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Is it about oxen that God is concerned?" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/1_corinthians/9-9.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/1_corinthians/9-9.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/1_corinthians/">1 Corinthians</a> > <a href="/1_corinthians/9.htm">Chapter 9</a> > Verse 9</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad9.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/1_corinthians/9-8.htm" title="1 Corinthians 9:8">◄</a> 1 Corinthians 9:9 <a href="/1_corinthians/9-10.htm" title="1 Corinthians 9:10">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/1_corinthians/9.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/1_corinthians/9.htm">New International Version</a> For it is written in the Law of Moses: &#8220Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain.&#8221 Is it about oxen that God is concerned? <a href="/nlt/1_corinthians/9.htm">New Living Translation</a> 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? <a href="/esv/1_corinthians/9.htm">English Standard Version</a> 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? <a href="/bsb/1_corinthians/9.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> 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? <a href="/blb/1_corinthians/9.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> For in the Law of Moses it has been written: "You shall not muzzle an ox treading out grain." Is there care for the oxen with God? <a href="/kjv/1_corinthians/9.htm">King James Bible</a> 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? <a href="/nkjv/1_corinthians/9.htm">New King James Version</a> 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? <a href="/nasb_/1_corinthians/9.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> For it is written in the Law of Moses: “YOU SHALL NOT MUZZLE THE OX WHILE IT IS THRESHING.” God is not concerned about oxen, is He? <a href="/nasb/1_corinthians/9.htm">NASB 1995</a> For it is written in the Law of Moses, &#8220YOU SHALL NOT MUZZLE THE OX WHILE HE IS THRESHING.&#8221 God is not concerned about oxen, is He? <a href="/nasb77/1_corinthians/9.htm">NASB 1977 </a> For it is written in the Law of Moses, “YOU SHALL NOT MUZZLE THE OX WHILE HE IS THRESHING.” God is not concerned about oxen, is He? <a href="/lsb/1_corinthians/9.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> For it is written in the Law of Moses, “YOU SHALL NOT MUZZLE THE OX WHILE IT IS THRESHING.” Is God merely concerned about oxen? <a href="/amp/1_corinthians/9.htm">Amplified Bible</a> For it is written in the Law of Moses, “YOU SHALL NOT MUZZLE AN OX WHILE IT IS TREADING OUT THE GRAIN [to keep it from eating the grain].” Is it [only] for oxen that God cares? <a href="/csb/1_corinthians/9.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> For it is written in the law of Moses, Do not muzzle an ox while it treads out grain. Is God really concerned about oxen? <a href="/hcsb/1_corinthians/9.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> For it is written in the law of Moses, Do not muzzle an ox while it treads out grain. Is God really concerned with oxen? <a href="/asv/1_corinthians/9.htm">American Standard Version</a> For it is written in the law of Moses, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox when he treadeth out the corn. Is it for the oxen that God careth, <a href="/erv/1_corinthians/9.htm">English Revised Version</a> For it is written in the law of Moses, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox when he treadeth out the corn. Is it for the oxen that God careth, <a href="/gwt/1_corinthians/9.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Moses' Teachings say, "Never muzzle an ox when it is threshing grain." God's concern isn't for oxen. <a href="/gnt/1_corinthians/9.htm">Good News Translation</a> We read in the Law of Moses, "Do not muzzle an ox when you are using it to thresh grain." Now, is God concerned about oxen? <a href="/isv/1_corinthians/9.htm">International Standard Version</a> For in the Law of Moses it is written, "You must not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain." God is not only concerned about oxen, is he? <a href="/msb/1_corinthians/9.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> 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? <a href="/net/1_corinthians/9.htm">NET Bible</a> For it is written in the law of Moses, "Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain." God is not concerned here about oxen, is he? <a href="/nheb/1_corinthians/9.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> For it is written in the Law of Moses, "Do not muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain." Is it for the oxen that God cares, <a href="/wbt/1_corinthians/9.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> 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? <a href="/wey/1_corinthians/9.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> For in the Law of Moses it is written, "Thou shalt not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain." <a href="/web/1_corinthians/9.htm">World English Bible</a> For it is written in the law of Moses, “You shall not muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain.” Is it for the oxen that God cares, <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/1_corinthians/9.