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◄ Exodus 31:15►

New International Version
For six days work is to be done, but the seventh day is a day of sabbath rest, holy to the LORD. Whoever does any work on the Sabbath day is to be put to death.

New Living Translation
You have six days each week for your ordinary work, but the seventh day must be a Sabbath day of complete rest, a holy day dedicated to the LORD. Anyone who works on the Sabbath must be put to death.

English Standard Version
Six days shall work be done, but the seventh day is a Sabbath of solemn rest, holy to the LORD. Whoever does any work on the Sabbath day shall be put to death.

Berean Standard Bible
For six days work may be done, but the seventh day is a Sabbath of complete rest, holy to the LORD. Whoever does any work on the Sabbath day must surely be put to death.

King James Bible
Six days may work be done; but in the seventhis the sabbath of rest, holy to the LORD: whosoever doethany work in the sabbath day, he shall surely be put to death.

New King James Version
Work shall be done for six days, but the seventhis the Sabbath of rest, holy to the LORD. Whoever doesany work on the Sabbath day, he shall surely be put to death.

New American Standard Bible
For six days work may be done, but on the seventh day there is a Sabbath of complete rest, holy to the LORD; whoever doesany work on the Sabbath day must be put to death.

NASB 1995
‘For six days work may be done, but on the seventh day there is a sabbath of complete rest, holy to the LORD; whoever does any work on the sabbath day shall surely be put to death.

NASB 1977
‘For six days work may be done, but on the seventh day there is a sabbath of complete rest, holy to the LORD; whoever does any work on the sabbath day shall surely be put to death.

Legacy Standard Bible
Six days work may be done, but on the seventh day there is a sabbath of complete rest, holy to Yahweh; whoever does any work on the sabbath day shall surely be put to death.

Amplified Bible
For six days work may be done, but the seventh is the Sabbath of complete rest, sacred to the LORD; whoever does work on the Sabbath day must be put to death.

Christian Standard Bible
Work may be done for six days, but on the seventh day there must be a Sabbath of complete rest, holy to the LORD. Anyone who does work on the Sabbath day must be put to death.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Work may be done for six days, but on the seventh day there must be a Sabbath of complete rest, dedicated to the LORD. Anyone who does work on the Sabbath day must be put to death.

American Standard Version
Six days shall work be done, but on the seventh day is a sabbath of solemn rest, holy to Jehovah: whosoever doeth any work on the sabbath day, he shall surely be put to death.

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

GOD'S WORD® Translation
You may work for six days, but the seventh day is a day of worship, a day when you don't work. It is holy to the LORD. Whoever works on that day must be put to death.

Good News Translation
You have six days in which to do your work, but the seventh day is a solemn day of rest dedicated to me. Whoever does any work on that day is to be put to death.

International Standard Version
Work may be done for six days, but the seventh day is a Sabbath of complete rest, holy to the LORD. Whoever does work on the Sabbath is certainly to die.

NET Bible
Six days work may be done, but on the seventh day is a Sabbath of complete rest, holy to the LORD; anyone who does work on the Sabbath day must surely be put to death.

New Heart English Bible
Six days shall work be done, but on the seventh day is a Sabbath of solemn rest, holy to the LORD. Whoever does any work on the Sabbath day shall surely be put to death.

Webster's Bible Translation
Six days may work be done, but in the seventh is the sabbath of rest, holy to the LORD: whoever doeth any work in the sabbath-day, he shall surely be put to death.

Majority Text Translations

Majority Standard Bible
For six days work may be done, but the seventh day is a Sabbath of complete rest, holy to the LORD. Whoever does any work on the Sabbath day must surely be put to death.

World English Bible
Six days shall work be done, but on the seventh day is a Sabbath of solemn rest, holy to Yahweh. Whoever does any work on the Sabbath day shall surely be put to death.

