Exodus 23:12
Six days thou shalt do thy work, and on the seventh day thou shalt rest: that thine ox and thine ass may rest, and the son of thy handmaid, and the stranger, may be refreshed.
Original Language Analysis
שֵׁ֤שֶׁת
Six
H8337
שֵׁ֤שֶׁת
Six
Strong's:
H8337
Word #:
1 of 15
six (as an overplus beyond five or the fingers of the hand); as ordinal, sixth
וּבַיּ֥וֹם
day
H3117
וּבַיּ֥וֹם
day
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
2 of 15
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
תַּֽעֲשֶׂ֣ה
thou shalt do
H6213
תַּֽעֲשֶׂ֣ה
thou shalt do
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
3 of 15
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
מַֽעֲשֶׂ֔יךָ
thy work
H4639
מַֽעֲשֶׂ֔יךָ
thy work
Strong's:
H4639
Word #:
4 of 15
an action (good or bad); generally, a transaction; abstractly, activity; by implication, a product (specifically, a poem) or (generally) property
וּבַיּ֥וֹם
day
H3117
וּבַיּ֥וֹם
day
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
5 of 15
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
תִּשְׁבֹּ֑ת
thou shalt rest
H7673
תִּשְׁבֹּ֑ת
thou shalt rest
Strong's:
H7673
Word #:
7 of 15
to repose, i.e., desist from exertion; used in many implied relations (causative, figurative or specific)
לְמַ֣עַן
H4616
לְמַ֣עַן
Strong's:
H4616
Word #:
8 of 15
properly, heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that
יָנ֗וּחַ
may rest
H5117
יָנ֗וּחַ
may rest
Strong's:
H5117
Word #:
9 of 15
to rest, i.e., settle down; used in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, intransitive, transitive and causative (to dwell, stay, l
וְיִנָּפֵ֥שׁ
may be refreshed
H5314
וְיִנָּפֵ֥שׁ
may be refreshed
Strong's:
H5314
Word #:
12 of 15
to breathe; passively, to be breathed upon , i.e., (figuratively) refreshed (as if by a current of air)
בֶּן
and the son
H1121
בֶּן
and the son
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
13 of 15
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
Cross References
Luke 13:14And the ruler of the synagogue answered with indignation, because that Jesus had healed on the sabbath day, and said unto the people, There are six days in which men ought to work: in them therefore come and be healed, and not on the sabbath day.Exodus 35:3Ye shall kindle no fire throughout your habitations upon the sabbath day.
Historical Context
Sabbath observance distinguished Israel from all ancient Near Eastern cultures. No other society practiced mandatory weekly rest from labor. The Sabbath testified to Creator who rests and grants rest.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this law reveal God's character—His justice, mercy, or holiness?
- What New Testament principles build upon or fulfill this Old Testament regulation?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Six days thou shalt do thy work, and on the seventh day thou shalt rest: that thine ox and thine ass may rest, and the son of thy handmaid, and the stranger, may be refreshed.
Sabbath principle extends beyond weekly rest to include land (Sabbath Year) and economic relationships. The Hebrew שַׁבָּת (shabbat, 'cease/rest') reflects God's creation pattern—work six, rest seventh. Sabbath is gift, not burden: protecting workers from exploitation, land from exhaustion, and community from greed. Jesus declares Himself 'Lord of the Sabbath' (Mark 2:28)—He fulfills and interprets Sabbath's meaning. Christians rest in Christ's finished work, not just one day weekly but continually.