Deuteronomy 25:4

Modern

Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain.

Traditional

Thou shalt not muzzle the ox when he treadeth out the corn.

Literal

You shall not muzzle an ox in its threshing.

Latin

Non ligabis os bovis terentis in area fruges tuas.

Hebrew

English

Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain.

Do not muzzle an ox: The animal had to be able to eat the grain as it worked (compare 1 Corinthians 9:9–14; 1 Timothy 5:17–18).

Theme notes and profiles

1 Timothy 5:17–18
Elders who lead effectively are worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching.
1 Corinthians 9:9–10
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?
Proverbs 12:10
A righteous man regards the life of his animal, but the tender mercies of the wicked are only cruelty.
Hosea 10:11
Ephraim is a well-trained heifer that loves to thresh; but I will place a yoke on her fair neck. I will harness Ephraim, Judah will plow, and Jacob will break the hard ground.
Isaiah 28:27
Surely caraway is not threshed with a sledge, and the wheel of a cart is not rolled over the cumin. But caraway is beaten out with a stick, and cumin with a rod.