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> For in the Law of Moses it has been written: “you will not muzzle an ox treading out grain”; does God care for the oxen? <a href="/blb/1_corinthians/9.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> For in the Law of Moses it has been written: "You shall not muzzle an ox treading out grain." Is there care for the oxen with God? <a href="/ylt/1_corinthians/9.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> for in the law of Moses it hath been written, 'thou shalt not muzzle an ox treading out corn;' for the oxen doth God care? <a href="/slt/1_corinthians/9.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> For in the law of Moses has been written, Thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox grinding. Is there not care to God for oxen?<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/1_corinthians/9.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> 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? <a href="/cpdv/1_corinthians/9.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> For it is written in the law of Moses: “You shall not bind the mouth of an ox, while it is treading out the grain.” Is God here concerned with the oxen? <a href="/nabre/1_corinthians/9.htm">New American Bible</a> It is written in the law of Moses, “You shall not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain.” Is God concerned about oxen, <a href="/nrsvce/1_corinthians/9.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> For it is written in the law of Moses, “You shall not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain.” Is it for oxen that God is concerned?<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/1_corinthians/9.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> For it is written in the law of Moses, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. Why? Is God concerned only for the ox? <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/1_corinthians/9.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> For it is written in The Law of Moses, “Do not muzzle the ox that treads.” Does God concern himself with oxen?<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/1_corinthians/9.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> For it is written in the law of Moses: You shall not muzzle the ox that treads out the grain? Has God a care for oxen? <a href="/godbey/1_corinthians/9.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> For in the law of Moses it has been written, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that plows. Is there a care to God for oxen, <a href="/haweis/1_corinthians/9.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> for in the law of Moses it is written, ?Thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox which treadeth out the corn.?<RX 5.25.4> Doth God take care for oxen? <a href="/mace/1_corinthians/9.htm">Mace New Testament</a> for it is written in the law of Moses, "thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treadeth out the corn." are oxen the objects of divine care? <a href="/wey/1_corinthians/9.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> For in the Law of Moses it is written, "Thou shalt not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain." <a href="/worrell/1_corinthians/9.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> For in the law of Moses it has been written, "You shall not muzzle an ox while treading out the grain." Doth God care for the oxen? <a href="/worsley/1_corinthians/9.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> or saith not the law the same also? for it is written in the law of Moses, "Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn." Now doth God take care for oxen, <a href="/parallel/1_corinthians/9-9.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/g-wZWoK_LZU?start=1736" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/1_corinthians/9.htm">The Rights of an Apostle</a> …8Do I say this from a human perspective? Doesn’t the Law say the same thing? 9<a href="/greek/1063.htm" title="1063: gar (Conj) -- For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.">For</a> <a href="/greek/1125.htm" title="1125: gegraptai (V-RIM/P-3S) -- A primary verb; to grave, especially to write; figuratively, to describe.">it is written</a> <a href="/greek/1722.htm" title="1722: en (Prep) -- In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; in, at, on, by, etc.">in</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tō (Art-DMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/3551.htm" title="3551: nomō (N-DMS) -- From a primary nemo; law, genitive case, specially, (including the volume); also of the Gospel), or figuratively.">Law</a> <a href="/greek/3475.htm" title="3475: Mōuseōs (N-GMS) -- Or Moses, or Mouses of Hebrew origin; Moseus, Moses, or Mouses, the Hebrew lawgiver.">of Moses:</a> <a href="/greek/3756.htm" title="3756: Ou (Adv) -- No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.">“</a> <a href="/greek/5392.htm" title="5392: kēmōseis (V-FIA-2S) -- To muzzle, silence. From phimos; to muzzle.">Do not muzzle</a> <a href="/greek/1016.htm" title="1016: boun (N-AMS) -- An ox, cow, bull. Probably from the base of bosko; an ox, i.e. An animal of that species.">an ox</a> <a href="/greek/248.htm" title="248: aloōnta (V-PPA-AMS) -- To thresh (wheat). From the same as halon; to tread out grain.">while it is treading out the grain.”