1 Timothy 5:18 kjv
For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward.
1 Timothy 5:18 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."
1 Timothy 5:18 niv
For Scripture says, "Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain," and "The worker deserves his wages."
1 Timothy 5:18 esv
For the Scripture says, "You shall not muzzle an ox when it treads out the grain," and, "The laborer deserves his wages."
1 Timothy 5:18 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!"
1 Timothy 5 18 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Tim 5:18 | "For the Scripture says..." and "the laborer is worthy of his wages." | Fulfillment/Statement |
| Luke 10:7 | "...the laborer is worthy of his wages." | Echoes identical phrase |
| Deut 24:14-15 | "You shall not oppress a hired servant who is poor and needy..." | Principle of fair wages |
| Matt 10:10 | "...the worker is worthy of his food." | Similar teaching |
| Gal 6:6 | "One who is taught the word must share all his goods with the one who teaches." | Supporting principle |
| John 15:1-17 | The imagery of the vine and branches highlights interdependence and mutual support within the body of Christ. | Connection to discipleship |
| 1 Cor 9:7-14 | Paul argues for the right of ministers to live by the gospel. | Ministry support |
| Prov 3:9-10 | "Honor the LORD with your wealth..." | Principle of provision |
| Prov 12:11 | "Whoever works his land will have plenty of food..." | Value of labor |
| Prov 14:23 | "In all toil there is profit..." | Fruitfulness of work |
| Ps 127:1-2 | "Unless the LORD builds the house, those who build it labor in vain." | Divine involvement in work |
| Matt 13:22 | Parable of the sower; care for the seed needs provision. | Metaphor for care |
| Phil 4:10-19 | Paul rejoices in the Philippians' support. | Support for ministry |
| 1 Thes 5:12-13 | "We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor among you..." | Respect for laborers |
| 1 Tim 5:17 | "Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor..." | Honor for leadership |
| Rom 15:26-27 | "For Macedonia and Achaia have been pleased to make some contribution for the poor among the saints at Jerusalem." | Financial partnership |
| 1 Cor 3:8-9 | "The one who plants and the one who waters are one in purpose, and each will be paid according to his own labor." | Rewards for service |
| Luke 7:4-5 | The centurion's servants are cared for. | Example of provision |
| Neh 5:1-5 | Grievances over debt and labor exploitation. | Historical context of unfairness |
| Matt 20:1-16 | Parable of the laborers in the vineyard emphasizes generosity and God's grace in compensation. | God's fairness in reward |
| 2 Thess 3:10-12 | "For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: if anyone is unwilling to work, let him not eat." | Principle of working for provision |
| Mal 3:8-10 | "Will man rob God? Yet you rob me. But you say, 'How do we rob you?' In your tithes and offerings!" | Stewardship of resources |
1 Timothy 5 verses
1 Timothy 5 18 Meaning
The Scripture clearly states that a laborer is worthy of his wages. This principle establishes the just and equitable compensation for work performed. It speaks to the inherent value and entitlement of those who invest their effort, time, and skills.
1 Timothy 5 18 Context
This verse appears in the Apostle Paul's first letter to Timothy, a young minister Paul mentored. Timothy was leading the church in Ephesus, a significant urban center. The immediate context involves Paul's instructions on church governance and the care of different groups within the church, including widows (1 Timothy 5:3-16). Specifically, verses 17-18 discuss the treatment and support of elders. The inclusion of the citation in verse 18 is particularly significant because it directly quotes from a known source that Paul considers Scripture. This source is debated among scholars, with many believing it to be a reference to Deuteronomy 25:4, although it also closely matches Luke 10:7, where Jesus speaks similarly.
1 Timothy 5 18 Word Analysis
- For (Gk: gar): Introduces a reason or explanation.
- the Scripture (Gk: Graphe): Refers to the Old Testament writings, which Paul consistently accepted as divinely inspired authority.
- says (Gk: legei): A common introductory formula for citations.
- the laborer (Gk: kopionta): One who exerts himself, one who toils, endures hardship.
- is worthy (Gk: axios): Deserves, of equal value or weight.
- of (Gk: tou): Preposition indicating possession or relation.
- his (Gk: misthou): His wage or reward.
- wages (Gk: misthou): Payment for work done, remuneration, recompense.
Words-group by words-group analysis:
- "the Scripture says": This phrase establishes the authority and source of the principle being quoted. Paul grounds his argument in God's written word, demonstrating continuity with Old Testament teaching.
- "the laborer is worthy of his wages": This is a fundamental ethical principle about fairness and rightful compensation for effort expended. It is a declaration of desert.
1 Timothy 5 18 Bonus Section
The fact that Paul uses this citation to support the double honor due to elders (especially those who teach and preach) highlights the perceived equivalence between the labor of teaching God's word and physical labor. Both are considered worthy of reward. The passage underscores a covenantal principle: God blesses those who obey and work, and those who serve Him faithfully are to be cared for by the community they serve. The citation's inclusion strongly implies that Old Testament principles concerning justice in labor apply directly to the New Testament church, particularly regarding its leadership.
1 Timothy 5 18 Commentary
Paul cites an authoritative biblical passage to underscore the obligation to adequately support those who labor in teaching and leadership within the church. This isn't merely about human dignity, but about divine decree. The principle applies to elders who faithfully serve. Just as manual laborers deserve their pay, those who minister the word deserve tangible support, reflecting the value God places on spiritual work. This includes provisions for their sustenance and needs. It also implies a responsibility for the congregation to provide for their spiritual leaders.
- Practical Usage: Believers should ensure financial and practical support for their pastors and teachers, recognizing their labor and commitment. Supporting faithful ministry honors God's command.