1 Corinthians 9:9-10
What is written? (ESV)
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? Does he not speak entirely for our sake? It was written for our sake, because the plowman should plow in hope and the thresher thresh in hope of sharing in the crop.
What does it say?
When Moses writes in the Law, "You shall not muzzle an ox when it treads out the grain," he's not writing for the sake of the oxen but for ours entirely. The plowman plows and the thresher threshes in the hope and expectation of sharing in the crop.
What is its immediate context?
Paul is admonishing the Corinthians throughout 8:1-11:1 to temper their “rights” and freedoms in Christ for the sake of others’ consciences. His main point through these chapters is that they should “endure anything rather than put an obstacle in the way of the gospel of Christ” (vs 12). He wants them all to finish the “race” and win the “imperishable wreath” (vs 25).
