International Standard Bible Encyclopedia: Muzzle

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International Standard Bible Encyclopedia: Muzzle


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muz´'l (חסם, ḥāṣam; φιμόω, phimóō): According to the Deuteronomic injunction , 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 ). The Deuteronomic injunction is quite in accordance with the humane spirit which inspires it all through. Paul quotes this law in two places ; to illustrate his view that the “laborer is worthy of his hire.”