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:
EXODUS 20:10KJVWhat does Exodus 20:10 mean?
Exodus 20:10 commands that the seventh day is a sabbath day dedicated to the LORD God, during which no one in the household or community—including children, servants, animals, or foreigners living among them—is to do any work. This verse sets apart the seventh day as a day of complete rest for everyone within the community’s gates.
In this verse, God is speaking to the Israelites at Mount Sinai, giving them the Ten Commandments through Moses. The commandment is not just for individuals but extends to every person and even animals within the household or community. The instruction emphasizes that rest on the sabbath is meant to be universal, not just for the head of the household, but for all under their care or within their influence.
The Hebrew behind Exodus 20:10
- שַּׁבָּת (shabbat): This word means "rest" or "ceasing." It highlights that the day is set apart specifically for stopping regular work, not just for worship but for actual rest from labor.
- מְלָאכָה (melakhah): Translated as "work," this word often refers to occupational or productive labor. The command is not about avoiding all activity, but specifically the kind of work done for livelihood or daily tasks.
- גֵּר (ger): This word means "stranger" or "sojourner," referring to non-Israelites living among the Israelites. The inclusion of the "stranger" shows that the commandment was intended to protect and benefit everyone in the community, not just Israelites.
- שַּׁעַר (sha'ar): Translated as "gates," this word refers to the entrance to a town or household. Mentioning those "within your gates" expands the command to everyone residing under the authority or protection of an Israelite household or community.
Why Exodus 20:10 matters
- Exodus 20:10 clarifies that the sabbath command is not just a personal practice but a communal one, ensuring rest for all, including the most vulnerable and even animals.
- The verse emphasizes equality and compassion, showing that rest and refreshment are not privileges for a few but rights for all within the community, regardless of status or origin.
- By including "strangers" and "cattle," Exodus 20:10 connects the sabbath command to broader themes of justice and mercy found throughout the law, highlighting God’s concern for the well-being of every living being.