Exodus 31:14

KJV

Ye shall keep the sabbath therefore; for it [is] holy unto you: every one that defileth it shall surely be put to death: for whosoever doeth [any] work therein, that soul shall be cut off from among his people.

KJV (with Strong's)

Ye shall keep {H8104} the sabbath {H7676} therefore; for it is holy {H6944} unto you: every one that defileth {H2490} it shall surely {H4191} be put to death {H4191}: for whosoever doeth {H6213} any work {H4399} therein, that soul {H5315} shall be cut off {H3772} from among {H7130} his people {H5971}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Therefore you are to keep my Shabbat, because it is set apart for you. Everyone who treats it as ordinary must be put to death; for whoever does any work on it is to be cut off from his people.

Berean Standard Bible

Keep 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.

American Standard Version

Ye shall keep the sabbath therefore; for it is holy unto you: every one that profaneth it shall surely be put to death; for whosoever doeth any work therein, that soul shall be cut off from among his people.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 31:14 emphatically reiterates the divine command for Sabbath observance, highlighting its profound holiness and the severe, covenantal consequences for its desecration. This verse underscores the Sabbath's status as a sacred, God-ordained day, set apart for the Lord, and serving as a crucial sign of the covenant between Yahweh and Israel, distinguishing them as His consecrated people. Its violation was deemed a capital offense, signifying a profound rejection of God's authority, the covenant relationship, and the very identity of Israel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed at a critical juncture in God's detailed instructions to Moses on Mount Sinai. Immediately preceding it, the Lord has delivered extensive and intricate blueprints for the construction of the Tabernacle, its sacred furnishings, and the elaborate priestly garments, spanning from [Exodus 25](/exodus/25 "Exodus 25 - Instructions for the Tabernacle") through [Exodus 31:11](/exodus/31-11 "Exodus 31:11 - Anointing Oil and Incense"). The abrupt transition from the meticulous work of building God's dwelling place to the strict observance of the Sabbath is profoundly significant. It powerfully conveys that even the most sacred and divinely commanded labor must yield to the Sabbath's sanctity. The Sabbath, initially introduced as the Fourth Commandment in [Exodus 20:8-11](/exodus/20-8 "Exodus 20:8-11 - The Fourth Commandment"), is here re-emphasized as the ultimate sign of the covenant, explicitly stated in the immediately preceding verse, [Exodus 31:13](/exodus/31-13 "Exodus 31:13 - The Sabbath as a Sign"). This deliberate placement underscores the Sabbath's paramount importance as a perpetual sign of the covenant and God's ongoing sanctifying work among His chosen people, signifying that the relationship with God takes precedence over even religious work.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The giving of the Law at Mount Sinai formally established Israel as Yahweh's unique covenant nation, setting them apart from all other peoples in the ancient Near East. While other cultures had various festivals or days of rest, none possessed a universally mandated, weekly day of cessation from labor for all members of society—master and servant, native and sojourner alike—rooted in the creation week and God's own rest, as depicted in [Genesis 2:2-3](/genesis/2-2 "Genesis 2:2-3 - God Rests on the Seventh Day"). The Sabbath served as a distinctive identifier of Israel's exclusive covenant relationship with Yahweh, differentiating them from surrounding pagan nations. Its observance was not merely a ceremonial duty but a profound theological statement, acknowledging God as Creator, Redeemer, and Sanctifier. The severe penalties for Sabbath desecration—death or being "cut off"—were characteristic of capital offenses within the Mosaic Law, similar to idolatry or blasphemy. These stringent penalties reinforced the gravity of covenant disobedience, demonstrating that violations of the Sabbath were not minor infractions but direct affronts to God's holiness and the very fabric of the covenant community, thereby threatening Israel's unique identity and foundational relationship with God.

