Exodus 23:12

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Six {H8337} days {H3117} thou shalt do {H6213} thy work {H4639}, and on the seventh {H7637} day {H3117} thou shalt rest {H7673}: that thine ox {H7794} and thine ass {H2543} may rest {H5117}, and the son {H1121} of thy handmaid {H519}, and the stranger {H1616}, may be refreshed {H5314}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"For six days, you are to work. But on the seventh day, you are to rest, so that your ox and donkey can rest, and your slave-girl's son and the foreigner be renewed.

Berean Standard Bible

For six days you are to do your work, but on the seventh day you must cease, so that your ox and your donkey may rest and the son of your maidservant may be refreshed, as well as the foreign resident.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 23:12 is a profound expansion of the Fourth Commandment, mandating a weekly day of rest not only for the Israelite household head but also for their working animals, male and female servants, and resident aliens. This statute, embedded within the "Book of the Covenant," underscores God's deep compassion and commitment to social justice, ensuring that all beings under one's care receive necessary refreshment and relief from labor, thereby reflecting the divine pattern of rest established at creation and fostering a just and merciful society.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Exodus 23:12 is situated within the "Book of the Covenant" (Exodus 20:22-23:33), a detailed collection of divine laws and ethical statutes that immediately follow the Ten Commandments. While the Decalogue provides foundational moral principles, this section elaborates on their practical application in the daily life of the Israelite community, governing civil, social, and religious conduct. Specifically, this verse functions as a humanitarian elaboration on the command to "Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy" found in [Exodus 20:8](/exodus/20-8 "Exodus 20:8 - The Fourth Commandment"). It appears within a broader series of ordinances that include regulations for the three annual pilgrimage festivals and the observance of the Sabbath year, demonstrating how the principle of rest extends beyond the weekly cycle to encompass wider agricultural and societal rhythms, reinforcing the pervasive nature of God's design for rest.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, the concept of a mandated, regular day of rest for all members of society, including servants, slaves, and foreigners, was revolutionary and largely unparalleled. Unlike surrounding cultures where the powerful often exploited the vulnerable through relentless labor, Israel's law, as revealed in [Exodus 23:12](/exodus/23-12 "Exodus 23:12 - The Sabbath for All"), uniquely extended the privilege of rest to the entire household and even working animals. This radical provision was a tangible expression of Yahweh's character, demonstrating His concern for the welfare and inherent dignity of all, particularly the marginalized. The explicit inclusion of the "stranger" (Hebrew: *ger*), a resident alien without tribal land or familial protection, powerfully highlights the ethical imperative for Israel to treat outsiders with justice and compassion, reflecting their own formative history as "strangers" in Egypt, as explicitly recalled in [Deuteronomy 5:14-15](/deuteronomy/5-14-15 "Deuteronomy 5:14-15 - The Deuteronomic Sabbath Command").
* **Key Themes:** Exodus 23:12 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the Pentateuch and the broader biblical narrative. Foremost is the theme of **Sabbath and Rest**, which is rooted in God's own pattern of resting after creation in [Genesis 2:2-3](/genesis/2-2-3 "Genesis 2:2-3 - God Rests on the Seventh Day"). This verse emphasizes that rest is a divine gift and a necessary component of human and animal flourishing, challenging the human tendency towards ceaseless productivity. It also powerfully advances the theme of **Social Justice and Compassion**, particularly towards the vulnerable. By explicitly including servants, foreigners, and even animals, the law establishes a foundational principle of equitable treatment and protection for those who might otherwise be exploited, reflecting God's own compassionate character. Furthermore, it reinforces the theme of **Stewardship of Creation**, demonstrating God's concern for the well-being of all His creatures, not just humanity.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Rest (Hebrew, _shâbath'_):** The KJV translates "thou shalt rest" from the Hebrew verb *shâbath* (H7673). This primitive root means "to repose, i.e. desist from exertion." It implies a deliberate cessation from ordinary work or activity, from which the word "Sabbath" (שַׁבָּת, *shabbat*) is derived. In the context of Exodus 23:12, it signifies a divinely mandated halt to productive labor, aligning with God's own cessation from creation on the seventh day, as described in [Genesis 2:2](/genesis/2-2 "Genesis 2:2 - God Rests After Creation"). It is not merely inactivity but a sacred pause, a deliberate stepping away from the six days of work.
* **Refreshed (Hebrew, _nâphash'_):** The word *nâphash* (H5314), translated as "may be refreshed," is a primitive root meaning "to breathe; passively, to be breathed upon, i.e. (figuratively) refreshed (as if by a current of air)." This term goes beyond mere physical inactivity, conveying a deeper sense of restoration, revitalization, and renewal. It suggests a catching of one's breath, a recovery of strength and spirit. For the "son of thy handmaid" and the "stranger," the Sabbath is not just a day off, but a day designed for genuine renewal and well-being, allowing them to truly "take a breath" from their labors.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Six days thou shalt do thy work":** This opening clause establishes the divinely ordained rhythm of life, affirming the legitimacy and necessity of labor. It acknowledges human responsibility to engage in productive activity for the majority of the week, cultivating and managing the resources God has provided. This is not a condemnation of work but a demarcation of its appropriate duration within a sacred weekly cycle.
* **"and on the seventh day thou shalt rest":** This is the direct, imperative command for Sabbath observance, reiterating the foundational injunction from the Decalogue. It mandates a complete cessation from the work performed during the preceding six days, establishing a sacred rhythm of labor followed by consecrated rest, setting apart a specific day for non-laboring activity.
* **"that thine ox and thine ass may rest":** This specific and remarkable inclusion highlights God's compassionate concern for working animals. In an agrarian society heavily reliant on animal labor for plowing, transport, and other tasks, this provision prevents their exploitation and ensures their well-being. It demonstrates a holistic approach to creation care and the extension of divine mercy even to beasts of burden, recognizing their need for recuperation.
* **"and the son of thy handmaid, and the stranger, may be refreshed":** This crucial expansion extends the benefit of Sabbath rest to the most vulnerable and often overlooked members of the household and community. The "son of thy handmaid" refers to male servants or slaves, while the "stranger" (Hebrew: *ger*) refers to non-Israelites residing within the community. Their explicit inclusion underscores God's unwavering commitment to social justice, human dignity, and the protection of the marginalized, regardless of their social status or ethnic origin, ensuring they too receive the revitalizing benefit of *nāphash* (refreshment).

