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.

EXODUS 31:14KJV
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Exodus 31:14 (KJV)

What does Exodus 31:14 mean?

Exodus 31:14 commands the Israelites to keep the Sabbath as something holy and set apart for them, warning that anyone who defiles it by working will face the death penalty or be cut off from the community. The verse stresses the seriousness of Sabbath observance as a central part of Israel’s covenant with God.

In this verse, God is speaking to Moses on Mount Sinai, giving instructions for the people of Israel as part of the larger law code. The command highlights that the Sabbath is not just a suggestion but a sacred obligation, with severe consequences for breaking it. The language underlines the Sabbath’s role as a sign of the special relationship between God and Israel.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 31:14

  • "Keep" (שָׁמַר, shamar) means to guard, watch, or observe carefully. This word emphasizes an active, attentive approach to the Sabbath, not just passive avoidance of work.
  • "Defileth" (חָלַל, chalal) means to profane or treat as ordinary. The idea is not just breaking a rule, but treating something meant to be holy (set apart) as common.
  • "Holy" (קָדוֹשׁ, qadosh) means something dedicated or set apart for God. The Sabbath is described as belonging to God and meant for a special purpose.
  • "Cut off" (כָּרַת, karat) is a strong term that often means being separated from the community, sometimes implying exile or even death. This shows the seriousness of the offense.

Why Exodus 31:14 matters

  • Exodus 31:14 clarifies that Sabbath observance was not optional or minor, but a core identity marker for Israel, with the highest level of seriousness attached.
  • The verse helps explain why later Jewish tradition and law treat Sabbath-keeping with such care and detail, rooted in the strong language of being "cut off" or facing death.
  • This command fits into a larger section where God is giving Moses the law, showing that the Sabbath is woven into the very fabric of Israel’s relationship with God, not just a practical rest day.

Where else these words appear

“sabbath” Hebrew H7676 · used in 89 verses

  • Exodus 16:23 And he said unto them, This is that which the LORD hath said, To morrow is the rest of the holy sabbath unto the LORD: bake that which ye will bake to day, and seethe that ye will seethe; and that which remaineth over lay up for you to be kept until the morning.
  • Leviticus 26:43 The land also shall be left of them, and shall enjoy her sabbaths, while she lieth desolate without them: and they shall accept of the punishment of their iniquity: because, even because they despised my judgments, and because their soul abhorred my statutes.
  • Nehemiah 13:22 And I commanded the Levites that they should cleanse themselves, and that they should come and keep the gates, to sanctify the sabbath day. Remember me, O my God, concerning this also, and spare me according to the greatness of thy mercy.

“defileth” Hebrew H2490 · used in 131 verses

  • Genesis 4:26 And to Seth, to him also there was born a son; and he called his name Enos: then began men to call upon the name of the LORD.
  • Judges 20:39 And when the men of Israel retired in the battle, Benjamin began to smite and kill of the men of Israel about thirty persons: for they said, Surely they are smitten down before us, as in the first battle.
  • Jeremiah 16:18 And first I will recompense their iniquity and their sin double; because they have defiled my land, they have filled mine inheritance with the carcases of their detestable and abominable things.

“work” Hebrew H4399 · used in 149 verses

  • Genesis 2:2 And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made.
  • Numbers 29:1 And in the seventh month, on the first day of the month, ye shall have an holy convocation; ye shall do no servile work: it is a day of blowing the trumpets unto you.
  • 2 Chronicles 24:13 So the workmen wrought, and the work was perfected by them, and they set the house of God in his state, and strengthened it.