</a> <a href="/greek/3361.htm" title="3361: mē (Adv) -- Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether.">Is it</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tōn (Art-GMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">about</a> <a href="/greek/1016.htm" title="1016: boōn (N-GMP) -- An ox, cow, bull. Probably from the base of bosko; an ox, i.e. An animal of that species.">oxen</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tō (Art-DMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/2316.htm" title="2316: Theō (N-DMS) -- A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.">that God</a> <a href="/greek/3199.htm" title="3199: melei (V-PIA-3S) -- It is a care, it is an object of anxiety, it concerns. A primary verb; to be of interest to, i.e. To concern.">is concerned?</a> 10Isn’t He actually speaking on our behalf? Indeed, this was written for us, because when the plowman plows and the thresher threshes, they should also expect to share in the harvest.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/deuteronomy/25-4.htm">Deuteronomy 25:4</a> Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain. <a href="/1_timothy/5-18.htm">1 Timothy 5:18</a> For the Scripture says, “Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain,” and, “The worker is worthy of his wages.” <a href="/galatians/6-6.htm">Galatians 6:6</a> Nevertheless, the one who receives instruction in the word must share in all good things with his instructor. <a href="/luke/10-7.htm">Luke 10:7</a> Stay at the same house, eating and drinking whatever you are offered. For the worker is worthy of his wages. Do not move around from house to house. <a href="/matthew/10-10.htm">Matthew 10:10</a> Take no bag for the road, or second tunic, or sandals, or staff; for the worker is worthy of his provisions. <a href="/romans/15-4.htm">Romans 15:4</a> For everything that was written in the past was written for our instruction, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures, we might have hope. <a href="/2_timothy/2-6.htm">2 Timothy 2:6</a> The hardworking farmer should be the first to partake of the crops. <a href="/hebrews/10-28.htm">Hebrews 10:28</a> Anyone who rejected the law of Moses died without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. <a href="/proverbs/12-10.htm">Proverbs 12:10</a> A righteous man regards the life of his animal, but the tender mercies of the wicked are only cruelty. <a href="/exodus/23-12.htm">Exodus 23:12</a> For six days you are to do your work, but on the seventh day you must cease, so that your ox and your donkey may rest and the son of your maidservant may be refreshed, as well as the foreign resident. <a href="/leviticus/19-13.htm">Leviticus 19:13</a> You must not defraud your neighbor or rob him. You must not withhold until morning the wages due a hired hand. <a href="/james/5-4.htm">James 5:4</a> Look, the wages you withheld from the workmen who mowed your fields are crying out against you. The cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord of Hosts. <a href="/matthew/20-1.htm">Matthew 20:1-16</a> “For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire workers for his vineyard. / He agreed to pay them a denarius for the day and sent them into his vineyard. / About the third hour he went out and saw others standing in the marketplace doing nothing. ... <a href="/luke/6-38.htm">Luke 6:38</a> Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.” <a href="/romans/4-23.htm">Romans 4:23-24</a> Now the words “it was credited to him” were written not only for Abraham, / but also for us, to whom righteousness will be credited—for us who believe in Him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>For it is written in the law of Moses, You shall not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treads out the corn. Does God take care for oxen?Thou.<a href="/deuteronomy/25-4.htm">Deuteronomy 25:4</a> Thou shalt not muzzle the ox when he treadeth out the corn.<a href="/1_timothy/5-18.htm">1 Timothy 5:18</a> For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward.Doth.<a href="/numbers/22-28.htm">Numbers 22:28-35</a> And the LORD opened the mouth of the ass, and she said unto Balaam, What have I done unto thee, that thou hast smitten me these three times? … <a href="/deuteronomy/5-14.htm">Deuteronomy 5:14</a> But the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, nor thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thine ox, nor thine ass, nor any of thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates; that thy manservant and thy maidservant may rest as well as thou.<a href="/psalms/104-27.htm">Psalm 104:27</a> These wait all upon thee; that thou mayest give them their meat in due season.