Bible Dictionary
Ox
The ox was a highly valued work animal used for plowing, threshing, hauling, sacrifice, and food. Israelite law required humane treatment, including allowing an ox to eat while threshing and rest on the Sabbath.
Biblical Usage
Scripture commands that an ox treading grain must not be muzzled and indicates that oxen, like their masters, were to receive Sabbath rest. Jesus referred to the accepted practice of rescuing an ox from a pit when reproving the Pharisees. Oxen also appear in sacrificial, agricultural, dietary, and proverbial contexts.
Scripture References