Exodus 20:10

KJV

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:

KJV (with Strong's)

But the seventh {H7637} day {H3117} is the sabbath {H7676} of the LORD {H3068} thy God {H430}: in it thou shalt not do {H6213} any work {H4399}, thou, nor thy son {H1121}, nor thy daughter {H1323}, thy manservant {H5650}, nor thy maidservant {H519}, nor thy cattle {H929}, nor thy stranger {H1616} that is within thy gates {H8179}:

Complete Jewish Bible

but the seventh day is a Shabbat for ADONAI your God. On it, you are not to do any kind of work -not you, your son or your daughter, not your male or female slave, not your livestock, and not the for eigner staying with you inside the gates to your property.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

but the seventh day is a sabbath unto Jehovah thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy man-servant, nor thy maid-servant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 20:10, a pivotal component of the Fourth Commandment within the Decalogue, meticulously defines the expansive scope of Sabbath observance. It declares the seventh day as uniquely consecrated to the LORD God, mandating a complete cessation of work. This divine injunction extends beyond the individual Israelite, encompassing their entire household—sons, daughters, male and female servants, working animals, and even the resident foreigner within their community. This verse profoundly underscores God's sovereign ownership of time, humanity's universal need for restorative rest, and the compassionate, inclusive reach of His covenant law, establishing a foundational rhythm for Israel's life with Yahweh.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Exodus 20:10 serves as the crucial elaboration and application of the Sabbath command initially introduced in [Exodus 20:8](/exodus/20-8 "Exodus 20:8 - Remember the Sabbath Day") ("Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy") and [Exodus 20:9](/exodus/20-9 "Exodus 20:9 - Six Days Shall You Labor") ("Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work"). While these preceding verses establish the divine mandate for Sabbath observance and the rhythm of work, verse 10 provides the critical definition of *who* is obligated to rest and *what* constitutes the "sabbath of the LORD thy God." It transitions from a general principle to specific, comprehensive instructions, ensuring that the spirit of rest and holiness permeates every aspect of the Israelite household and community. This detailed instruction prevents any exploitation or loophole, reinforcing the Sabbath as an integral and non-negotiable part of the Ten Commandments, foundational to Israel's covenant relationship with Yahweh.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The giving of the Sabbath commandment at Mount Sinai occurred shortly after Israel's miraculous liberation from centuries of brutal slavery in Egypt, a regime characterized by relentless toil and no concept of rest. In stark contrast to their past bondage, God's provision of the Sabbath was a radical act of grace, establishing a foundational element of their new identity as a free people under Yahweh's benevolent rule. Unlike surrounding pagan cultures, which might have had occasional feast days or periods of cessation tied to agricultural cycles or idolatrous rituals, Israel's Sabbath was explicitly tied to God's act of creation (as seen in [Exodus 20:11](/exodus/20-11 "Exodus 20:11 - God Rests on the Seventh Day")) and, significantly, to their redemption from Egyptian bondage ([Deuteronomy 5:15](/deuteronomy/5-15 "Deuteronomy 5:15 - Sabbath as Remembrance of Deliverance")). This law was revolutionary in its inclusivity, mandating rest not just for the free Israelite, but for all, including the vulnerable and marginalized within their society: servants, animals, and even the "stranger that is within thy gates." This demonstrated God's profound compassion and established a unique social ethic of justice and well-being for all members of the community, reflecting His own righteous character.
* **Key Themes:** Exodus 20:10 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Exodus and the broader Pentateuch. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Sovereignty and Ownership**, asserting that the seventh day is "the sabbath of the LORD thy God," signifying God's dominion over time and human activity. Secondly, it highlights the theme of **Covenant Relationship and Obedience**, as Sabbath observance is a sign of Israel's allegiance to Yahweh and their trust in His provision, contrasting with the self-reliance of other nations. Thirdly, it powerfully expresses **Social Justice and Compassion**, particularly through its radical inclusion of servants, livestock, and the "stranger" ([Exodus 23:12](/exodus/23-12 "Exodus 23:12 - Sabbath for the Stranger and Animals")) in the mandate for rest, preventing exploitation and ensuring well-being for all within the community. Finally, the Sabbath points to **Creation and Redemption**, serving as a weekly memorial to God's completed work in creation ([Genesis 2:2-3](/genesis/2-2 "Genesis 2:2-3 - God Rests on the Seventh Day")) and His redemptive act of delivering Israel from slavery ([Deuteronomy 5:15](/deuteronomy/5-15 "Deuteronomy 5:15 - Sabbath as Remembrance of Deliverance")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Sabbath (Hebrew, _shabbâth'_):** From H7676, this term denotes an "intermission" or "cessation" from ordinary activity. In Exodus 20:10, it signifies more than just a day off; it is a consecrated time marked by the deliberate cessation of work, echoing God's own "rest" (cessation from creating) on the seventh day. The Sabbath is thus a weekly reminder of creation and God's sovereignty over all time and human endeavor, a divinely instituted pause for spiritual and physical renewal.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** From H3068, this is the covenant name of God, signifying "the self-Existent or Eternal." When paired with "thy God" (H430, _ʼĕlôhîym_), it emphasizes the divine ownership and authority behind the command. The Sabbath is not a human invention for convenience, but a divine institution belonging to Yahweh, to be observed as a sign of covenant allegiance and trust in His provision. It signifies that this day is set apart *for Him* and *by Him*, revealing His personal, redemptive relationship with Israel.
