1 Corinthians 9:9

King James Version (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?

Adam Clarke
Bible Commentary

Thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox - See this largely explained in the note on Deuteronomy 25:4; (note).

Doth God take care for oxen? - This question is to be understood thus: Is it likely that God should be solicitous for the comfort of oxen, and be regardless of the welfare of man? In this Divine precept the kindness and providential care of God are very forcibly pointed out. He takes care of oxen; he wills them all that happiness of which their nature is susceptible; and can we suppose that he is unwilling that the human soul shall have that happiness which is suited to its spiritual and eternal nature? He could not reprobate an ox, because the Lord careth for oxen; and surely he cannot reprobate a man. It may be said the man has sinned but the ox cannot. I answer: The decree of reprobation is supposed to be from all eternity; and certainly a man can no more sin before he exists, than an ox can when he exists.

Was this helpful?

Albert Barnes
Notes on the Whole Bible

For it is written - Deuteronomy 25:4.

In the law of Moses - See the note at Luke 24:44.

Thou shalt not muzzle the mouth … - To muzzle means, “to bind the mouth; to fasten the mouth to prevent eating or biting” - Webster. This was done either by passing straps around the mouth, or by placing, as is now sometimes done, a small “basket” over the mouth, fastened by straps to the horns of the animal, so as to prevent its eating, but not to impede its breathing freely. This was an instance of the humanity of the laws of Moses. The idea is, that the ox should not be prevented from eating when it was in the midst of food; and that as it labored for its owner, it was entitled to support; and there was a propriety that it should be permitted to partake of the grain which it was threshing.

That treadeth … - This was one of the common modes of threshing in the east, as it is with us; see the note and illustration on Matthew 3:12.

The corn - The “grain,” of any kind; wheat, rye, barley, etc. Maize, to which we apply the word “corn,” was then unknown; see the note at Matthew 12:1.

Doth God take care for oxen? - Doth God take care for oxen only? Or is not this rather “a principle” which shows God‘s care for all that labor, and the humanity and equity of his laws? And if he is so solicitous about the welfare of brutes as to frame an express law in their behalf, is it not to be presumed that the same “principle” of humanity and equity will run through all his dealings and requirements? The apostle does not mean to deny that God does take care for oxen, for the very law was proof that he did; but he means to ask whether it is to be supposed that God would regard the comfort of oxen and not of people also? Whether we are not to suppose that the same principle would apply also to those who labor in the service of God? He uses this passage, therefore, not as originally having reference to people, or to ministers of the gospel, which cannot be; but as establishing a general “principle” in regard to the equity and humanity of the divine laws; and as thus showing that the spirit of the law of God would lead to the conclusion that God intended that the laborer everywhere should have a competent support.

Was this helpful?

Matthew Henry
Concise Bible Commentary

It is not new for a minister to meet with unkind returns for good-will to a people, and diligent and successful services among them. To the cavils of some, the apostle answers, so as to set forth himself as an example of self-denial, for the good of others. He had a right to marry as well as other apostles, and to claim what was needful for his wife, and his children if he had any, from the churches, without labouring with his own hands to get it. Those who seek to do our souls good, should have food provided for them. But he renounced his right, rather than hinder his success by claiming it. It is the people's duty to maintain their minister. He may wave his right, as Paul did; but those transgress a precept of Christ, who deny or withhold due support.

Was this helpful?

SDA Bible Commentary (limited)
Volume 1-7

9. Law of Moses. For a definition of this law see on Luke 2:22; 24:44; Acts 15:5.

Testament. Gr. diath?k?, “a covenant,” “an agreement,” “an arrangement.” Here diath?k? refers to the agreement God has made with man, whereby, on account of the reconciliation effected by means of the sacrificial death of Christ, God would give everlasting life to all who believe in Christ (see John 3:16, 36; 5:24; 1 John 5:12). That this arrangement for the salvation of man was in effect before Jesus came to the earth is clearly evident, for Abraham, among others, was saved by faith in the promised Redeemer (Rom. 4:3, 16-22; Heb. 11:39, 40). How then could this be called a new covenant? It was not “new” in point of time, but in point of the time of its ratification by the blood of Christ. For the relationship between the old and the new covenant see on Eze. 16:60.

