1 Corinthians 9:9
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Paul is actually using a legal principle, not just a random animal example, to argue for the right of ministers to be supported. The "Law of Moses" here is pointing to the idea that God's concern for justice extends to even the working animals, and surely He cares even more for those who serve Him. This isn't about animal rights; it's about divine fairness applied to those laboring in God's service.
For it is written in the Law of Moses, “You shall not muzzle an ox when it treads out the grain.” Is it for oxen that God is concerned?
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is defending his right to receive financial support as an apostle, even though he has chosen not to exercise that right. He's quoting from the Old Testament Law to show that God instituted principles of provision for those who labor in His service, meaning it's not just about oxen but about a divine principle of justice. This leads directly into his argument that he, as a laborer for the gospel, has a right to be supported by those who benefit from his ministry.
Paul quotes the Old Testament to make a point about supporting those who serve. But why the ox?
Protecting the Worker
Paul pulls from the Mosaic Law, a foundational part of the Old Testament. This isn't just about animal welfare; it’s about a divine principle of justice.
God established this law to show His concern for those who invest their energy and strength into tasks that benefit others. It’s a foundational idea of justice and provision.
The ox is a powerful image, but it's not the main point. What is God really interested in?
Beyond the Animal
Paul's question, “Is it for oxen that God is concerned?” is crucial. He’s pushing his readers beyond the literal image of the ox to grasp a deeper theological truth.
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This principle reveals that God’s concern extends to the well-being and provision of those who work in His kingdom, ensuring they can be sustained as they faithfully serve.
Understand the original words
torah · Hebrew Noun
Refers to the Pentateuch or the body of divine instruction given by God to Israel through Moses; foundational for understanding God’s will and righteous requirements.
phimoōseis · Greek Verb
To fasten a muzzle over an animal's mouth to prevent it from eating; metaphorically representing the restriction or denial of rightful sustenance to a worker.
shor · Hebrew Noun
The Hebrew term for a beast of burden used in agriculture, utilized here as an object lesson to demonstrate the broader principle of providing for the welfare of those who labor for a harvest.
Paul uses this ancient agricultural law, given in the context of Israel's life in the Promised Land, to argue that God cares for the well-being of those who labor in His service, drawing a clear parallel to his own ministry.
c. 1446 BC
Exodus and the Law Given
God delivers Israel from slavery in Egypt and gives the Law through Moses on Mount Sinai, containing the commands for daily life and worship.
c. 1400-1000 BC
Deuteronomy's Agricultural Context
The book of Deuteronomy, where this law is reiterated, speaks to the settled agricultural life of Israel in the Promised Land, involving practices like threshing grain.
c. 550 BC
The Law Reiterated
The law about not muzzling an ox is found in Deuteronomy, a book that was foundational for Jewish life and teaching, especially during and after the exile.
c. AD 50-52— this verse
Paul's Ministry in Corinth
The Apostle Paul spends significant time in Corinth, establishing a church and addressing various issues in his letters, including questions about his apostolic authority and financial support.
c. AD 55
Writing of 1 Corinthians
Paul writes this letter from Ephesus to the church in Corinth, responding to reports and questions they have sent him. He defends his apostolic rights and lifestyle.
This is the direct citation from the Law of Moses that Paul is referencing, showing the Old Testament basis for the principle of fair provision for laborers.
1 Timothy 5:18This passage echoes Paul's argument, directly quoting the same Mosaic Law and applying it to support the financial support of elders in ministry.
Matthew 10:10Jesus gives a similar instruction to his disciples, telling them not to take a bag or extra tunic, implying that they should be provided for by those they serve, paralleling Paul's point.
Luke 10:7Jesus reiterates the principle that the worker deserves his wages, further reinforcing the idea that those who serve in spiritual matters should be cared for by the community.
Paul is actually using a legal principle, not just a random animal example, to argue for the right of ministers to be supported. The "Law of Moses" here is pointing to the idea that God's concern for justice extends to even the working animals, and surely He cares even more for those who serve Him. This isn't about animal rights; it's about divine fairness applied to those laboring in God's service.
Paul is defending his right to receive financial support as an apostle, even though he has chosen not to exercise that right. He's quoting from the Old Testament Law to show that God instituted principles of provision for those who labor in His service, meaning it's not just about oxen but about a divine principle of justice. This leads directly into his argument that he, as a laborer for the gospel, has a right to be supported by those who benefit from his ministry.
Paul is defending his right to receive financial support as an apostle, even though he has chosen not to exercise that right. He's quoting from the Old Testament Law to show that God instituted principles of provision for those who labor in His service, meaning it's not just about oxen but about a divine principle of justice. This leads directly into his argument that he, as a laborer for the gospel, has a right to be supported by those who benefit from his ministry.
"For it is written in the Law of Moses, “You shall not muzzle an ox when it treads out the grain.” Is it for oxen that God is concerned?" — Paul is actually using a legal principle, not just a random animal example, to argue for the right of ministers to be supported. The "Law of Moses" here is pointing to the idea that God's concern for…
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Last reviewed October 2026
