Deuteronomy 5:13
Six days thou shalt labour, and do all thy work:
Original Language Analysis
שֵׁ֤֣שֶׁת
Six
H8337
שֵׁ֤֣שֶׁת
Six
Strong's:
H8337
Word #:
1 of 6
six (as an overplus beyond five or the fingers of the hand); as ordinal, sixth
יָמִ֣ים֙
days
H3117
יָמִ֣ים֙
days
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
2 of 6
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
תַּֽעֲבֹ֔ד֮
thou shalt labour
H5647
תַּֽעֲבֹ֔ד֮
thou shalt labour
Strong's:
H5647
Word #:
3 of 6
to work (in any sense); by implication, to serve, till, (causatively) enslave, etc
וְעָשִׂ֖֣יתָ
and do
H6213
וְעָשִׂ֖֣יתָ
and do
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
4 of 6
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
Historical Context
Israel's agrarian economy required intensive labor: plowing, planting, harvesting, herding, building, and household management. The six-day pattern distinguished Israel from surrounding cultures with various work calendars. This rhythm sustained Israel economically while preserving weekly worship and rest. The Sabbath command protected workers from exploitation—even slaves and animals must rest. This humane labor law demonstrated covenant care for all creation.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this command establish both work and rest as divine ordinances, opposing both idleness and workaholism?
- In what ways can you view your weekly labor as sacred vocation, serving God and neighbor rather than merely earning income?
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Analysis & Commentary
The command 'Six days thou shalt labour, and do all thy work' establishes work as divine ordinance and human duty. God commands labor, not merely permits it. The six-day work week reflects creation order where God worked six days before resting. Work is not curse but calling, means of glorifying God and serving neighbor. The phrase 'all thy work' indicates thorough completion of weekly responsibilities, enabling genuine rest on the seventh day. This verse opposes both workaholism (violating Sabbath rest) and laziness (refusing diligent labor). The Reformed work ethic sees all legitimate labor as sacred vocation.