Muzzle. The quotation is from Deut. 25:4. This binding of the mouth of the ox was done either by passing straps around the mouth or by placing a small basket over the mouth, fastened by straps to the animal’s horns, so that the ox could breathe without difficulty but could not eat. The law permitting the oxen to eat the grain as they walked round and round over it in order to thresh it showed God’s consideration for domestic animals. It is generally regarded as a humane provision for working animals, but this verse suggests that there is a deeper meaning than mere kindness to animals.

In my blood. It was customary in OT times to ratify, or seal, agreements made between two parties by the slaying of an animal. In some instances the animal was cut in pieces and the parties to the covenant walked between the divided animal, thus signifying their vow of faithfulness to the terms of the covenant (Gen. 15:9-18; Jer. 34:18, 19). The old covenant between God and Israel was confirmed by the blood of animals (Ex. 24:3-8). The new covenant between God and man, based entirely on God’s promises, was ratified by the blood of Jesus (see Heb. 10:12, 14, 16, 20; PP 371). The sinner who repents and accepts the divine plan for his redemption thereby enters into the new covenant. And he testifies to his grateful acceptance of this plan by drinking the communion wine, which speaks of the blood of Christ that ratified the covenant.

Doth God. The form in which this question is expressed in the Greek calls for a negative answer. However, we must not conclude from this that Paul disallowed a literal interpretation of the verse. God does care for the oxen. Paul is emphasizing the fact that this humanitarian regulation that permitted the ox to eat of the grain that he was threshing contains a principle that has a universal application. Those who work have the right to be supported by the fruits of their toil (1 Cor. 9:7; 2 Thess. 3:10). This wise and just arrangement has been greatly perverted by man under the control of Satan. Millions of laborers have not received adequate compensation for their work. Their fair share of the fruits of their own efforts has not been given to them. God is aware of this gross injustice and has assured His faithful people that in His kingdom of eternal glory all will enjoy the fruits of their labor (see Isa. 65:21, 22).

As oft. The time and frequency for the observance of the Passover had been definitely prescribed by God (Ex. 12:1-20), but not so for the Lord’s Supper. The frequency of its celebration is left to the choice of the believers. It is natural to think that those who love the Lord, and are conscious of their great need of Him at all times, will be glad to partake in the ordinance often.

Was this helpful?

SDA Bible Commentary (limited)
Volume 1-7

9. Law of Moses. For a definition of this law see on Luke 2:22; 24:44; Acts 15:5.

Testament. Gr. diathÃ„â€œkÃ„â€œ, “a covenant,” “an agreement,” “an arrangement.” Here diathÃ„â€œkÃ„â€œ refers to the agreement God has made with man, whereby, on account of the reconciliation effected by means of the sacrificial death of Christ, God would give everlasting life to all who believe in Christ (see John 3:16, 36; 5:24; 1 John 5:12). That this arrangement for the salvation of man was in effect before Jesus came to the earth is clearly evident, for Abraham, among others, was saved by faith in the promised Redeemer (Rom. 4:3, 16-22; Heb. 11:39, 40). How then could this be called a new covenant? It was not “new” in point of time, but in point of the time of its ratification by the blood of Christ. For the relationship between the old and the new covenant see on Eze. 16:60.

Was this helpful?