* **stranger (Hebrew, _gêr'_):** From H1616, this term refers to a "guest," or by implication, a "foreigner," "alien," or "sojourner." The explicit inclusion of the _gêr_ in the Sabbath command is profoundly significant, demonstrating the radical inclusivity and humanitarian nature of the Mosaic Law. It prevented the exploitation of those who were most vulnerable and often without legal protection, ensuring that even non-Israelites shared in the divine provision of rest. This reflects God's universal compassion and justice, extending beyond the covenant community itself to all who resided within its gates.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But the seventh day [is] the sabbath of the LORD thy God:"** This opening clause unequivocally establishes the identity and divine ownership of the seventh day. It declares this day as not merely *a* day of rest, but *the* Sabbath, consecrated and belonging exclusively to Yahweh. This declaration sets the day apart as sacred, distinct from the other six days, and under God's direct authority and purpose, emphasizing its spiritual significance over mere temporal convenience.
* **"[in it] thou shalt not do any work,"** This is the core prohibition, defining the essence of Sabbath observance: a complete cessation from one's regular, gainful labor. The phrase "any work" (Hebrew, _mᵉlâʼkâh_, H4399) implies a comprehensive cessation of all activities associated with one's daily occupation or livelihood, encompassing both physical toil and the pursuit of personal business. This mandate allows for a deliberate shift in focus towards spiritual matters, rest, and communal fellowship.
* **"thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle,"** This segment enumerates the comprehensive scope of the Sabbath command within the household. The individual Israelite is held responsible for ensuring that all members of their immediate family (sons H1121, daughters H1323), their domestic servants (manservant H5650, maidservant H519, often foreign or indentured), and even their working animals (cattle H929, such as oxen or donkeys used for farming or transport) are afforded the mandated rest. This prevents exploitation and ensures that the blessing of rest is shared universally within the household unit, reflecting God's concern for all under one's care.
* **"nor thy stranger that [is] within thy gates:"** This final phrase extends the Sabbath's protective and inclusive reach beyond the immediate family and property to include the resident alien (stranger H1616). "Within thy gates" (H8179) refers to the towns and cities of Israel, emphasizing that the Sabbath command applied to all who resided within Israelite territory, regardless of their ethnic or national origin. This highlights the humanitarian and just character of God's law, ensuring that even the most vulnerable in society received the benefit of rest and were protected from perpetual toil, underscoring God's universal compassion.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 20:10 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message with clarity, emphasis, and comprehensive scope. **Enumeration** is prominently used through the repeated listing of those who must observe the Sabbath: "thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger." This exhaustive list ensures no one within the household or community is overlooked, underscoring the universal and inclusive nature of the command. The **anaphora** of "nor thy" further reinforces this comprehensive scope, creating a rhythmic and emphatic declaration that leaves no room for ambiguity regarding who is to rest. The language is direct and imperative, characteristic of **legal prose** or **divine command**, reflecting the absolute authority of the Lawgiver, Yahweh. The phrase "the sabbath of the LORD thy God" utilizes **possessive language** to establish divine ownership and consecration, elevating the day from a mere human tradition to a sacred institution. Finally, the verse functions as a **specification** or **elaboration**, detailing the practical outworking of the broader command given in [Exodus 20:8](/exodus/20-8 "Exodus 20:8 - Remember the Sabbath Day"), thus providing necessary clarity and depth to the Fourth Commandment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 20:10 is profoundly theological, grounding the practice of Sabbath rest in the very character and actions of God. It teaches that time itself belongs to God, and by consecrating one day, humanity acknowledges His sovereignty and trusts in His provision for their needs, rather than relying solely on their own labor. The Sabbath is a sign of the covenant between God and Israel, a weekly reminder of both creation and redemption, demonstrating God's desire for His people's well-being and freedom from the bondage of endless toil. It instills a rhythm of work and rest that reflects the divine order and promotes social justice, ensuring that all, especially the vulnerable, receive respite. This command anticipates a holistic well-being that transcends mere physical rest, inviting a spiritual posture of dependence and delight in the Creator.