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
[For] six days work is done, and in the seventh day [is] a Sabbath of holy rest to YHWH; any who does work in the Sabbath day is certainly put to death,

Young's Literal Translation
Six days is work done, and in the seventh day is a sabbath of holy rest to Jehovah; any who doeth work in the sabbath-day is certainly put to death,

Smith's Literal Translation
Six days shall work be done, and the seventh day the Sabbath, a holy rest to Jehovah: all doing work in the day of the Sabbath, dying, shall die.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
Six days shall you do work: in the seventh day is the sabbath, the rest holy to the Lord. Every one that shall do any work on this day, shall die.

Catholic Public Domain Version
For six days you shall do work. On the seventh day, it is the Sabbath, a rest sanctified by the Lord. All who will have done work on this day shall die.

New American Bible
Six days there are for doing work, but the seventh day is the sabbath of complete rest, holy to the LORD. Anyone who does work on the sabbath day shall be put to death.

New Revised Standard Version
Six days shall work be done, but the seventh day is a sabbath of solemn rest, holy to the LORD; whoever does any work on the sabbath day shall be put to death.

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
Six days you shall do work; but the seventh day is the sabbath of rest, holy to the LORD; whosoever does any work on the sabbath day shall surely be put to death.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
Keep the Sabbath because that is Holiness to you; everyone who weakens it shall surely be killed, and everyone who will do work in it, that man shall be destroyed from his people.

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
Six days shall work be done; but on the seventh day is a sabbath of solemn rest, holy to the LORD; whosoever doeth any work in the sabbath day, he shall surely be put to death.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
Six days thou shalt do works, but the seventh day is the sabbath, a holy rest to the Lord; every one who shall do a work on the seventh day shall be put to death.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

The Sign of the Sabbath
…14Keep the Sabbath, for it is holy to you. Anyone who profanes it must surely be put to death. Whoever does any work on that day must be cut off from among his people.15For six days work may be done,but the seventh day is a Sabbath of complete rest,holy to the LORD.Whoever does any work on the Sabbath day must surely be put to death.16The Israelites must keep the Sabbath, celebrating it as a permanent covenant for the generations to come.…

Berean Standard Bible ·Download

Cross References

Genesis 2:2-3
And by the seventh day God had finished the work He had been doing; so on that day He rested from all His work. / Then God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it, because on that day He rested from all the work of creation that He had accomplished.

Exodus 20:8-11
Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. / Six days you shall labor and do all your work, / but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God, on which you must not do any work—neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your manservant or maidservant or livestock, nor the foreigner within your gates. ...

Leviticus 23:3
For six days work may be done, but the seventh day is a Sabbath of complete rest, a day of sacred assembly. You must not do any work; wherever you live, it is a Sabbath to the LORD.

Deuteronomy 5:12-15
Observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy, as the LORD your God has commanded you. / Six days you shall labor and do all your work, / but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God, on which you must not do any work—neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your manservant or maidservant, nor your ox or donkey or any of your livestock, nor the foreigner within your gates, so that your manservant and maidservant may rest as you do. ...

Isaiah 58:13-14
If you turn your foot from breaking the Sabbath, from doing as you please on My holy day, if you call the Sabbath a delight, and the LORD’s holy day honorable, if you honor it by not going your own way or seeking your own pleasure or speaking idle words, / then you will delight yourself in the LORD, and I will make you ride on the heights of the land and feed you with the heritage of your father Jacob.” For the mouth of the LORD has spoken.

Ezekiel 20:12
I also gave them My Sabbaths as a sign between us, so that they would know that I am the LORD who sanctifies them.

Ezekiel 20:20
Keep My Sabbaths holy, that they may be a sign between us, so that you may know that I am the LORD your God.’

Nehemiah 13:15-22
In those days I saw people in Judah treading winepresses on the Sabbath and bringing in grain and loading it on donkeys, along with wine, grapes, and figs. All kinds of goods were being brought into Jerusalem on the Sabbath day. So I warned them against selling food on that day. / Additionally, men of Tyre who lived there were importing fish and all kinds of merchandise and selling them on the Sabbath to the people of Judah in Jerusalem. / Then I rebuked the nobles of Judah and asked, “What is this evil you are doing—profaning the Sabbath day? ...

