en_tn/1ti/05/18.md

For the scripture says

This is personification that means that this is what someone has written in the scriptures. AT: "For we read in the scriptures that" (See: rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification)

You shall not put a muzzle on an ox while it treads the grain

Paul is using this quotation as a metaphor meaning that church leaders deserve to receive payment from the Christian community for their work. (See: rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor)

muzzle

a sleeve that goes over an animal's snout and mouth to prevent it from eating while it is doing work (See: rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown)

treads the grain

And ox "treads the grain" when it walks on or pulls a heavy object over the cut grain to separate the grain from the stalks. The ox was allowed to eat some of the grain as they worked.

is worthy of

"deserves"