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 23:12 employs several literary devices to convey its profound message and reinforce its legal authority. The most prominent is **Repetition**, as it reiterates the core principle of the Sabbath commandment first given in [Exodus 20:8](/exodus/20-8 "Exodus 20:8 - The Fourth Commandment"), reinforcing its importance and ensuring its memorability and consistent application within the legal code. This repetition also serves to emphasize the **Expansion** of the command's scope, moving from a general principle to specific, inclusive applications. The verse also utilizes **Inclusivity** as a thematic device, explicitly listing the various beneficiaries of the Sabbath rest—from the landowner to animals, servants, and strangers—creating a comprehensive picture of God's universal compassion and the broad reach of His law. Furthermore, the passage functions as a **Legal Formulation**, using direct, imperative language ("thou shalt do," "thou shalt rest") characteristic of biblical law, designed for clear understanding and immediate obedience. The inherent contrast between "work" and "rest" creates a subtle **Antithesis**, highlighting the divinely ordained rhythm of life and the distinct nature of the seventh day.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 23:12 profoundly reveals God's character as both sovereign Creator and compassionate Sustainer. It establishes the Sabbath not merely as a legalistic observance but as a gracious provision rooted in the very fabric of creation, mirroring God's own rest after His creative work. This divine rhythm underscores the inherent value of rest for all living beings, challenging human tendencies towards ceaseless productivity and exploitation. The verse's radical inclusivity—extending rest to animals, servants, and strangers—highlights God's unwavering commitment to justice, dignity, and the protection of the vulnerable, setting Israel apart from surrounding cultures and laying foundational principles for a just society. It teaches that true worship involves not only obedience to God but also compassionate care for His creation and for all humanity, reflecting His own merciful heart.

* [Genesis 2:2-3](/genesis/2-2-3 "God Rests on the Seventh Day")
* [Deuteronomy 5:14-15](/deuteronomy/5-14-15 "The Sabbath Command in Deuteronomy")
* [Leviticus 25:1-7](/leviticus/25-1-7 "The Sabbath Year")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 23:12 offers timeless wisdom for contemporary life, urging us to re-evaluate our relationship with work, rest, and our responsibility to others. In a world that often glorifies constant activity, relentless productivity, and the pursuit of endless gain, this verse serves as a divine counter-cultural mandate, reminding us that regular, intentional rest is not a luxury but a necessity for human flourishing—physically, mentally, and spiritually. It calls us to prioritize Sabbath, understanding it as a gracious gift from God designed for our refreshment and renewal, not merely an absence of labor but an opportunity to re-center ourselves on God and His purposes, recognizing our dependence on Him rather than our own efforts. Furthermore, the expansive scope of this command challenges us to consider the well-being of all those under our influence or care, whether employees, family members, or even animals. It compels us to advocate for fair labor practices, ensure adequate rest for all, and extend compassion and dignity to the marginalized and the "stranger" in our midst, embodying God's heart for justice and inclusivity in all our interactions and spheres of influence.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does my current rhythm of work and rest align with the principle of Sabbath as described in Exodus 23:12, and where might I need to make adjustments?**
* **In what practical ways can I extend the benefit of rest, refreshment, and fair treatment to those under my care or influence, echoing God's compassion for servants, strangers, and animals?**
* **What intentional steps can I take to prioritize a day of rest and renewal in my life each week, recognizing it as a divine provision for my holistic well-being and an act of trust in God's provision?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of including animals in the Sabbath rest?**

