Six days may work be done; but in the seventh is the sabbath of rest, holy to the LORD: whosoever doeth any work in the sabbath day, he shall surely be put to death.

EXODUS 31:15KJV
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Exodus 31:15 (KJV)

What does Exodus 31:15 mean?

Exodus 31:15 says that work is allowed for six days, but the seventh day is a special day of rest called the Sabbath, set apart as holy for the LORD. Anyone who does work on the Sabbath is to be put to death, showing how seriously this command was taken for Israel.

In this verse, God is speaking to Moses on Mount Sinai, giving instructions for the people of Israel about how to keep the Sabbath. The command highlights the Sabbath as a day completely dedicated to God (the LORD), different from the other six days. The warning of death for working on the Sabbath shows the importance of obedience and the seriousness of keeping this covenant sign.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 31:15

  • "Sabbath" (שַׁבָּת, shabbat) means "rest" or "ceasing." Here, it is not just a day off but a day set apart for God, emphasizing stopping regular work to honor Him.
  • "Holy" (קֹדֶשׁ, qodesh) means "set apart" or "sacred." The Sabbath is not just a rest day but is specially dedicated to the LORD, making it different from ordinary days.
  • "Work" (מְלָאכָה, melakhah) refers to regular labor or occupational tasks. The word points to the kind of work people did for a living, not just any activity.
  • "Surely...death" (מוֹת יוּמָת, mot yumat) is a strong phrase meaning "must certainly be put to death," showing the seriousness of breaking this command in Israel's law.

Why Exodus 31:15 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the Sabbath was not just a suggestion but a central part of Israel's relationship with God, marked by a very serious penalty for breaking it.
  • The language shows that the Sabbath was meant to be a complete stop from ordinary work, not just a lighter workload or a partial rest.
  • In the wider context, this command comes as part of the instructions for building the tabernacle, reminding Israel that even important religious work did not override the Sabbath rest.

Where else these words appear

“rest” Hebrew H7677 · used in 10 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 23:3 Six days shall work be done: but the seventh day is the sabbath of rest, an holy convocation; ye shall do no work therein: it is the sabbath of the LORD in all your dwellings.
  • Leviticus 23:39 Also in the fifteenth day of the seventh month, when ye have gathered in the fruit of the land, ye shall keep a feast unto the LORD seven days: on the first day shall be a sabbath, and on the eighth day shall be a sabbath.

“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.

“seventh” Hebrew H7637 · used in 94 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.
  • Leviticus 23:24 Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, In the seventh month, in the first day of the month, shall ye have a sabbath, a memorial of blowing of trumpets, an holy convocation.
  • 1 Kings 18:44 And it came to pass at the seventh time, that he said, Behold, there ariseth a little cloud out of the sea, like a man's hand. And he said, Go up, say unto Ahab, Prepare thy chariot, and get thee down, that the rain stop thee not.

“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.