Exodus 20:9

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

Six days you shall labor and do all your work,

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 20:9, the foundational clause of the Fourth Commandment within the Decalogue, establishes a divine imperative for human labor. It mandates a six-day period of diligent and comprehensive work, setting the rhythm for human activity that precedes and prepares for the commanded Sabbath rest. This verse underscores the inherent dignity and necessity of work as a fundamental aspect of human existence, reflecting God's own creative activity and His expectation for productivity and responsibility in His covenant people, thereby laying the groundwork for a life ordered by divine wisdom and purpose.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the opening declaration of the Fourth Commandment, immediately preceding and setting the indispensable stage for the command to observe the Sabbath day in [Exodus 20:10](/exodus/20-10 "Exodus 20:10 - The Sabbath Command"). It is an integral part of the Decalogue, God's foundational ethical and theological pronouncements delivered to the Israelites at Mount Sinai, which form the bedrock of their covenant relationship with Yahweh. The deliberate placement of the work command *before* the rest command is profoundly significant, implying that diligent and purposeful labor is not merely a precursor to, but also gives meaning and sanctity to, the sacred rest. This divinely ordained rhythm directly parallels God's own creative activity, where He worked for six days before resting on the seventh, as comprehensively detailed in [Genesis 1](/genesis/1 "Genesis 1 - The Creation Account") and specifically articulated in [Genesis 2:2-3](/genesis/2-2-3 "Genesis 2:2-3 - God Rests on the Seventh Day").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Ten Commandments were given to the Israelites shortly after their miraculous liberation from centuries of brutal and dehumanizing slavery in Egypt. Under Pharaoh's oppressive regime, their "work" was characterized by forced labor, crushing burdens, and a complete absence of rest or dignity, as vividly described in [Exodus 1:11-14](/exodus/1-11-14 "Exodus 1:11-14 - Israel's Oppression in Egypt"). In stark contrast, this commandment redefines work for a newly freed people. It transforms labor from a burden of bondage into a divinely ordained, dignified activity, an essential component of a structured and benevolent life under God's law. In the agrarian societies of the ancient Near East, daily life revolved around agricultural, pastoral, and artisanal labor. This commandment not only affirmed the necessity of such work but elevated it by integrating it into the sacred framework of God's covenant, thereby distinguishing Israel's approach to labor from the often exploitative and arbitrary systems prevalent in surrounding cultures.

* **Key Themes:** Exodus 20:9 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the Decalogue and the broader Pentateuch. Firstly, it establishes the **Dignity and Necessity of Labor**, presenting work not as a curse but as a fundamental and honorable aspect of human existence, reflecting God's own active and creative nature. Secondly, it introduces the theme of **Divine Rhythm and Order**, setting a clear temporal boundary for human activity that mirrors the Creator's pattern of six days of work followed by rest, as seen in [Genesis 1](/genesis/1 "Genesis 1 - The Creation Account"). This rhythm provides structure and purpose to life. Thirdly, it underscores the concept of **Preparation for Rest**, emphasizing that diligent labor is a prerequisite for, and gives meaning to, the commanded Sabbath rest. This theme is crucial for understanding the holistic nature of the Fourth Commandment, where work and rest are intrinsically linked and equally vital for human flourishing and obedience to God.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Days (Hebrew, _yôwm'_):** From an unused root meaning "to be hot," this word refers to a day, whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next) or figurative (a space of time defined by an associated term). In this context, "six days" (H8337 + H3117) establishes a clear, literal temporal boundary for the prescribed period of labor, emphasizing a defined duration for work rather than an unending toil. It sets a structured rhythm for human activity, mirroring the divine creative week.
* **Labour (Hebrew, _ʻâbad'_):** A primitive root meaning "to work (in any sense)," "to serve," "to till," or "to enslave." Here, it denotes purposeful and diligent activity. The broad semantic range of _ʻâbad_ suggests that human labor is not merely a means to an end but can be a form of service, even worship, imbued with dignity and spiritual significance. It implies active engagement and exertion in one's responsibilities.
* **Work (Hebrew, _mᵉlâʼkâh'_):** Properly, "deputyship" or "ministry," but generally referring to "employment" (never servile) or "work" (abstractly or concretely). It also encompasses "property (as the result of labor)." In Exodus 20:9, _mᵉlâʼkâh_ refers to one's specific tasks, occupation, or business duties. The phrase "all thy work" emphasizes the comprehensive and thorough nature of the labor expected, indicating a commitment to completing all assigned or undertaken responsibilities diligently and fully within the allotted time.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Six days shalt thou labour,"**: This opening clause establishes the divinely appointed period for human industriousness. The imperative "shalt thou labour" (a direct command, not a mere suggestion) underscores the expectation that work is an essential, commanded, and dignified aspect of human existence. It sets a clear temporal framework, indicating that the majority of the week is to be purposefully dedicated to productive activity. This rhythm directly reflects the Creator's own pattern of work before rest, establishing a divine blueprint for human life.
* **"and do all thy work:"**: This second clause emphasizes the *quality*, *completeness*, and *scope* of the labor to be performed within the six-day period. "All thy work" implies diligence, thoroughness, and the absence of idleness, procrastination, or partial effort. It is a comprehensive call to fulfill one's responsibilities exhaustively and conscientiously, ensuring that tasks are not merely started but brought to completion. This speaks to a holistic commitment to one's duties, vocation, and the stewardship of time and talent.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 20:9 employs several significant literary devices that amplify its meaning and authority. The most prominent is the **Imperative Mood**, signaled by the direct commands "shalt thou labour" and "do," which conveys an authoritative and non-negotiable divine mandate from God. This grammatical choice underscores the binding nature of the principle. There is also a clear element of **Merism** or **Totality** present in the phrases "Six days" and "all thy work." Together, these phrases encompass the entirety of the work-week and the comprehensive scope of one's responsibilities within that time, emphasizing a holistic and complete approach to labor. Furthermore, the verse functions as an act of **Anticipation** or **Foreshadowing**, as it directly sets the necessary context and provides the rationale for the subsequent, equally vital command regarding the Sabbath rest. Without the diligent labor of six days, the seventh day's rest would lose its intended significance and sacred character, thereby creating a crucial tension and balance that defines the Fourth Commandment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 20:9 establishes work not as a consequence of the Fall, but as a fundamental and honorable aspect of human existence, rooted in the very nature of God and His creation. It dignifies labor as a divine mandate, calling humanity to participate in the ongoing stewardship of creation, to contribute to the flourishing of society, and to exercise their God-given creativity. This command counters idleness and promotes diligence, recognizing that purposeful activity is essential for human well-being, societal order, and the responsible use of time and talents. The rhythm of six days of work followed by rest reflects God's own pattern, imbuing human labor with a sacred quality and purpose, and setting a precedent for a balanced life.

