1 Timothy 5:18
What does 1 Timothy 5:18 mean?
A plain-English look at 1 Timothy 5:18 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 1 Timothy 5:18 means
Paul supports the call to honor elders by citing Scripture: an ox must not be muzzled while treading grain, and a laborer is worthy of his wages. The logic is simple and just—workers should benefit from their work. Applied to elders, this authorizes paying those who labor in the Word and leadership. Spiritual service is not less real than manual labor; both deserve fair support. By rooting this practice in Scripture, Paul shows it is not a human strategy but God’s wisdom. Proper compensation frees elders to focus on ministry without distraction and affirms the value of their toil for the church’s good.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox when he treadeth out the corn. And, The laborer is worthy of his hire.
KJV
King James Version · 1611For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox when he treadeth out the corn. And, The laborer is worthy of his hire.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949For the Writings say, It is not right to keep the ox from taking the grain when he is crushing it. And, The worker has a right to his reward.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862for the Writing saith, `An ox treading out thou shalt not muzzle,' and `Worthy <FI>is<Fi> the workman of his reward.'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752For the scripture saith: Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn: and, The labourer is worthy of his reward.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890for the scripture says, Thou shalt not muzzle an ox that treadeth out corn, and, The workman [is] worthy of his hire.
Context
Following the instruction to count faithful elders worthy of double honor, verse 18 provides biblical warrant for material support, uniting respect and remuneration. With the principle of honoring leaders established, Paul now turns to safeguarding justice in evaluating leaders. The next verse will restrict receiving accusations to cases with adequate witnesses, balancing protection with accountability. This ensures that the church neither starves its leaders nor exposes them to slander without due process.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Romans 9:17
For the scripture saith unto Pharaoh, For this very purpose did I raise thee up, that I might show in thee my power, and that my name might be published abroad in all the earth.
- 1 Corinthians 9:7
What soldier ever serveth at his own charges? who planteth a vineyard, and eateth not the fruit thereof? or who feedeth a flock, and eateth not of the milk of the flock?
- Galatians 3:8
And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel beforehand unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all the nations be blessed.
- Romans 10:11
For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be put to shame.
- James 4:5
Or think ye that the scripture speaketh in vain? Doth the spirit which he made to dwell in us long unto envying?
- Deuteronomy 25:4
Thou shalt not muzzle the ox when he treadeth out the grain.
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore 1 Timothy 5
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on 1 Timothy 5.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About Elders
Biblical elders are called to lead, teach, and shepherd God's people with humility and wisdom.
Topic
Bible Verses About Family
The Bible emphasizes the importance of family, both biological and spiritual, as a foundational unit in God's design.
Topic
Bible Verses About Gossip
Gossip is a pervasive vice that damages relationships and reflects poorly on our character, emphasizing the importance of thoughtful speech.
What the Bible says about…