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_corinthians/9-7.htm">Care</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/7-34.htm">Cares</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/7-34.htm">Careth</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/7-34.htm">Concerned</a> <a href="/acts/7-12.htm">Corn</a> <a href="/romans/16-20.htm">Crushing</a> <a href="/acts/27-38.htm">Grain</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/9-8.htm">Law</a> <a href="/romans/10-19.htm">Moses</a> <a href="/romans/15-6.htm">Mouth</a> <a href="/psalms/39-1.htm">Muzzle</a> <a href="/acts/27-9.htm">Occupied</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/7-25.htm">Orders</a> <a href="/acts/7-41.htm">Ox</a> <a href="/acts/14-13.htm">Oxen</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/9-6.htm">Right</a> <a href="/luke/3-17.htm">Threshing</a> <a href="/micah/5-8.htm">Treadeth</a> <a href="/luke/10-19.htm">Treading</a> <a href="/micah/5-8.htm">Treads</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/7-1.htm">Written</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_corinthians/12-24.htm">Care</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/11-28.htm">Cares</a> <a href="/1_peter/5-7.htm">Careth</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/9-15.htm">Concerned</a> <a href="/1_timothy/5-18.htm">Corn</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/9-10.htm">Crushing</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/9-10.htm">Grain</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/9-20.htm">Law</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/10-2.htm">Moses</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/4-13.htm">Mouth</a> <a href="/1_timothy/5-18.htm">Muzzle</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/15-58.htm">Occupied</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/9-14.htm">Orders</a> <a href="/1_timothy/5-18.htm">Ox</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/9-10.htm">Oxen</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/9-10.htm">Right</a> <a href="/1_timothy/5-18.htm">Threshing</a> <a href="/1_timothy/5-18.htm">Treadeth</a> <a href="/1_timothy/5-18.htm">Treading</a> <a href="/1_timothy/5-18.htm">Treads</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/9-10.htm">Written</a><div class="vheading2">1 Corinthians 9</div>1. <a href="/1_corinthians/9-1.htm">He shows his liberty;</a> 7. <a href="/1_corinthians/9-7.htm">and that the minister ought to receive a living by the Gospel;</a> 15. <a href="/1_corinthians/9-15.htm">yet that himself has of his own accord abstained,</a> 18. <a href="/1_corinthians/9-18.htm">to be neither chargeable unto them,</a> 22. <a href="/1_corinthians/9-22.htm">nor offensive unto any, in matters indifferent.</a> 24. <a href="/1_corinthians/9-24.htm">Our life is like unto a race.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_corinthians/9.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_corinthians/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/1_corinthians/9.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>For it is written in the Law of Moses: This phrase refers to the authority of the Mosaic Law, which was given to the Israelites at Mount Sinai. The Law of Moses is foundational to Jewish religious and cultural identity and is often cited in the New Testament to establish continuity between the Old and New Covenants. The Apostle Paul frequently uses the Law to illustrate spiritual principles, showing its enduring relevance.“Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain.” This command is found in <a href="/deuteronomy/25-4.htm">Deuteronomy 25:4</a>. In ancient agricultural practices, oxen were used to thresh grain by walking over it, separating the grain from the husks. Muzzling an ox would prevent it from eating while working, which was considered inhumane. This law reflects God's concern for the welfare of animals and, by extension, His care for all creation. It also illustrates a broader principle of fair treatment and provision for those who labor, which Paul applies to the rights of apostles and ministers to receive material support.Is it about oxen that God is concerned? Paul uses a rhetorical question to emphasize that the principle behind the law extends beyond its literal application. While God cares for animals, the deeper concern is for justice and provision for human workers. This interpretation aligns with Paul's broader argument in <a href="/1_corinthians/9.htm">1 Corinthians 9</a>, where he defends the right of apostles to receive support from the communities they serve. The principle of fair compensation is echoed in other scriptures, such as <a href="/1_timothy/5-18.htm">1 Timothy 5:18</a> and <a href="/luke/10-7.htm">Luke 10:7</a>, reinforcing the idea that those who preach the gospel should live from the gospel.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/a/apostle_paul.htm">Apostle Paul</a> The author of 1 Corinthians, addressing the church in Corinth. Paul uses this verse to illustrate a broader principle about supporting those who labor in ministry. 