Answer: The inclusion of "thine ox and thine ass" in the Sabbath rest in [Exodus 23:12](/exodus/23-12 "Exodus 23:12 - The Sabbath for All") is profoundly significant. It demonstrates the comprehensive nature of God's compassion and the holistic scope of His law, extending beyond human beings to all of His creation. In an agrarian society, working animals were crucial for livelihood, but this command prevents their exploitation by mandating a day of rest for them. It reflects a divine concern for all creation, extending mercy even to beasts of burden, and teaches humanity stewardship, empathy, and responsible dominion over the earth. This principle foreshadows a broader biblical theme of creation care and the interconnectedness of all life under God's benevolent rule, where even the land itself was to observe a Sabbath rest (cf. [Leviticus 25:4](/leviticus/25-4 "Leviticus 25:4 - The Sabbath for the Land")).

**How does this verse relate to modern work-life balance?**

Answer: [Exodus 23:12](/exodus/23-12 "Exodus 23:12 - The Sabbath for All") provides a foundational and enduring principle for modern work-life balance. It establishes a divine rhythm of six days of work followed by one day of rest, emphasizing that rest is not merely an option or a luxury but a necessary component of a healthy, God-honoring life. In contemporary society, which often pressures individuals toward constant productivity, burnout, and an unhealthy merging of work and personal life, this verse serves as a powerful counter-cultural reminder that regular cessation from labor is essential for physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. It challenges us to intentionally set aside time for rest, renewal, and spiritual reflection, resisting the temptation to define our worth solely by our output or to neglect the needs of our bodies and souls.

**Who are the "strangers" mentioned, and why are they included?**

Answer: The "stranger" (Hebrew: *ger*, H1616) refers to a resident alien or foreigner living within the Israelite community who did not possess tribal land or the full rights of a native-born Israelite. Their inclusion in the Sabbath rest in [Exodus 23:12](/exodus/23-12 "Exodus 23:12 - The Sabbath for All") is a profound testament to God's commitment to social justice and radical inclusivity. It reflects Israel's own historical experience as "strangers" and enslaved people in Egypt (cf. [Deuteronomy 10:19](/deuteronomy/10-19 "Deuteronomy 10:19 - Love the Sojourner")), compelling them to extend compassion, dignity, and fair treatment to those who were often marginalized and vulnerable. This command ensures that even those without familial or tribal protection receive the dignity and refreshment of the Sabbath, underscoring God's universal concern for all humanity, regardless of their social status, ethnicity, or economic standing.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 23:12, with its emphasis on compassionate rest for all, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament Sabbath provided a shadow of rest from physical labor and a reminder of God's completed creation, Christ embodies the true, spiritual rest for weary souls. Jesus Himself declared, "The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath" ([Mark 2:27](/mark/2-27 "Mark 2:27 - Jesus on the Sabbath")), liberating the Sabbath from legalistic burdens and restoring its original humanitarian and restorative purpose. He invited all who are "weary and burdened" to come to Him, promising, "and I will give you rest" ([Matthew 11:28](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28 - Jesus' Invitation to Rest")). This rest is not merely physical cessation but a spiritual peace and cessation from self-effort found in His finished work on the cross, where He bore the burden of sin and provided ultimate refreshment for our souls. The author of Hebrews speaks of a "Sabbath-rest for the people of God" ([Hebrews 4:9](/hebrews/4-9 "The Sabbath Rest for the People of God")), into which believers enter by faith in Christ, ceasing from their own efforts to earn salvation or righteousness. Thus, the compassionate provision of rest in Exodus 23:12 points forward to Jesus, who is our ultimate rest, our true refreshment, and the one who perfectly fulfills the law's intention by extending grace and dignity to all, especially the marginalized and weary. In Him, the spirit of the Sabbath, which is freedom, restoration, and life, is fully realized ([Colossians 2:16-17](/colossians/2-16-17 "Colossians 2:16-17 - Christ is the Substance of the Shadow")).

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 35:3

Ye shall kindle no fire throughout your habitations upon the sabbath day.

Exodus 20:8

Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy.

Exodus 20:11

For [in] six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them [is], and rested the seventh day: wherefore the LORD blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it.

Deuteronomy 5:13

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

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.