Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary 1 Timothy 5:18

"For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox when he treadeth out the corn. And, The laborer is worthy of his hire." — 1 Timothy 5:18 (ASV)

This verse, as well as the preceding discussion of support for widows (vv.3– 16), suggests definitely that the “double honor” for elders was to be a financial remuneration. Quoting Dt 25:4 (cf. 1 Corinthians 9:9) and Lk 10:7, Paul makes the point that a worker should receive compensation. As usual, Paul quotes the OT as “Scripture.” But does the introductory formula, “For the Scripture says,” apply also to the second quotation? Scholars are divided on this question, but if it does, this is probably the earliest instance of the Lord’s words being quoted as Scripture.