Exodus 31:14
Ye shall keep the sabbath therefore; for it is holy unto you: every one that defileth it shall surely be put to death: for whosoever doeth any work therein, that soul shall be cut off from among his people.
Original Language Analysis
וּשְׁמַרְתֶּם֙
Ye shall keep
H8104
וּשְׁמַרְתֶּם֙
Ye shall keep
Strong's:
H8104
Word #:
1 of 20
properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
2 of 20
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַשַּׁבָּ֔ת
the sabbath
H7676
הַשַּׁבָּ֔ת
the sabbath
Strong's:
H7676
Word #:
3 of 20
intermission, i.e (specifically) the sabbath
כִּ֛י
H3588
כִּ֛י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
4 of 20
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
קֹ֥דֶשׁ
therefore for it is holy
H6944
קֹ֥דֶשׁ
therefore for it is holy
Strong's:
H6944
Word #:
5 of 20
a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity
הִ֖וא
H1931
הִ֖וא
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
6 of 20
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
מְחַֽלְלֶ֙יהָ֙
unto you every one that defileth
H2490
מְחַֽלְלֶ֙יהָ֙
unto you every one that defileth
Strong's:
H2490
Word #:
8 of 20
properly, to bore, i.e., (by implication) to wound, to dissolve; figuratively, to profane (a person, place or thing), to break (one's word), to begin
יוּמָ֔ת
be put to death
H4191
יוּמָ֔ת
be put to death
Strong's:
H4191
Word #:
9 of 20
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill
יוּמָ֔ת
be put to death
H4191
יוּמָ֔ת
be put to death
Strong's:
H4191
Word #:
10 of 20
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill
כִּ֗י
H3588
כִּ֗י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
11 of 20
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
12 of 20
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
הָֽעֹשֶׂ֥ה
for whosoever doeth
H6213
הָֽעֹשֶׂ֥ה
for whosoever doeth
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
13 of 20
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
מְלָאכָ֔ה
any work
H4399
מְלָאכָ֔ה
any work
Strong's:
H4399
Word #:
15 of 20
properly, deputyship, i.e., ministry; generally, employment (never servile) or work (abstractly or concretely); also property (as the result of labor)
וְנִכְרְתָ֛ה
shall be cut off
H3772
וְנִכְרְתָ֛ה
shall be cut off
Strong's:
H3772
Word #:
16 of 20
to cut (off, down or asunder); by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to covenant (i.e., make an alliance or bargain, originally by cutt
הַנֶּ֥פֶשׁ
therein that soul
H5315
הַנֶּ֥פֶשׁ
therein that soul
Strong's:
H5315
Word #:
17 of 20
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
הַהִ֖וא
H1931
הַהִ֖וא
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
18 of 20
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
Historical Context
The Sabbath command's placement after tabernacle instructions (before construction began) emphasized that even sacred work must pause for sacred rest. God's people rest in His timing, not working constantly even for holy purposes.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Sabbath rest prefigure ceasing from self-effort and resting in Christ's finished work?
- What does the severity of Sabbath violation teach about rejecting God's rest?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The Sabbath is a sign between God and Israel forever, reminding them that the LORD sanctifies them. Sabbath-keeping testified to creation (God rested on the seventh day) and sanctification (God sets apart His people). Sabbath rest prefigures the spiritual rest believers find in Christ—ceasing from self-effort, trusting His finished work (Hebrews 4:9-10). Violating the Sabbath incurred death, showing that rejecting God's rest is spiritual death.