Deuteronomy 25:4

Arabic 2018 (الترجمة الكاثوليكيّة (اليسوعيّة))

لا تَكعَمِ الثَّورَ وهو يَدرُسُ الحُبوب.

What Does This Mean?

This verse says not to stop an ox from eating while it's working to separate grain from the husks. God is speaking through Moses, and the key message is about fairness and allowing animals to benefit from their labor.

Explained for Children

Imagine you're helping your friend clean up their room, and they don't let you play with any of your toys. That wouldn't be fair, right? This verse is like that but for oxen. It says that when an ox is working to get the corn, it should be allowed to eat some too.

Historical Background

Moses wrote this verse as part of the laws given to the Israelites before they entered the Promised Land. It was around 1400-1200 BCE. The audience was primarily farmers and herders who had to care for their animals while also managing their crops.

Living It Out Today

In a modern context, think about a worker at a food processing plant. Just like the ox should be allowed to eat some of the grain it's processing, the workers should be fairly compensated for their labor and given breaks to eat and rest.

Topics

• fairness
• animal welfare
• work ethics
• justice
• compassion
• provision

Related Verses

• 1 Corinthians 9:9
• 1 Timothy 5:18
• Proverbs 12:10
• Exodus 23:12
• Deuteronomy 24:15

Frequently Asked Questions

What does 'treadeth out the corn' mean?

This phrase means the ox is walking on the grain to separate the edible part from the husk, a common method of processing grain in ancient times.

Why is this verse significant in the Bible?

It shows God's concern for the well-being of animals, emphasizing fairness and the right treatment of all creatures, including those used for labor.

How is this verse applied in modern times?

The principle of this verse can be applied to labor laws and worker's rights, ensuring fair treatment and compensation for those who work hard.

Are there other verses like this in the Bible?

Yes, there are several verses that emphasize the fair treatment of animals and workers, such as 1 Corinthians 9:9 and Proverbs 12:10.