* **Key Themes:** Exodus 31:14 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Exodus and the broader Pentateuch. Firstly, it reinforces the theme of **Divine Authority and Sovereignty**, demonstrating God's absolute right to establish laws and rhythms for His creation and His people. Secondly, it highlights the theme of **Holiness and Sanctification**, emphasizing that God's people are called to reflect His holiness, not only in their character but also in their use of time, setting apart the Sabbath as holy. This connects to the broader theme of Israel's identity as a "holy nation" ([Exodus 19:6](/exodus/19-6 "Exodus 19:6 - A Kingdom of Priests and a Holy Nation")). Thirdly, the verse underscores the theme of **Covenant Fidelity and Consequences**. The Sabbath is explicitly a "sign" of the covenant ([Exodus 31:13](/exodus/31-13 "Exodus 31:13 - The Sabbath as a Sign")), and its violation carries the most severe penalties, illustrating that disobedience to God's covenant stipulations has dire consequences, including separation from the covenant community. Finally, it speaks to the theme of **Rest and Creation**, linking the Sabbath back to God's rest after creation ([Genesis 2:2-3](/genesis/2-2 "Genesis 2:2-3 - God Rests on the Seventh Day")) and establishing a foundational rhythm for human life that acknowledges God as the ultimate provider and sustainer, rather than human toil.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Sabbath (Hebrew, _shabbâth'_):** From the verb meaning "to cease" or "to rest," this term refers to the divinely ordained seventh day of the week, set apart for cessation from labor and for sacred purposes. As defined by the Strong's data, it signifies "intermission," specifically the Sabbath day. Its observance was a perpetual sign of God's covenant with Israel, echoing His own rest after creation and providing a rhythm for human life that acknowledged His sovereignty over time and work.
* **Holy (Hebrew, _qôdesh'_):** This word denotes a state of being "set apart," "consecrated," or "dedicated to God." According to the Strong's data, it refers to a "sacred place or thing," or abstractly, "sanctity." When applied to the Sabbath, it signifies that the day is separated from common use and devoted exclusively to God's purposes, reflecting God's own character and His desire for His people to be holy and distinct. To defile it was to violate something belonging solely to God.
* **Cut off (Hebrew, _kârath'_):** A primitive root meaning "to cut (off, down or asunder)," by implication "to destroy or consume," and specifically "to covenant." Here, as the Strong's data indicates, it implies a severing of connection. In this context, it signifies excommunication from the covenant community, a loss of all covenant privileges, and often, divine judgment leading to an untimely death. It represents the most severe form of social and spiritual ostracization, indicating that the individual's actions have rendered them unfit to remain part of God's chosen people.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Ye shall keep the sabbath therefore;":** This imperative command places the responsibility for Sabbath observance directly upon the Israelites. The conjunction "therefore" links this command to the preceding declaration in [Exodus 31:13](/exodus/31-13 "Exodus 31:13 - The Sabbath as a Sign"), where God explicitly states that the Sabbath is "a sign between me and you throughout your generations, that ye may know that I am the Lord that doth sanctify you." Thus, keeping the Sabbath is presented as an act of covenant faithfulness, a public acknowledgment of God's identity as their sanctifier and the source of their distinctiveness.
* **"for it [is] holy unto you:":** This clause provides the foundational reason for the command. The Sabbath's holiness is not merely an arbitrary designation but a sacred reality that brings benefit and distinction to the people ("unto you"). By observing a day declared holy by God, the people participate in and reflect God's own holiness, experiencing the spiritual and physical rest He ordained. This holiness implies a sacred purpose and a divine separation from ordinary activity, making its defilement an act against God Himself.
* **"every one that defileth it shall surely be put to death:":** This pronouncement introduces the severe, capital penalty for desecrating the holy Sabbath. To "defile" (H2490, _châlal_) means to profane, to treat as common, or to violate something sacred that has been set apart. The phrase "shall surely be put to death" (H4191, _mûwth_ repeated for emphasis, a legal idiom) emphasizes the certainty and severity of capital punishment. This penalty underscores that Sabbath desecration was not a minor offense but a direct assault on God's holiness, His covenant, and the very order He established for His people.
* **"for whosoever doeth [any] work therein, that soul shall be cut off from among his people.":** This clause clarifies the primary act of defilement: performing work (H4399, _mᵉlâʼkâh_) on the Sabbath. The phrase "that soul (H5315, _nephesh_) shall be cut off (H3772, _kârath_) from among (H7130, _qereb_) his people (H5971, _ʻam_)" reiterates the extreme consequence, emphasizing the individual's complete separation from the covenant community. This "cutting off" could imply excommunication, leading to social isolation and loss of inheritance, or even divine judgment resulting in premature death, signifying a loss of one's place and identity within Israel. It highlights that such an act was considered an act of rebellion against God's authority and a rejection of Israel's unique status as God's set-apart people.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 31:14 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message with undeniable force and clarity. **Repetition** is prominently featured in the dual pronouncements of judgment ("shall surely be put to death" and "shall be cut off"), which creates a powerful sense of **Emphasis** on the extreme gravity of Sabbath violation. This legal **Redundancy** ensures no ambiguity regarding the severe and certain consequences. The verse also utilizes **Covenant Language**, as the Sabbath itself is a "sign" of the covenant, and its violation leads to being "cut off" from the covenant people, a term deeply embedded in covenantal discourse signifying a breach of sacred agreement. The structure of the verse functions as a **Legal Formula**, stating the command, the reason for the command, the prohibited action, and the precise consequences, a typical pattern found throughout Mosaic Law. Furthermore, the Sabbath itself serves as profound **Symbolism**, representing God's creative order, His sanctifying power, and Israel's unique, set-apart relationship with Him. The violation of this symbol, therefore, is not merely breaking a rule but an attack on the very essence of their identity and their covenant relationship with God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 31:14 profoundly articulates the theological significance of the Sabbath within the Old Covenant. It reveals God's absolute sovereignty over time and His creation, asserting His divine prerogative to designate a portion of time as holy and set apart for Himself. The Sabbath's holiness is intrinsically linked to God's own character, reflecting His perfection, His rest after creation, and His sanctifying presence among His people. Its observance was a tangible act of worship, a public declaration of Israel's allegiance to Yahweh as their Creator and Redeemer, and a constant reminder of His covenant faithfulness. The severe penalties for its violation underscore the seriousness of covenant disobedience, demonstrating that rejection of God's commands—especially one so central to their identity and relationship with Him—was tantamount to rejecting God Himself and forfeiting one's place within His chosen people. This verse thus speaks to the enduring themes of divine authority, covenant fidelity, the nature of holiness, and the dire consequences of rebellion against God's established order.