* [Genesis 2:2-3](/genesis/2-2 "God Rests on the Seventh Day")
* [Deuteronomy 5:14-15](/deuteronomy/5-14-15 "Sabbath as Remembrance of Deliverance from Egypt")
* [Isaiah 58:13-14](/isaiah/58-13-14 "Delighting in the Sabbath")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 20:10 challenges us to fundamentally reconsider our relationship with work, rest, and God's sovereignty in a world often driven by relentless productivity, ceaseless activity, and consumerism. The enduring principle is not merely a legalistic observance of a specific day, but a profound spiritual invitation to trust God's provision, acknowledge our human limitations, and intentionally prioritize restorative rest and spiritual renewal. It calls us to deliberately cease from our regular labors, allowing for physical rejuvenation, mental clarity, and dedicated time for worship, reflection, and deepening our relationship with God. Furthermore, the comprehensive scope of the command compels us to extend this compassion to all under our influence—family members, employees, and even animals—ensuring they too receive the gift of rest. Applying this verse means cultivating a counter-cultural rhythm of life that honors God, cares for creation, and extends justice and well-being to all, recognizing that true flourishing comes not from ceaseless striving, but from finding our ultimate rest and provision in Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the concept of "the sabbath of the LORD thy God" challenge our modern tendency to prioritize work and productivity above all else?**
* **In what practical ways can we apply the principle of comprehensive rest (including for family, employees, and even animals) in our contemporary lives, even if our specific Sabbath observance differs from ancient Israel's?**
* **What does it truly mean to "cease" from work in a way that honors God and nourishes our souls, beyond mere physical inactivity? How can we make our rest spiritually meaningful and God-centered?**

