Exodus 20:9

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

Six {H8337} days {H3117} shalt thou labour {H5647}, and do {H6213} all thy work {H4399}:

You have six days to labor and do all your work,

Six days you shall labor and do all your work,

Six days shalt thou labor, and do all thy work;

Commentary

Exodus 20:9, part of the Ten Commandments, lays the foundational principle for the human work week, preceding the command for Sabbath rest. It states, "Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work:" This verse establishes a divine expectation for diligence and productivity in daily life.

Context

This verse is the first half of the fourth commandment, immediately followed by the instruction to observe the Sabbath day in Exodus 20:10. Given to the Israelites at Mount Sinai, these commandments formed the bedrock of their covenant relationship with God after their liberation from Egyptian bondage. The structure implies that work is not merely tolerated but is a commanded activity, essential before the commanded rest.

Key Themes

  • Divine Mandate for Work: God expects humanity to be productive. Work is presented as a fundamental aspect of human existence, reflecting the Creator's own active nature, as seen in the six days of creation (Genesis 2:2).
  • Diligence and Responsibility: The phrase "do all thy work" emphasizes completing tasks thoroughly and without idleness. It speaks to a commitment to one's duties and responsibilities.
  • Preparation for Rest: The command to work for six days sets the stage for the holiness of the seventh day. It implies that genuine rest is earned through diligent labor, not through sloth. This balance is crucial for a healthy life.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "labour" is abad (Χ’ΦΈΧ‘Φ·Χ“), which carries a broad meaning encompassing work, service, and even worship. It suggests that our daily tasks can be a form of service. The term "work" (mela'kah, ΧžΦ°ΧœΦΈΧΧ›ΦΈΧ”) refers to one's occupation, business, or specific tasks. Together, they convey the idea of purposeful, diligent activity in one's sphere of life.

Practical Application

Exodus 20:9 remains profoundly relevant today, encouraging a strong work ethic while also implicitly setting boundaries. It reminds us that:

  • Work is Honorable: Far from being a curse, work is a divine calling and a means by which we contribute to society and provide for ourselves and our families. The New Testament echoes this sentiment, encouraging believers to work heartily, as unto the Lord (Colossians 3:23).
  • Avoid Idleness: The command to "do all thy work" stands against laziness and procrastination. There is a season for productive activity.
  • Balance is Key: While this verse commands work, its position within the Sabbath commandment highlights the essential balance between labor and rest. One cannot truly appreciate rest without having engaged in meaningful work.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated β€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Luke 13:14

    And the ruler of the synagogue answered with indignation, because that Jesus had healed on the sabbath day, and said unto the people, There are six days in which men ought to work: in them therefore come and be healed, and not on the sabbath day.

  • Exodus 23:12

    Six days thou shalt do thy work, and on the seventh day thou shalt rest: that thine ox and thine ass may rest, and the son of thy handmaid, and the stranger, may be refreshed.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Exodus 35:2

    Six days shall work be done, but on the seventh day there shall be to you an holy day, a sabbath of rest to the LORD: whosoever doeth work therein shall be put to death.
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