Exodus 20:10
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, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates:
Original Language Analysis
וְי֙וֹם֙
day
H3117
וְי֙וֹם֙
day
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
1 of 18
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
שַׁבָּ֖֣ת׀
is the sabbath
H7676
שַׁבָּ֖֣ת׀
is the sabbath
Strong's:
H7676
Word #:
3 of 18
intermission, i.e (specifically) the sabbath
לַֽיהוָ֣ה
of the LORD
H3068
לַֽיהוָ֣ה
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
4 of 18
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֱלֹהֶ֑֗יךָ
thy God
H430
אֱלֹהֶ֑֗יךָ
thy God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
5 of 18
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
לֹֽ֣א
H3808
לֹֽ֣א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
6 of 18
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
תַעֲשֶׂ֣֨ה
in it thou shalt not do
H6213
תַעֲשֶׂ֣֨ה
in it thou shalt not do
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
7 of 18
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
כָל
H3605
כָל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
8 of 18
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
מְלָאכָ֡֜ה
any work
H4399
מְלָאכָ֡֜ה
any work
Strong's:
H4399
Word #:
9 of 18
properly, deputyship, i.e., ministry; generally, employment (never servile) or work (abstractly or concretely); also property (as the result of labor)
וּבִנְךָֽ֣
thou nor thy son
H1121
וּבִנְךָֽ֣
thou nor thy son
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
11 of 18
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
וּ֠בִתֶּ֗ךָ
nor thy daughter
H1323
וּ֠בִתֶּ֗ךָ
nor thy daughter
Strong's:
H1323
Word #:
12 of 18
a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)
וּבְהֶמְתֶּ֔֗ךָ
nor thy cattle
H929
וּבְהֶמְתֶּ֔֗ךָ
nor thy cattle
Strong's:
H929
Word #:
15 of 18
properly, a dumb beast; especially any large quadruped or animal (often collective)
וְגֵֽרְךָ֖
nor thy stranger
H1616
וְגֵֽרְךָ֖
nor thy stranger
Strong's:
H1616
Word #:
16 of 18
properly, a guest; by implication, a foreigner
Cross References
Exodus 34:21Six days thou shalt work, but on the seventh day thou shalt rest: in earing time and in harvest thou shalt rest.Nehemiah 10:31And if the people of the land bring ware or any victuals on the sabbath day to sell, that we would not buy it of them on the sabbath, or on the holy day: and that we would leave the seventh year, and the exaction of every debt.Exodus 31:13Speak thou also unto the children of Israel, saying, Verily my sabbaths ye shall keep: for it is a sign between me and you throughout your generations; that ye may know that I am the LORD that doth sanctify you.Luke 23:56And they returned, and prepared spices and ointments; and rested the sabbath day according to the commandment.
Historical Context
The inclusion of servants, animals, and foreigners in Sabbath rest was revolutionary. Ancient economies depended on slaves' continuous labor; God's Sabbath challenged systemic exploitation.
Questions for Reflection
- What does the inclusion of servants and strangers in Sabbath rest teach about God's heart for the vulnerable?
- How might modern Christians practice Sabbath in ways that benefit others, not just themselves?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
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, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates:
The Sabbath belongs to YHWH ('sabbath of YHWH thy God')—it's His day, His gift. The comprehensive list (you, son, daughter, servants, animals, strangers) universalizes rest—no one is exempted, including slaves and foreigners. Ancient Near Eastern masters might rest while slaves worked; God prohibits this. The Sabbath is democratizing—servant and master equally cease labor. Even animals rest (humane treatment centuries before animal rights movements). 'Stranger within thy gates' (גֵּרְךָ אֲשֶׁר בִּשְׁעָרֶיךָ, gerka asher bish'arekha) includes resident aliens—God's mercy extends beyond covenant community. This models Christ's rest available to all.