1 Corinthians 9:9 kjv
For it is written in the law of Moses, Thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treadeth out the corn. Doth God take care for oxen?
1 Corinthians 9:9 nkjv
For it is written in the law of Moses, "You shall not muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain." Is it oxen God is concerned about?
1 Corinthians 9:9 niv
For it is written in the Law of Moses: "Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain." Is it about oxen that God is concerned?
1 Corinthians 9:9 esv
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?
1 Corinthians 9:9 nlt
For the law of Moses says, "You must not muzzle an ox to keep it from eating as it treads out the grain." Was God thinking only about oxen when he said this?
1 Corinthians 9 9 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Deuteronomy 25:4 | You shall not muzzle the ox when it is treading out the grain. | God's law concerning the ox |
| 1 Corinthians 9:10 | Is it not for our sake that this is written? Yes, it is for our sake. | Echoes the principle |
| 1 Timothy 5:18 | The laborer deserves his wages. | Supports the right to sustenance |
| Luke 10:7 | Stay in that house, eating and drinking what they provide, for the laborer deserves his wages. | Jesus' teaching on support |
| Galatians 6:6 | Let the one who is taught the word share all good things with the one who instructs. | Reciprocity in ministry |
| Numbers 18:21 | Behold, I have given the Levites as their inheritance the tithes from Israel for their service... | OT provision for Levites |
| Romans 15:27 | Yes, they are indebted to them. For if the Gentiles have come to share in their spiritual blessings, they ought also to be ministering to them in material things. | Mutual support in ministry |
| 1 Corinthians 9:13-14 | Do you not know that those who are employed in the temple service eat what is sacrificed at the temple, and those who serve at the altar share in the offerings from the altar? In the same way, the Lord commanded that those who proclaim the gospel should get their living by the gospel. | Direct application of principle |
| Matthew 10:9-10 | Take no gold, nor silver, nor copper in your belts, no bag for your journey, nor two tunics, nor sandals, nor a staff, for the laborer deserves his food. | Jesus' instructions for disciples |
| Philippians 4:16-18 | Even in Thessalonica you sent me help once and again for my needs... You yourselves also know that in the beginning of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church entered into partnership with me in regard to giving and receiving, except you only... I have received full payment, and more. I am abundantly supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent... | Paul's experience with support |
| 2 Corinthians 11:7-9 | Or did I commit a sin in humbling myself so that you might be exalted, because I preached God's gospel without cost to you? I robbed other churches by taking advantage of them to serve you. And when I was with you and in need, I did not burden anyone, for my brothers who came from Macedonia supplied all I needed. So I refrained and will refrain from burdening you in anything. | Paul's example of self-denial |
| Acts 4:34-35 | There was no one among them who was needy, for as many as were owners of lands or houses were selling them and bringing the proceeds of what they were selling and laying it at the apostles' feet. And it was distributed to each as any need required. | Early church provision |
| 1 Corinthians 3:9 | For we are God's fellow workers. You are God's field, God's building. | Emphasizes shared labor |
| Galatians 4:1 | I mean that the heir, as long as he is a child, is no different from a slave, though he is the owner of everything. | Analogy of inheritance |
| 1 Corinthians 9:1 | Am I not an apostle? Am I not free? Have I not seen Jesus our Lord? Are you not my work in the Lord? | Paul defending his apostleship |
| 1 Corinthians 9:12 | If others share this right over you, do not we have a greater right? | Assertion of a stronger claim |
| 1 Samuel 17:17 | Jesse also said to David his son, “Take for your brothers an ephah of roasted grain and these ten loaves, and hurry to your brothers at the camp.” | Practical support for service |
| Leviticus 19:19 | You shall not wear a mixture of kinds, wool and linen together. | Different Law, but points to intent |
| Song of Solomon 8:12 | My vineyard, my very own, is for hire; one thousand silver pieces are for its keepers, and two hundred for those who tend it. | Labor has recompense |
| 1 Timothy 5:17 | Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who toil in preaching and teaching. | Special honor for teaching |
1 Corinthians 9 verses
1 Corinthians 9 9 Meaning
This verse asserts that the Mosaic Law, specifically regarding not muzzling the ox while it treads out the grain, is not primarily a directive about animals. Instead, its underlying principle and purpose extend to supporting those who labor in God's service.
