Six days thou shalt work, but on the seventh day thou shalt rest: in earing time and in harvest thou shalt rest.

EXODUS 34:21KJV
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Exodus 34:21 (KJV)

What does Exodus 34:21 mean?

Exodus 34:21 commands that people are to work for six days but must rest on the seventh day, even during the busiest times of planting and harvesting. This verse highlights that the Sabbath rest is to be kept without exception, no matter how urgent the work may seem.

In this passage, God is speaking to the Israelites through Moses as He renews His covenant with them after the golden calf incident. The instruction is given in the context of laws that set Israel apart as God's people. The verse stresses that the rhythm of work and rest is not to be interrupted by the agricultural calendar, showing the importance of trusting God rather than relying solely on human effort.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 34:21

  • שָׁבַת (shavat, H7673): This word means "to rest" or "to cease." Its use here emphasizes not just taking a break, but a complete stopping of regular work, even when it feels most necessary.
  • חָרִישׁ (charish, H2758): Often translated as "earing time" or "plowing," this word refers to the season of preparing the ground for planting. Mentioning it underscores that even at the start of the agricultural cycle, rest is required.
  • קָצִיר (qatsir, H7105): Meaning "harvest," this word points to the time when crops are gathered, a period of intense labor. Including both planting and harvesting shows that the Sabbath command covers the entire range of agricultural activity.

Why Exodus 34:21 matters

  • This verse corrects the idea that religious observance can be set aside for practical reasons; it insists that God's command for rest stands even when work feels urgent.
  • By mentioning both plowing and harvest, Exodus 34:21 highlights that the Sabbath is not just for times of leisure but is meant to shape the entire rhythm of life, including its busiest seasons.
  • The command connects to the broader theme of trusting God for provision, reminding the Israelites that their well-being ultimately depends on Him, not just their own efforts.

Where else these words appear

“time” Hebrew H2758 · used in 3 verses

  • Genesis 45:6 For these two years hath the famine been in the land: and yet there are five years, in the which there shall neither be earing nor harvest.
  • 1 Samuel 8:12 And 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.

“harvest” Hebrew H7105 · used in 49 verses

  • Genesis 8:22 While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease.
  • 1 Samuel 8:12 And 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.
  • Isaiah 16:9 Therefore I will bewail with the weeping of Jazer the vine of Sibmah: I will water thee with my tears, O Heshbon, and Elealeh: for the shouting for thy summer fruits and for thy harvest is fallen.

“rest” Hebrew H7673 · used in 67 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.
  • Nehemiah 4:11 And our adversaries said, They shall not know, neither see, till we come in the midst among them, and slay them, and cause the work to cease.
  • Jeremiah 48:35 Moreover I will cause to cease in Moab, saith the LORD, him that offereth in the high places, and him that burneth incense to his gods.

“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.