* [Genesis 2:15](/genesis/2-15 "Genesis 2:15 - Man Placed in the Garden to Work")
* [Proverbs 6:6-11](/proverbs/6-11 "Proverbs 6:6-11 - Go to the Ant, You Sluggard")
* [2 Thessalonians 3:10](/2_thessalonians/3-10 "2 Thessalonians 3:10 - If Anyone Will Not Work, Neither Shall He Eat")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 20:9 offers a profound and enduring framework for understanding our daily work, transforming it from a mere necessity into a divinely appointed and dignified activity. It challenges us to approach our vocations, whether paid or unpaid, with diligence, integrity, and a deep sense of purpose, recognizing that our efforts contribute to God's ongoing work in the world. This verse reminds us that God expects us to be productive and responsible stewards of our time, talents, and resources, completing our tasks thoroughly and avoiding idleness or half-hearted effort. Embracing this principle means recognizing that our labor, when done heartily and with excellence as unto the Lord, can be an act of worship, a means by which we provide for our families, serve our communities, and contribute to the flourishing of creation. It also implicitly sets healthy boundaries, reminding us that work is for a season, preparing us for the equally vital season of rest, renewal, and communion with God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does viewing work as a divine command, rather than merely a means to an end, change your perspective on your daily tasks and responsibilities?**
* **In what specific ways can you apply the principle of "do all thy work" to your current responsibilities, striving for greater diligence, thoroughness, and excellence?**
* **Considering this verse is the preamble to the Sabbath command, how does the balance between purposeful labor and intentional rest shape your weekly rhythm and overall well-being?**

### FAQ
**Is work a punishment or a blessing according to this verse?**

Answer: Exodus 20:9 presents work as a divine mandate and a fundamental aspect of human existence, implying it is a blessing and a dignified activity. While the *toil*, *frustration*, and *difficulty* associated with work are consequences of the Fall ([Genesis 3:17-19](/genesis/3-17-19 "Genesis 3:17-19 - The Curse on the Ground")), the act of working itself was established *before* the Fall, when God placed Adam in the Garden "to work it and take care of it" ([Genesis 2:15](/genesis/2-15 "Genesis 2:15 - Man Placed in the Garden to Work")). This verse, therefore, reaffirms work as an honorable and commanded activity, essential for human flourishing and reflecting the Creator's own active, productive nature.

**Does "do all thy work" mean I should work constantly without breaks or ever feeling finished?**

Answer: No, the phrase "do all thy work" must be understood within its immediate context: "Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work." The "six days" explicitly sets a temporal boundary, indicating that work is to be diligently pursued within a defined period, leading up to the commanded rest on the seventh day ([Exodus 20:10](/exodus/20-10 "Exodus 20:10 - The Sabbath Command")). It emphasizes completeness and thoroughness in one's assigned tasks during the allotted work time, rather than an endless, unceasing effort. It calls for diligence, responsibility, and excellence within a divinely ordained rhythm, not for workaholism or the absence of necessary rest.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 20:9, with its emphasis on diligent labor preceding rest, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Jesus perfectly embodied this principle, declaring, "My Father is always at his work to this very day, and I too am working" ([John 5:17](/john/5-17 "John 5:17 - Jesus' Work Reflects the Father's")). His earthly life was characterized by purposeful and tireless labor, whether teaching, healing, or serving, all culminating in His supreme redemptive work on the cross. He diligently "finished the work" the Father gave Him to do ([John 17:4](/john/17-4 "John 17:4 - Jesus Glorifies the Father by Finishing His Work")), bringing about complete salvation for humanity. His triumphant cry "It is finished" ([John 19:30](/john/19-30 "John 19:30 - Jesus' Final Words on the Cross")) signifies the full and perfect completion of His ultimate work, enabling all who believe to enter into His spiritual rest from the burden of sin and striving ([Matthew 11:28](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28 - Jesus Offers Rest to the Weary")). For believers, our work in Christ is now transformed; we are "God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do" ([Ephesians 2:10](/ephesians/2-10 "Ephesians 2:10 - Created for Good Works")). We are called to "work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters" ([Colossians 3:23](/colossians/3-23 "Colossians 3:23 - Work Heartily for the Lord")), knowing that our labor "in the Lord is not in vain" ([1 Corinthians 15:58](/1_corinthians/15-58 "1 Corinthians 15:58 - Your Labor in the Lord Is Not in Vain")). Thus, the pattern of diligent work followed by rest, established in Exodus 20:9, points profoundly to Christ's completed work and the eternal rest and purpose believers find in Him.

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

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.