Ellen G. White
The Acts of the Apostles, 335-6

In his first letter to the church at Corinth, Paul gave the believers instruction regarding the general principles underlying the support of God's work in the earth. Writing of his apostolic labors in their behalf, he inquired: AA 335.1

“Who goeth a warfare any time at his own charges? who planteth a vineyard, and eateth not of the fruit thereof? or who feedeth a flock, and eateth not of the milk of the flock? Say I these things as a man? or saith not the law the same also? 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? or saith He it altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, this is written: that he that ploweth should plow in hope; and that he that thresheth in hope should be partaker of his hope. AA 335.2

Read in context »

Was this helpful?

Ellen G. White
Gospel Workers 1915, 450

God's chosen missionary can have no settled abode, but must take his family from place to place, often from country to country. The character of his work makes this necessary. But this frequent moving places him under heavy expense. Then, too, in order to exert a good influence, his wife and children, and he himself, must set a fitting example of neat and becoming dress. Their personal appearance, their living quarters, their surroundings,—all must tell in favor of the truth they advocate. They must always appear cheerful and fresh, that they may bring sunshine to those who need help. They are often obliged to entertain their brethren, and while they find this a pleasure, it is also an additional expense. GW 450.1

It is a terrible injustice for an auditing committee to disappoint a worthy minister who is in need of every cent that he has been led to expect. The Lord declares, “I the Lord love judgment, I hate robbery for burnt-offering.” [Isaiah 61:8.] He would have His people reveal a liberal spirit in all their dealings with their fellows. The principle underlying His command to ancient Israel, “Thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treadeth out the corn,” [1 Corinthians 9:9; See Deuteronomy 25:4.] is a principle that should never be set aside by any who have to do with the remuneration of those who have given themselves to advance God's cause in the world, and who spend their strength in lifting the minds of men from the contemplation of earthly things to the heavenly. God loves these workers, and He would have men respect their rights. GW 450.2

Read in context »

Was this helpful?

A PHP Error was encountered

A PHP Error was encountered

A PHP Error was encountered

A PHP Error was encountered

A PHP Error was encountered

A PHP Error was encountered

A PHP Error was encountered

A PHP Error was encountered

A PHP Error was encountered

A PHP Error was encountered

A PHP Error was encountered

A PHP Error was encountered

A PHP Error was encountered

A PHP Error was encountered

A PHP Error was encountered

A PHP Error was encountered

A PHP Error was encountered

A PHP Error was encountered

A PHP Error was encountered

A PHP Error was encountered

A PHP Error was encountered

A PHP Error was encountered

A PHP Error was encountered

A PHP Error was encountered

A PHP Error was encountered

A PHP Error was encountered

A PHP Error was encountered

A PHP Error was encountered

A PHP Error was encountered

A PHP Error was encountered

A PHP Error was encountered

A PHP Error was encountered

A PHP Error was encountered

A PHP Error was encountered

A PHP Error was encountered

A PHP Error was encountered

A PHP Error was encountered

A PHP Error was encountered

A PHP Error was encountered

A PHP Error was encountered

A PHP Error was encountered

A PHP Error was encountered

A PHP Error was encountered

A PHP Error was encountered

A PHP Error was encountered

A PHP Error was encountered

A PHP Error was encountered

A PHP Error was encountered

A PHP Error was encountered

A PHP Error was encountered

A PHP Error was encountered

A PHP Error was encountered

A PHP Error was encountered

A PHP Error was encountered

A PHP Error was encountered

A PHP Error was encountered

A PHP Error was encountered

A PHP Error was encountered

A PHP Error was encountered

A PHP Error was encountered

A PHP Error was encountered

A PHP Error was encountered

A PHP Error was encountered

A PHP Error was encountered

A PHP Error was encountered

A PHP Error was encountered

A PHP Error was encountered

A PHP Error was encountered

A PHP Error was encountered

A PHP Error was encountered

A PHP Error was encountered

A PHP Error was encountered

A PHP Error was encountered

A PHP Error was encountered

A PHP Error was encountered

A PHP Error was encountered

A PHP Error was encountered

A PHP Error was encountered

A PHP Error was encountered

A PHP Error was encountered