It is more sensible—and fair—to let the animal eat while it works. The net benefit is considerable. In the more general sense, as Paul is using it here, this also means it's both beneficial and fair for those who labor in teaching and preaching in the church to be paid for their work. This is primarily so they can devote their time and energy fully to service of the congregation.

Interestingly, the second quote is from Jesus. These words appear in Luke 10:7 and are similar to Matthew 10:10. Note that Paul is referring to both quotations as "Scripture," meaning Paul is placing Luke's writing in the same category as the Old Testament: inspired Scripture. This strongly supports the notion that the apostles knew they were writing divinely-inspired words.

Also, this quotation shows the Gospel of Luke had almost certainly been written by this time. This would date the Gospel of Luke after AD 62, which was the end of Paul's house arrest in Rome,. It would also date the Gospel of Luke prior to the time 1 Timothy was written, which was approximately AD 64.

The actual quote, "The laborer deserves his wages" reinforces Paul's teaching that elders who work hard are to be paid for their efforts (1 Timothy 5:17).

First Timothy 5:17–25 provides guidelines on how a church should honor elders. It also refers to the proper way to discipline them, if this becomes necessary. Those who devote themselves to serving the church should be supported, meaning paid, so they can fully focus on the needs of the congregation. Accusations should only be taken seriously when there is sufficient evidence. And elders who are found in sin should be publicly rebuked. Paul also warns Timothy not to be too hasty in assigning elders, since some men's sins are hidden and hard to detect.

First Timothy chapter 5 focuses on Timothy's supervision of those within the church. This includes a respectful attitude towards both men and women, young and old. A large portion of the chapter deals with how to care for widows. The theme of Paul's instruction is prioritizing those who are truly in need, and not enabling those who are merely lazy. Timothy is also instructed on how to screen out baseless accusations against an elder, and how to properly discipline them if they are found in sin. With that in mind, Timothy is also warned not to be reckless in who he appoints as an elder.

Prior passages explained the burden placed on Timothy and other church leaders. In this chapter, the emphasis is on how Timothy is to treat others in the congregation. A large portion of this refers to prioritizing charity for widows. This passage will more or less complete Paul's specific instructions to Timothy in this letter. The next (final) chapter will build on all of these themes with a command for Timothy to make the most of his spiritual service.

First Timothy is one of Paul's three ''Pastoral Epistles.'' Paul's other letters, such as Romans, Ephesians, and Colossians, are meant for a broader audience. First Timothy, 2 Timothy, and Titus are written to specific people whom Paul is advising on how to best lead their local churches. These three letters present a close look at the form and function of church leadership. First Timothy, like 2 Timothy and Titus, is less formal and systematic, and more personal. This gives great insight into the way pastors, deacons, and elders ought to prioritize their time and energy.