Jeremiah 17:21-27
This is what the LORD says: Take heed for yourselves; do not carry a load or bring it through the gates of Jerusalem on the Sabbath day. / You must not carry a load out of your houses or do any work on the Sabbath day, but you must keep the Sabbath day holy, just as I commanded your forefathers. / Yet they would not listen or incline their ear, but they stiffened their necks and would not listen or receive My discipline. ...

Numbers 15:32-36
While the Israelites were in the wilderness, a man was found gathering wood on the Sabbath day. / Those who found the man gathering wood brought him to Moses, Aaron, and the whole congregation, / and because it had not been declared what should be done to him, they placed him in custody. ...

Matthew 12:8
For the Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath.”

Mark 2:27-28
Then Jesus declared, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. / Therefore, the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath.”

Luke 6:5
Then Jesus declared, “The Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath.”

Hebrews 4:9-10
There remains, then, a Sabbath rest for the people of God. / For whoever enters God’s rest also rests from his own work, just as God did from His.

Colossians 2:16-17
Therefore let no one judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a feast, a New Moon, or a Sabbath. / These are a shadow of the things to come, but the body that casts it belongs to Christ.

Treasury of Scripture

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

six days

Exodus 31:17
Itis a sign between me and the children of Israel for ever: forin six days the LORD made heaven and earth, and on the seventh day he rested, and was refreshed.

Exodus 16:26
Six days ye shall gather it; but on the seventh day,which is the sabbath, in it there shall be none.

Exodus 20:9
Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work:

the sabbath

Exodus 16:23
And he said unto them, Thisis that which the LORD hath said, To morrowis the rest of the holy sabbath unto the LORD: bakethat which ye will baketo day, and seethe that ye will seethe; and that which remaineth over lay up for you to be kept until the morning.

Exodus 20:10
But the seventh dayis 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 thatis within thy gates:

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.

holy.

Numbers 15:32-36
And while the children of Israel were in the wilderness, they found a man that gathered sticks upon the sabbath day…

Jeremiah 17:24-27
And it shall come to pass, if ye diligently hearken unto me, saith the LORD, to bring in no burden through the gates of this city on the sabbath day, but hallow the sabbath day, to do no work therein; …

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Exodus 31

1.Bezaleel and Aholiah are appointed for the work of the tabernacle
12.The observation of the Sabbath is again commanded
18.Moses receives the two tablets

Study Bible

Book ◦ Chapter

For six days work may be done
This phrase establishes the pattern of a six-day workweek, reflecting the creation account inGenesis 1, where God created the world in six days and rested on the seventh. It underscores the value of labor and productivity, which are seen as part of God's design for humanity. The six-day workweek was a common practice in ancient Near Eastern cultures, but the Israelites' observance was distinct in its divine mandate.

but the seventh day is a Sabbath of complete rest
The Sabbath, or Shabbat, is a day of rest instituted by God, rooted in the creation narrative (Genesis 2:2-3). It serves as a sign of the covenant between God and Israel (Exodus 31:16-17). The term "complete rest" emphasizes cessation from all forms of labor, highlighting the importance of spiritual renewal and trust in God's provision. This rest is not merely physical but also spiritual, pointing to a future rest in Christ (Hebrews 4:9-10).

holy to the LORD
The Sabbath is set apart as sacred, dedicated to God. This holiness signifies a separation from the ordinary and a focus on the divine. It is a time for worship, reflection, and community, reinforcing the Israelites' identity as God's chosen people. The concept of holiness is central to the Levitical laws and is fulfilled in Christ, who sanctifies believers (1 Peter 1:15-16).

Whoever does any work on the Sabbath day must surely be put to death
This severe penalty underscores the seriousness of the Sabbath commandment. It reflects the covenantal relationship between God and Israel, where obedience leads to blessing and disobedience to judgment. The death penalty highlights the holiness of God and the need for reverence. In the New Testament, Jesus reinterprets the Sabbath, emphasizing mercy and the spirit of the law over legalism (Mark 2:27-28).

Persons / Places / Events

1.Moses
The leader of the Israelites, through whom God delivered the law, including the commandment about the Sabbath.

