Found a handful of times in the New Testament (Lk. 13:15; 14:5, 19; Jn. 2:14-15; 1 Cor. 9:9; 1 Tim. 5:18), the Greek noun “bous” meant “ox,” “bull,” or “cow.” This term can describe an animal of either gender, and in the Old Testament this word is often translated “cattle.”
Paul appealed to these animals to show how Christians who serve in capacities such as elders (1 Tim.
5:17) are deserving of pay (1 Tim. 5:18). When these creatures were used for sacrifices under the Law of Moses, only the best ones were offered to God (Lev. 3:1).