* [Exodus 20:8-11](/exodus/20-8 "Exodus 20:8-11 - The Fourth Commandment")
* [Numbers 15:32-36](/numbers/15-32 "Numbers 15:32-36 - The Man Gathering Sticks on the Sabbath")
* [Ezekiel 20:12](/ezekiel/20-12 "Ezekiel 20:12 - The Sabbath as a Sign of Sanctification")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While believers under the New Covenant are not bound by the ceremonial specifics of the Mosaic Sabbath law in the same way (as clarified in [Colossians 2:16-17](/colossians/2-16 "Colossians 2:16-17 - Freedom from Regulations")), Exodus 31:14 still offers profound and enduring principles for contemporary Christian living. It challenges us to consider the seriousness with which God views obedience and the paramount importance of honoring His commands. The underlying principle of setting aside intentional time for God—for rest, worship, spiritual renewal, and communion—remains eternally valid. In a world relentlessly driven by constant activity, productivity, and the clamor of demands, this verse calls us to intentionally pause, acknowledging God as the sovereign Lord of our time and the ultimate source of our true rest. It reminds us that our identity and worth are found not in our work, our achievements, or our busyness, but fundamentally in our relationship with God. True spiritual flourishing and deep communion with Him require dedicated time for reflection on His finished work and for intimate fellowship with Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the severity of the Sabbath penalty in Exodus 31:14 challenge my contemporary understanding of sin, obedience, and the nature of God's holiness?**
* **In what ways might I, perhaps unknowingly, "defile" or profane the sacred spaces, relationships, or times God has set apart for me, whether literally or metaphorically?**
* **What practical and intentional steps can I take to cultivate a rhythm of spiritual rest, worship, and communion with God in the midst of my busy and demanding life?**
* **How does understanding the Sabbath as a "sign" of God's sanctifying power inform and motivate my pursuit of personal holiness and distinction as a follower of Christ today?**

