Jump to: ATS • ISBE • Easton's • Webster's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Greek • Hebrew • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia In biblical terms, the concept of a "muzzle" is primarily associated with the treatment of animals, particularly in the context of agricultural practices. The term is most notably referenced in the context of the Mosaic Law, where it serves as a metaphor for fairness and justice in labor relations.Old Testament References The primary Old Testament reference to a muzzle is found in Deuteronomy 25:4: "Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain." . This commandment is part of the Deuteronomic law, which provides guidelines for ethical behavior and justice. The instruction not to muzzle an ox while it is working reflects a broader principle of allowing laborers to benefit from their work. In ancient agricultural practices, oxen were used to thresh grain by walking over it, and muzzling them would prevent them from eating any of the grain they were helping to process. This law underscores the importance of kindness and fairness, even towards animals, and by extension, towards human workers. New Testament Application The Apostle Paul references this Old Testament law in the New Testament, applying its principle to human laborers, particularly those who work in ministry. In 1 Corinthians 9:9-10, Paul writes: "For it is written in the Law of Moses: 'Do not muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain.' Is it about oxen that God is concerned? Isn’t He actually speaking on our behalf? Yes, this was written for us, because whoever plows and threshes should also expect to share in the harvest." . Paul uses this law to argue that those who preach the gospel should receive material support from those they serve, emphasizing the principle that workers deserve to benefit from their labor. Similarly, in 1 Timothy 5:18, Paul reiterates this principle: "For the Scripture says, 'Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain,' and, 'The worker is worthy of his wages.'" . Here, Paul combines the Old Testament law with a saying of Jesus, reinforcing the idea that fair compensation is a biblical mandate. Theological Implications The use of the muzzle metaphor in both the Old and New Testaments highlights a consistent biblical theme of justice and fairness. It reflects God's concern for the well-being of all His creation, including animals, and extends this concern to human relationships and labor practices. The principle derived from the command not to muzzle an ox serves as a foundation for ethical treatment in various aspects of life, advocating for the dignity and rights of workers. Cultural and Historical Context In the ancient Near Eastern context, where agriculture was a primary means of sustenance, the treatment of working animals was a significant concern. The law in Deuteronomy reflects a broader cultural understanding of the need to care for animals, which were essential to the livelihood of the people. By ensuring that animals were not muzzled, the law promoted a humane approach to labor that recognized the mutual dependence between humans and animals. Overall, the biblical references to muzzling provide insight into God's character as just and compassionate, and they offer timeless principles for ethical conduct in both personal and communal life. ATS Bible Dictionary MuzzleSee THRESHING. Easton's Bible Dictionary Grain in the East is usually thrashed by the sheaves being spread out on a floor, over which oxen and cattle are driven to and fro, till the grain is trodden out. Moses ordained that the ox was not to be muzzled while thrashing. It was to be allowed to eat both the grain and the straw (Deuteronomy 25:4). (see AGRICULTURE.) Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) The projecting mouth and nose of a quadruped, as of a horse; a snout.2. (n.) The mouth of a thing; the end for entrance or discharge; as, the muzzle of a gun. 3. (n.) A fastening or covering (as a band or cage) for the mouth of an animal, to prevent eating or vicious biting. 4. (v. t.) To bind the mouth of; to fasten the mouth of, so as to prevent biting or eating; hence, figuratively, to bind; to sheathe; to restrain from speech or action. 5. (v. t.) To fondle with the closed mouth. 6. (v. i.) To bring the mouth or muzzle near. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia MUZZLEmuz'l (chacam; phimoo) According to the Deuteronomic injunction (Deuteronomy 25:4), the ox was not to be muzzled while treading the grain, i.e. threshing. The muzzle was a guard placed on the mouth of the oxen to prevent them from biting or eating. The threshing ox would have ample opportunity of feeding (compare Hosea 10:11). The Deuteronomic injunction is quite in accordance with the humane spirit which inspires it all through. Paul quotes this law in two places (1 Corinthians 9:9 1 Timothy 5:18) to illustrate his view that the "laborer is worthy of his hire." Greek 5392. phimoo -- to muzzle, to put to silence ... to muzzle, to put to silence. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: phimoo Phonetic Spelling: (fee-mo'-o) Short Definition: I muzzle, silence Definition: I ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5392.htm - 6k 2778a. kemoo -- to muzzle 2778. kensos -- to muzzle 1993. epistomizo -- to stop the mouth Strong's Hebrew 2629. chasam -- to stop up, muzzle... 2628, 2629. chasam. 2630 . to stop up, muzzle. Transliteration: chasam Phonetic Spelling: (khaw-sam') Short Definition: off. Word Origin a prim. ... muzzle, stop ... /hebrew/2629.htm - 5k 4269. machsom -- a muzzle 1102. balam -- to curb, hold in Library With Freedom is Thy Struggle, O Evil One: it Can Cast on Thee a ... 1 Timothy v. 15-Nov On the Management of the Resources Collected for the Support of ... What to do with the Devil The God of the Law and the Prophets, and the Father of Our Lord ... Gratitude for Deliverance from the Grave The Lawful and Unlawful Use of Law. Chapter twenty-seven Of the Power of Prayer. A Liberal Church Thesaurus Muzzle (4 Occurrences)... 2. (n.) The mouth of a thing; the end for entrance or discharge; as, the muzzle of a gun. ... 6. (vi) To bring the mouth or muzzle near. Int. ... /m/muzzle.htm - 9k Treads (19 Occurrences) Treadeth (25 Occurrences) Treading (26 Occurrences) Bridle (12 Occurrences) Threshing (57 Occurrences) Bit (46 Occurrences) Sight (522 Occurrences) Corn (107 Occurrences) Ox (197 Occurrences) Resources Is the original Bible still in existence? | GotQuestions.orgShould pastors be paid a salary? | GotQuestions.org What is a church supposed to do with the offerings it receives? | GotQuestions.org Muzzle: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Muzzle (4 Occurrences)1 Corinthians 9:9 1 Timothy 5:18 Deuteronomy 25:4 Psalms 39:1 Subtopics Related Terms |
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