Deuteronomy 5:14

Authorized King James Version

But the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, nor thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thine ox, nor thine ass, nor any of thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates; that thy manservant and thy maidservant may rest as well as thou.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְי֙וֹם֙
day
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
#2
הַשְּׁבִיעִ֜֔י
But the seventh
seventh
#3
שַׁבָּ֖֣ת׀
is the sabbath
intermission, i.e (specifically) the sabbath
#4
לַֽיהוָ֣ה
of the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#5
אֱלֹהֶ֑֗יךָ
thy God
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
#6
לֹ֣א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#7
תַֽעֲשֶׂ֣ה
in it thou shalt not do
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#8
כָל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#9
מְלָאכָ֡ה
any work
properly, deputyship, i.e., ministry; generally, employment (never servile) or work (abstractly or concretely); also property (as the result of labor)
#10
אַתָּ֣ה
thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you
#11
וּבִנְךָֽ
thou nor thy son
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#12
וּבִתֶּ֣ךָ
nor thy daughter
a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)
#13
עַבְדְּךָ֥
nor thy manservant
a servant
#14
וַאֲמָֽתְךָ֖
and thy maidservant
a maid-servant or female slave
#15
וְשֽׁוֹרְךָ֙
nor thine ox
a bullock (as a traveller)
#16
וַחֲמֹֽרְךָ֜
nor thine ass
a male ass (from its dun red)
#17
וְכָל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#18
בְּהֶמְתֶּ֗ךָ
nor any of thy cattle
properly, a dumb beast; especially any large quadruped or animal (often collective)
#19
וְגֵֽרְךָ֙
nor thy stranger
properly, a guest; by implication, a foreigner
#20
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#21
בִּשְׁעָרֶ֔יךָ
that is within thy gates
an opening, i.e., door or gate
#22
לְמַ֗עַן
properly, heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that
#23
יָנ֛וּחַ
may rest
to rest, i.e., settle down; used in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, intransitive, transitive and causative (to dwell, stay, l
#24
עַבְדְּךָ֥
nor thy manservant
a servant
#25
וַאֲמָֽתְךָ֖
and thy maidservant
a maid-servant or female slave
#26
כָּמֽ֑וֹךָ׃
as, thus, so

Analysis

Within the broader context of Deuteronomy, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Deuteronomy.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Deuteronomy Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

Study Resources