### FAQ

**Why was the penalty for Sabbath breaking so severe, specifically "put to death" or "cut off"?**

Answer: The severity of the penalty for Sabbath breaking—death or being "cut off" from the community—underscores the profound theological and covenantal significance of the Sabbath under the Mosaic Law. The Sabbath was not merely a ceremonial regulation; it was a foundational sign of the covenant between Yahweh and Israel, distinguishing them as His holy people and acknowledging Him as their sanctifier ([Exodus 31:13](/exodus/31-13 "Exodus 31:13 - The Sabbath as a Sign")). To profane the Sabbath was to reject God's authority as Creator and Redeemer, to deny His sanctifying power, and to break the very covenant that defined Israel's existence and identity. It was considered an act of open rebellion and a defilement of the sacred relationship, akin to idolatry or blasphemy, which also carried capital punishment. The penalty served as a stark warning, preserving the holiness of the community and reinforcing the absolute seriousness of covenant fidelity. An example of this penalty being carried out is found in [Numbers 15:32-36](/numbers/15-32 "Numbers 15:32-36 - The Man Gathering Sticks on the Sabbath"), where a man gathering sticks on the Sabbath was stoned to death.

**Does this verse, particularly its commands and penalties, apply directly to Christians today?**

Answer: While the specific commands and capital penalties of the Mosaic Sabbath law do not apply directly to New Covenant believers in the same way, the underlying principles of Exodus 31:14 remain highly relevant. The New Testament teaches that Christ is the fulfillment of the Sabbath, offering ultimate rest from our labors and establishing a new covenant relationship based on grace, not law ([Colossians 2:16-17](/colossians/2-16 "Colossians 2:16-17 - Christ is the Fulfillment of the Sabbath")). Therefore, Christians are not bound by the Old Covenant's legalistic observance of a specific day or its associated penalties. However, the verse still teaches the importance of honoring God's commands, recognizing His holiness, and setting aside dedicated time for rest, worship, and spiritual renewal. The principle of entering into God's rest, a spiritual reality for all who trust in Christ's finished work, is beautifully described in [Hebrews 4:9-10](/hebrews/4-9 "Hebrews 4:9-10 - The Sabbath Rest for the People of God"), pointing to a deeper, ongoing rest found in Him.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 31:14, with its profound emphasis on the Sabbath's holiness and the dire consequences for its violation, finds its ultimate fulfillment and reinterpretation in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Old Covenant Sabbath, as a sign of God's rest in creation and His sanctifying covenant with Israel, inherently pointed forward to a greater, more profound rest. Jesus Himself declared, "The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. So the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath" ([Mark 2:27-28](/mark/2-27-28 "Mark 2:27-28 - Jesus, Lord of the Sabbath")). This declaration demonstrated His divine authority over its legalistic interpretations and revealed its true, redemptive purpose: to bring healing, liberation, and life, as seen in His many Sabbath miracles (e.g., [Luke 13:10-17](/luke/13-10-17 "Luke 13:10-17 - Healing on the Sabbath")). Jesus invited all who are weary and burdened to find rest in Him, promising, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest" ([Matthew 11:28-30](/matthew/11-28-30 "Matthew 11:28-30 - Come to Me, All Who Are Weary")). The "rest" foreshadowed by the Old Covenant Sabbath is fully realized in Christ's finished work on the cross, where He accomplished perfect salvation, enabling believers to cease from their own futile efforts to earn righteousness and to enter into God's perfect rest by faith. This spiritual rest, described in [Hebrews 4:9-10](/hebrews/4-9-10 "Hebrews 4:9-10 - The Sabbath Rest for the People of God") as a "Sabbath-rest for the people of God," is a present reality for all who trust in Him, and it anticipates the eternal rest of heaven. Thus, the severe penalty for defiling the Sabbath in Exodus 31:14 ultimately highlights the even more severe consequence of rejecting the true Sabbath rest offered in Christ, whose sacrifice alone provides the means for reconciliation and eternal life, ensuring that those who are "in Christ" are never "cut off" from God's people but are eternally secure in His covenant.

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

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.

Exodus 35:3

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

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.

Isaiah 58:13

¶ If thou turn away thy foot from the sabbath, [from] doing thy pleasure on my holy day; and call the sabbath a delight, the holy of the LORD, honourable; and shalt honour him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking [thine own] words:

Isaiah 58:14

Then shalt thou delight thyself in the LORD; and I will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth, and feed thee with the heritage of Jacob thy father: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken [it].

Deuteronomy 5:12

Keep the sabbath day to sanctify it, as the LORD thy God hath commanded thee.