2. <a href="/topical/m/moses.htm">Moses</a> The Lawgiver of Israel, through whom God delivered the Law, including the commandment referenced by Paul. 3. <a href="/topical/c/corinth.htm">Corinth</a> A major city in ancient Greece where the church was established by Paul. The city was known for its diverse population and cultural influences. 4. <a href="/topical/t/the_law_of_moses.htm">The Law of Moses</a> Refers to the Torah, the first five books of the Bible, which contain the commandments given to Israel. 5. <a href="/topical/o/oxen.htm">Oxen</a> Used metaphorically by Paul to discuss the principle of fair compensation for work, particularly in ministry.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/p/principle_of_fair_compensation.htm">Principle of Fair Compensation</a> The command not to muzzle an ox is a principle that extends beyond agriculture to the fair treatment of workers, including those in ministry. <a href="/topical/g/god's_concern_for_justice.htm">God's Concern for Justice</a> While the immediate context is about oxen, the broader principle reflects God's concern for justice and fairness in all areas of life. <a href="/topical/s/support_for_ministry_workers.htm">Support for Ministry Workers</a> Just as oxen are allowed to eat while working, those who labor in the gospel should be supported materially by those who benefit from their work. <a href="/topical/u/understanding_scripture_contextually.htm">Understanding Scripture Contextually</a> Paul’s use of the Old Testament law demonstrates the importance of understanding scripture in its broader context and applying its principles to contemporary situations. <a href="/topical/g/generosity_and_stewardship.htm">Generosity and Stewardship</a> Believers are called to be generous and good stewards of their resources, ensuring that those who serve in ministry are adequately supported.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_1_corinthians_9.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 1 Corinthians 9</a> <a href="/q/how_do_1_cor_9_9_and_9_21_align.htm">In 1 Corinthians 9, Paul appeals to the Old Testament law (v.9) yet speaks of being under “Christ’s law” (v.21); how can skeptics be convinced there is no conflict between these two references?</a> <a href="/q/how_does_deut._25_4_fit_modern_farming.htm">Deuteronomy 25:4: How do we reconcile the command not to muzzle an ox with modern agricultural practices? </a> <a href="/q/how_does_1_cor_9_4-14_align_with_matt_10_8-10.htm">In 1 Corinthians 9:4–14, Paul argues for financial support for apostles; how does that align with Jesus’s command in Matthew 10:8–10 to preach without seeking material gain?</a> <a href="/q/is_the_laborer_deserving_of_his_wages.htm">Is the laborer deserving of his wages?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/1_corinthians/9.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(9) The ox that treadeth out the corn.--Better, the ox while treading out the corn. In this verse the question of the previous one is answered. The Law does say the same: "For it is written in the Law of Moses," etc. The pointed and emphatic mention of the Law of Moses would give the words great weight with Jewish opponents. On a space of hard ground called a threshing-floor the oxen were driven to and fro over the corn collected there, and thus the separation of the grain from the husk was accomplished.Doth God take care for oxen?--We must not take these and the following words as a denial of the divine regard for the brute creation, which runs through the Mosaic law and is exemplified in <a href="/jonah/4-11.htm" title="And should not I spare Nineveh, that great city, wherein are more then six score thousand persons that cannot discern between their right hand and their left hand; and also much cattle?">Jonah 4:11</a>, but as an expression of the Apostle's belief as to the ultimate and highest object of God's love. The good which such a provision as the Law achieved for the oxen was nothing compared to the good which it accomplished for man. God did not do this simply as a provision for the ox, but to teach us men humanity--to teach us that it is a divine principle that the labourer should have his reward.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_corinthians/9.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 9. - In the Law of Moses (<a href="/deuteronomy/25-4.htm">Deuteronomy 25:4</a>). He uses the same argument again in <a href="/1_timothy/5-19.htm">1 Timothy 5:19</a>. The mouth of the ox that treadeth out the corn; rather, an ox while treading out the corn. The flail was not unknown, but a common mode of threshing was to let oxen tread the corn on the threshing floor. Doth God take care for oxen? Certainly he does; and St. Paul can hardly mean to imply that he does not, seeing that tenderness for the brute creation is a distinguishing characteristic of the Mosaic legislation (<a href="/exodus/23-12.htm">Exodus 23:12, 19</a>; <a href="/deuteronomy/22-6.htm">Deuteronomy 22:6, 7, 10</a>, etc.). If St. Paul had failed to perceive this truth, he must have learnt it at least from <a href="/psalms/145-15.htm">Psalm 145:15, 16</a>; <a href="/jonah/4-11.htm">Jonah 4:11</a>. Even the Greeks showed by their proverb that they could pity the hunger of the poor beasts of burden starving in the midst