1 Corinthians 9 9 Context
This verse is part of an extended argument by the Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 9, where he defends his apostolic rights, particularly his right to receive financial support for his ministry. He emphasizes his freedom in Christ but also his willingness to waive this right for the sake of the Gospel. The passage is responding to challenges or questions from the Corinthian church regarding his authority and methods. The specific mention of the ox not being muzzled connects to the Old Testament Law (Deuteronomy 25:4), which Paul uses to illustrate a broader principle about the right to sustenance for those who labor in spiritual work. The overall theme is about fairness, recognition of labor, and the practical provisions necessary for gospel ministers.
1 Corinthians 9 9 Word analysis
“Is it not written…”: This is a common rhetorical device, invoking the authority of Scripture, specifically the Old Testament, to support his point. It establishes a divine precedent.
“in the Law…”: Refers to the Mosaic Law, the Pentateuch, the first five books of the Hebrew Bible.
“the Law of Moses”: Explicitly identifies the source of the citation.
“that you shall not muzzle…”: Quoting Deuteronomy 25:4, "You shall not muzzle an ox when it treads out the grain."
“the ox…”: Refers to the animal used for threshing.
“while it treads…”: Describes the ox's labor.
“out the grain.”: The task the ox is performing.
“does God care…”: This phrase expresses a rhetorical question, implying that God's concern is not solely for the ox itself but for the principle of justice and fairness. It shifts the focus from the animal to the divine intent.
“for oxen?”: Paul highlights that the primary concern of the law in this instance wasn't a deep theological concern for the animal’s rights, but a provision related to the handler or owner.
Groups of words analysis:
- “Is it not written in the Law, ‘You shall not muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain’?”: This opening establishes the specific scriptural basis for the argument, drawing from a seemingly ordinary legal provision.
- “Does God care for oxen?”: This rhetorical question is pivotal. Paul anticipates an answer that God's primary concern in this law is not the animal itself, but the humans involved and the principles of righteousness that extend to them. The implication is that if God legislated for the well-being of an animal in its work, His concern would be far greater for His human workers.
1 Corinthians 9 9 Bonus section
The Greek word for "ox" here is bous (βοῦς). While the primary intent of Paul is clear – to argue for the support of ministers – this also subtly touches on themes of stewardship and recognizing the value of work. The concept of aposeloma (ἀπόσελεσμα) in 2 Corinthians 12:13, which means "debt" or "charge," and can be used in a financial sense, underlies the Corinthian's potential view of Paul "burdening" them. Paul here asserts his right to sustenance as a legitimate claim, not an imposition. This particular legal passage in Deuteronomy reflects ancient agricultural practices and the human-animal relationship within those contexts, illustrating how God’s wisdom permeates even everyday arrangements to reveal broader spiritual truths. The generosity that the law implies, even for an animal, speaks to God’s heart of provision for His people and His service.
1 Corinthians 9 9 Commentary
Paul skillfully uses a law designed for animal welfare to underscore the principle of provision for those laboring in ministry. The Mosaic Law prohibiting the muzzling of a threshing ox was a provision ensuring the animal could eat some of the grain it worked to thresh. Paul argues that if God ordained such a basic provision for an animal performing manual labor, it is a clear divine endorsement of the principle that those who dedicate themselves to spiritual labor should be sustained by the fruits of that labor. The purpose of God in giving this law was to establish a precedent for righteousness and justice that applies beyond literal animals to human workers, particularly those serving God. It is an appeal to God's own order for the sustenance of His laborers.
- Practical application: Believers have a responsibility to support those who teach and minister the Word of God, ensuring they can focus on their calling without undue financial burden.