2.The Israelites
The chosen people of God, who were given the law to follow as part of their covenant with Him.

3.Mount Sinai
The place where God gave Moses the Ten Commandments and other laws, including the Sabbath commandment.

4.The Sabbath
A day of rest instituted by God, signifying His creation rest and a covenant sign between Him and Israel.

5.The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant God of Israel, who established the Sabbath as a holy day.

Teaching Points

The Principle of Rest
God designed the Sabbath as a day of rest, reflecting His own rest after creation. This principle encourages us to prioritize rest and renewal in our lives.

Holiness and Dedication
The Sabbath is described as "holy to the LORD," reminding us to dedicate time specifically for worship and reflection on God's goodness.

Obedience and Consequences
The severe consequence for breaking the Sabbath law in the Old Testament underscores the seriousness of obedience to God's commands.

Sabbath as a Covenant Sign
The Sabbath serves as a sign of the covenant between God and Israel, pointing to the importance of setting apart time to remember and honor our relationship with God.

Christ as Our Sabbath Rest
In the New Testament, Jesus fulfills the Sabbath, offering us spiritual rest. We are invited to find our ultimate rest in Him, beyond the physical observance.

Bible Study Questions and Answers

1.What is the meaning of Exodus 31:15?

2.How does Exodus 31:15 emphasize the importance of observing the Sabbath today?

3.What does "six days work may be done" teach about work-life balance?

4.How can we apply the Sabbath principle in a modern, busy lifestyle?

5.Why is the Sabbath called "a Sabbath of complete rest" in Exodus 31:15?

6.How does Exodus 31:15 connect with Jesus' teachings on the Sabbath in the Gospels?

7.Why does Exodus 31:15 prescribe death for breaking the Sabbath?

8.How does Exodus 31:15 align with the concept of a loving God?

9.Is the Sabbath commandment in Exodus 31:15 still relevant for Christians today?

10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Exodus 31?

11.Exodus 31:15 – Why does a just and loving God mandate the death penalty for Sabbath-breaking, and how is that reconciled with later biblical teachings on mercy?

12.Why does God order the execution of people for minor offenses, such as picking up sticks on the Sabbath (Numbers 15:32-36)?

13.If God is merciful, why does He command the execution of people who work on the Sabbath (Exodus 31:14)?

14.Why does Exodus 20:8-11 mandate strict Sabbath observance, yet elsewhere in Scripture (e.g., Numbers 15:32-36) the penalty for Sabbath-breaking appears more severe?

What Does Exodus 31:15 Mean

For six days work may be done

God built a rhythm of life into creation itself—six days of purposeful labor (Genesis 1;Exodus 20:9).

• Work is dignified, commanded, and good.Proverbs 14:23 echoes, “In all labor there is profit.”

• This pattern guards against laziness (2 Thessalonians 3:10-12) while also preventing work from becoming an idol.

• By limiting work to six days, the Lord teaches stewardship of time, talents, and responsibilities.

but the seventh day is a Sabbath of complete rest

The word “Sabbath” means cessation; here it is “complete rest,” not a partial slowdown (Exodus 23:12).

• God Himself modeled this rest on the seventh day of creation (Genesis 2:2-3).

• Rest is not mere inactivity; it is a deliberate trust that the Lord provides even when we cease from striving (Psalm 127:1-2;Matthew 6:25-34).

•Hebrews 4:9-10 points ahead to the ultimate rest believers enter through Christ, yet the weekly rhythm still teaches dependence on God.

holy to the LORD

To be “holy” is to be set apart exclusively for Him (Leviticus 19:30;Isaiah 58:13).

• The Sabbath is not just a personal day off; it is devoted time that acknowledges God’s sovereignty over our schedules.

• Worship, reflection on Scripture, fellowship, and acts of mercy (Mark 2:27-28) make the day distinctly His.

• By calling the day holy, the Lord invites His people into a covenant sign that distinguishes them from surrounding cultures (Exodus 31:13).

Whoever does any work on the Sabbath day

The command targets ordinary, profit-driven labor (Exodus 35:2-3), not works of necessity or mercy (Luke 14:5).