of plenty. It is, however, a tendency of all Semitic idiom verbally to exclude or negative the inferior alternative. St. Paul did not intend to say, "God has no care for oxen;" for he knew that "his tender mercies are over all his works:" he only meant in Semitic fashion to say that the precept was much more important in its human application; and herein he consciously or unconsciously adopts the tone of Philo's comment on the same passage ('De Victim Offerentibus,' § 1), that, for present purposes, oxen might be left out of account. The rabbinic Midrash, which gave this turn to the passage, was happier and wiser than most specimens of their exegesis. St. Paul sets the typico allegorical interpretation above the literal in this instance (comp. <a href="/1_timothy/5-18.htm">1 Timothy 5:18</a>), because he regards it as the more important. It is a specimen of the common Jewish exegetic method of a fortiori or minori ad magus. Luther's curious comment is: "God cares for all things; but he does not care that anything should be written for oxen, because they cannot read"! <a href="/commentaries/1_corinthians/9-9.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>For γὰρ (gar) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1063.htm">Strong's 1063: </a> For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason. it is written γέγραπται (gegraptai) Verb - Perfect Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1125.htm">Strong's 1125: </a> A primary verb; to 'grave', especially to write; figuratively, to describe. in ἐν (en) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1722.htm">Strong's 1722: </a> In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc. the τῷ (tō) Article - Dative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. Law νόμῳ (nomō) Noun - Dative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3551.htm">Strong's 3551: </a> From a primary nemo; law, genitive case, specially, (including the volume); also of the Gospel), or figuratively. of Moses: Μωϋσέως (Mōuseōs) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3475.htm">Strong's 3475: </a> Or Moses, or Mouses of Hebrew origin; Moseus, Moses, or Mouses, the Hebrew lawgiver. “Do not muzzle κημώσεις (kēmōseis) Verb - Future Indicative Active - 2nd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5392.htm">Strong's 5392: </a> To muzzle, silence. From phimos; to muzzle. an ox βοῦν (boun) Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1016.htm">Strong's 1016: </a> An ox, cow, bull. Probably from the base of bosko; an ox, i.e. An animal of that species. [while it is] treading out the grain.” ἀλοῶντα (aloōnta) Verb - Present Participle Active - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_248.htm">Strong's 248: </a> To thresh (wheat). From the same as halon; to tread out grain. [Is it] μὴ (mē) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_3361.htm">Strong's 3361: </a> Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether. about τῶν (tōn) Article - Genitive Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. oxen βοῶν (boōn) Noun - Genitive Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1016.htm">Strong's 1016: </a> An ox, cow, bull. Probably from the base of bosko; an ox, i.e. An animal of that species. [that] God Θεῷ (Theō) Noun - Dative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2316.htm">Strong's 2316: </a> A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very. is concerned? μέλει (melei) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3199.htm">Strong's 3199: </a> It is a care, it is an object of anxiety, it concerns. A primary verb; to be of interest to, i.e. To concern. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_corinthians/9-9.htm">1 Corinthians 9:9 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/1_corinthians/9-9.htm">1 Corinthians 9:9 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/1_corinthians/9-9.htm">1 Corinthians 9:9 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/1_corinthians/9-9.htm">1 Corinthians 9:9 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/1_corinthians/9-9.htm">1 Corinthians 9:9 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/1_corinthians/9-9.htm">1 Corinthians 9:9 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_corinthians/9-9.htm">1 Corinthians 9:9 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_corinthians/9-9.htm">1 Corinthians 9:9 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/1_corinthians/9-9.htm">1 Corinthians 9:9 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/1_corinthians/9-9.htm">1 Corinthians 9:9 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/9-9.htm">NT Letters: 1 Corinthians 9:9 For it is written in the law (1 Cor. 1C iC 1Cor i cor icor) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_corinthians/9-8.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Corinthians 9:8"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Corinthians 9:8" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_corinthians/9-10.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Corinthians 9:10"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Corinthians 9:10" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>