### FAQ

**Does this verse mean Christians must observe the Sabbath on Saturday?**

Answer: While Exodus 20:10, as part of the Mosaic Law given to ancient Israel, specifies the seventh day (Saturday) for Sabbath observance, the New Testament introduces a new perspective for Christians. Jesus declared Himself "Lord even of the sabbath day" ([Matthew 12:8](/matthew/12-8 "Matthew 12:8 - Jesus is Lord of the Sabbath")), asserting His authority over the institution. The early church, commemorating Christ's resurrection, began gathering on the first day of the week (Sunday), often referred to as "the Lord's Day" ([Revelation 1:10](/revelation/1-10 "Revelation 1:10 - The Lord's Day")). The Apostle Paul teaches that the Old Testament Sabbath was a "shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ" ([Colossians 2:16-17](/colossians/2-16-17 "Colossians 2:16-17 - Shadow of Things to Come")), suggesting that the strict observance of the day finds its fulfillment in Christ. Therefore, while the *principle* of regular rest, worship, and setting aside time for God remains vital for Christians, the specific day and manner of observance are often understood with more freedom under the New Covenant, focusing on the spiritual reality of rest in Christ rather than a legalistic adherence to the Mosaic calendar.

**Why is "cattle" included in the Sabbath command?**

Answer: The inclusion of "cattle" (and other working animals) in the Sabbath command in Exodus 20:10 highlights several important theological and practical points. Theologically, it demonstrates God's comprehensive care for all of His creation, not just humanity. It underscores the principle of compassionate stewardship, reminding humans of their responsibility to care for the animals under their dominion, ensuring they too receive necessary rest. This reflects God's holistic concern for well-being and justice throughout His created order, as also seen in [Proverbs 12:10](/proverbs/12-10 "Proverbs 12:10 - A Righteous Man Cares for His Animals"). Practically, if animals were allowed to work, it would inevitably require humans to work alongside them, thus undermining the spirit and letter of the Sabbath command for the human laborers. By mandating rest for animals, God ensured a complete cessation of agricultural and domestic labor, allowing for true rest for the entire household and preventing the exploitation of both humans and beasts.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 20:10, with its mandate for comprehensive rest on the Sabbath, finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament Sabbath provided a physical cessation from labor and a weekly reminder of God's finished work in creation and redemption, it was always a shadow pointing to a greater spiritual reality. Jesus Himself declared, "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest" ([Matthew 11:28](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28 - Jesus Offers Rest")), revealing Himself as the one who provides true and eternal Sabbath rest. He brings cessation from the wearying toil of trying to earn righteousness by works, a burden that the law could not remove. By His finished work on the cross, Jesus accomplished perfect redemption, allowing believers to enter into a spiritual rest from striving, a peace that surpasses all understanding ([Philippians 4:7](/philippians/4-7 "Philippians 4:7 - The Peace of God")). Furthermore, Jesus' declaration that "The sabbath was made for man, and not man for the sabbath: Therefore the Son of man is Lord also of the sabbath" ([Mark 2:27-28](/mark/2-27-28 "Mark 2:27-28 - Jesus is Lord of the Sabbath")) reveals that He is the ultimate authority and purpose of the Sabbath. The physical Sabbath of Exodus foreshadows the "Sabbath rest" that remains for the people of God ([Hebrews 4:9-10](/hebrews/4-9-10 "Hebrews 4:9-10 - The Sabbath Rest for the People of God")), an eternal rest from sin and struggle, found only in communion with Him and anticipating the new creation where God's rest will be fully realized in His presence ([Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No More Toil or Pain")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Deuteronomy 5:14

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, nor thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thine ox, nor thine ass, nor any of thy cattle, nor thy stranger that [is] within thy gates; that thy manservant and thy maidservant may rest as well as thou.

Deuteronomy 5:15

And remember that thou wast a servant in the land of Egypt, and [that] the LORD thy God brought thee out thence through a mighty hand and by a stretched out arm: therefore the LORD thy God commanded thee to keep the sabbath day.

Exodus 34:21

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

Numbers 15:32

And while the children of Israel were in the wilderness, they found a man that gathered sticks upon the sabbath day.

Numbers 15:36

And all the congregation brought him without the camp, and stoned him with stones, and he died; as the LORD commanded Moses.

Exodus 16:27

And it came to pass, [that] there went out [some] of the people on the seventh day for to gather, and they found none.

Exodus 16:28

And the LORD said unto Moses, How long refuse ye to keep my commandments and my laws?