• A man gathering sticks inNumbers 15:32-36 illustrates deliberate violation, not accidental oversight.

• The principle: willful disregard for God’s boundaries is rebellion against His lordship (James 4:17).

• The weekly pause reminds us that life’s ultimate purpose is not production but relationship with the Creator.

must surely be put to death

Under Israel’s theocratic covenant, Sabbath-breaking carried capital punishment, underscoring the seriousness of sin (Romans 6:23).

• This civil penalty was unique to Israel’s national law, yet it reveals God’s unchanging holiness (Malachi 3:6).

• The severity foreshadows the cost Christ would bear; He died once for all lawbreakers, offering grace without nullifying the law’s righteousness (Galatians 3:13;1 Peter 2:24).

• While believers today are not under Israel’s civil code, the moral imperative remains: treasure the sacred rhythm God ordained and honor Him with obedient rest.

summary

Exodus 31:15 presents a divine pattern: six days for meaningful labor, one day wholly set apart for sacred rest. This weekly cycle highlights God’s sovereignty, provides a practical safeguard against both idleness and overwork, and invites worshipful trust. Though the death penalty applied specifically to ancient Israel, the verse still proclaims how seriously God views willful disobedience. Embracing the Sabbath principle today nurtures physical renewal, spiritual depth, and joyful acknowledgment that our lives, our time, and our work belong to the Lord.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(15)Six days.--Comp.Exodus 20:9.

The sabbath of rest.--Rather,a sabbath of rest,ora complete rest.The repetition (sabbath sabbathon) gives an idea of completeness.

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 15. -The sabbath of rest. Rather, "a sabbath." There were other sabbaths besides that of the seventh day (Exodus 23:11;Leviticus 25:2-12; etc.). By the expression, "a sabbath of rest" - literally, "a rest of resting" - the idea of completeness is given. Perhaps the best translation would be - "in the seventh is complete rest."

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

For six
שֵׁ֣שֶׁת(šê·šeṯ)
Number - masculine singular construct
Strong's 8337:Six (a cardinal number)

days
יָמִים֮(yā·mîm)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 3117:A day

work
מְלָאכָה֒(mə·lā·ḵāh)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 4399:Deputyship, ministry, employment, work, property

may be done,
יֵעָשֶׂ֣ה(yê·‘ā·śeh)
Verb - Nifal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6213:To do, make

but the seventh
הַשְּׁבִיעִ֗י(haš·šə·ḇî·‘î)
Article | Number - ordinal masculine singular
Strong's 7637:Seventh (an ordinal number)

day
וּבַיּ֣וֹם(ū·ḇay·yō·wm)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3117:A day

must be a Sabbath
שַׁבַּ֧ת(šab·baṯ)
Noun - common singular construct
Strong's 7676:Intermission, the Sabbath

of solemn rest,
שַׁבָּת֛וֹן(šab·bā·ṯō·wn)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7677:Sabbath observance, sabbatism

holy
קֹ֖דֶשׁ(qō·ḏeš)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 6944:A sacred place, thing, sanctity

to the LORD.
לַיהוָ֑ה(Yah·weh)
Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068:LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

Whoever
כָּל־(kāl-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605:The whole, all, any, every

does
הָעֹשֶׂ֧ה(hā·‘ō·śeh)
Article | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 6213:To do, make

[any] work
מְלָאכָ֛ה(mə·lā·ḵāh)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 4399:Deputyship, ministry, employment, work, property

on the Sabbath
הַשַּׁבָּ֖ת(haš·šab·bāṯ)
Article | Noun - common singular
Strong's 7676:Intermission, the Sabbath

day
בְּי֥וֹם(bə·yō·wm)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3117:A day

must surely
מ֥וֹת(mō·wṯ)
Verb - Qal - Infinitive absolute
Strong's 4191:To die, to kill

be put to death.
יוּמָֽת׃(yū·māṯ)
Verb - Hofal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 4191:To die, to kill

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OT Law: Exodus 31:15 Six days shall work be done (Exo. Ex)