Exodus 34:21
Six days thou shalt work, but on the seventh day thou shalt rest: in earing time and in harvest thou shalt rest.
Original Language Analysis
שֵׁ֤שֶׁת
Six
H8337
שֵׁ֤שֶׁת
Six
Strong's:
H8337
Word #:
1 of 9
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 9
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
תַּֽעֲבֹ֔ד
thou shalt work
H5647
תַּֽעֲבֹ֔ד
thou shalt work
Strong's:
H5647
Word #:
3 of 9
to work (in any sense); by implication, to serve, till, (causatively) enslave, etc
וּבַיּ֥וֹם
day
H3117
וּבַיּ֥וֹם
day
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
4 of 9
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
תִּשְׁבֹּֽת׃
thou shalt rest
H7673
תִּשְׁבֹּֽת׃
thou shalt rest
Strong's:
H7673
Word #:
6 of 9
to repose, i.e., desist from exertion; used in many implied relations (causative, figurative or specific)
Cross References
Exodus 23:12Six 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.Exodus 35:2Six days shall work be done, but on the seventh day there shall be to you an holy day, a sabbath of rest to the LORD: whosoever doeth work therein shall be put to death.Deuteronomy 21:4And the elders of that city shall bring down the heifer unto a rough valley, which is neither eared nor sown, and shall strike off the heifer's neck there in the valley: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.1 Samuel 8:12And he will appoint him captains over thousands, and captains over fifties; and will set them to ear his ground, and to reap his harvest, and to make his instruments of war, and instruments of his chariots.
Historical Context
Plowing (for planting) and harvest were the most labor-intensive and time-critical periods in agricultural life. Missing a day during these seasons could affect annual food supply, making this command a profound test of faith.
Questions for Reflection
- What work or productivity pressures tempt you to neglect rest and worship?
- How does Sabbath observance demonstrate trust in God's provision rather than your own effort?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Even during crucial agricultural seasons (plowing and harvest), the Sabbath must be observed. The Sabbath principle transcends economic concerns—trust in God's provision overrides anxiety about productivity. This command confronts the idolatry of work and the fear of loss, calling Israel to rest in God's sovereignty. The Sabbath anticipates eternal rest in Christ (Heb 4:9-11).