Exodus 23:12

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis

שֵׁ֤שֶׁת

H8337

Six

six (as an overplus beyond five or the fingers of the hand); as ordinal, sixth

וּבַיּ֥וֹם

H3117

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

תַּֽעֲשֶׂ֣ה

H6213

thou shalt do

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

מַֽעֲשֶׂ֔יךָ

H4639

thy work

an action (good or bad); generally, a transaction; abstractly, activity; by implication, a product (specifically, a poem) or (generally) property

וּבַיּ֥וֹם

H3117

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

הַשְּׁבִיעִ֖י

H7637

and on the seventh

seventh

תִּשְׁבֹּ֑ת

H7673

thou shalt rest

to repose, i.e., desist from exertion; used in many implied relations (causative, figurative or specific)

לְמַ֣עַן

H4616

properly, heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that

יָנ֗וּחַ

H5117

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

#10

שֽׁוֹרְךָ֙

H7794

that thine ox

a bullock (as a traveller)

#11

וַֽחֲמֹרֶ֔ךָ

H2543

and thine ass

a male ass (from its dun red)

#12

וְיִנָּפֵ֥שׁ

H5314

may be refreshed

to breathe; passively, to be breathed upon , i.e., (figuratively) refreshed (as if by a current of air)

#13

בֶּן

H1121

and the 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

#14

אֲמָֽתְךָ֖

H519

of thy handmaid

a maid-servant or female slave

#15

וְהַגֵּֽר׃

H1616

and the stranger

properly, a guest; by implication, a foreigner

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Exodus. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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 Exodus Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?

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