Exodus 31:15

KJV

Six days may work be done; but in the seventh [is] the sabbath of rest, holy to the LORD: whosoever doeth [any] work in the sabbath day, he shall surely be put to death.

KJV (with Strong's)

Six {H8337} days {H3117} may work {H4399} be done {H6213}; but in the seventh {H7637} is the sabbath {H7676} of rest {H7677}, holy {H6944} to the LORD {H3068}: whosoever doeth {H6213} any work {H4399} in the sabbath {H7676} day {H3117}, he shall surely {H4191} be put to death {H4191}.

Complete Jewish Bible

On six days work will get done; but the seventh day is Shabbat, for complete rest, set apart for ADONAI. Whoever does any work on the day of Shabbat must be put to death.

Berean Standard Bible

For six days work may be done, but the seventh day is a Sabbath of complete rest, holy to the LORD. Whoever does any work on the Sabbath day must surely be put to death.

American Standard Version

Six days shall work be done, but on the seventh day is a sabbath of solemn rest, holy to Jehovah: whosoever doeth any work on the sabbath day, he shall surely be put to death.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 31:15 stands as a profound declaration within the Mosaic Law, emphasizing the absolute sanctity of the Sabbath day. It unequivocally reiterates God's command for six days of labor to be followed by a seventh day of consecrated rest, designated as holy to the LORD. The verse concludes with a severe pronouncement: any individual who performs work on the Sabbath day "shall surely be put to death." This declaration serves as a stark reminder of the Sabbath's non-negotiable status as a foundational element of Israel's covenant relationship with God and a distinguishing mark of their unique identity among the nations.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Exodus 31:15 is strategically placed at the culmination of a significant block of instruction (Exodus 25-31) concerning the Tabernacle's construction and the priesthood's ordination. While the preceding chapters meticulously detail the physical components and rituals of Israel's worship, this verse, along with the surrounding passages in [Exodus 31](/exodus/31 "Exodus 31 - The Sabbath Command and Appointment of Artisans"), serves as a crucial concluding emphasis on the spiritual and temporal dimensions of their devotion. Its inclusion here underscores that even the most zealous and divinely mandated work for God's sanctuary did not supersede the command to cease labor and observe the Sabbath. This placement highlights the Sabbath's paramount importance as an intrinsic part of the covenant, demonstrating that obedience to God's ordained rest was as vital, if not more so, than the very construction of His dwelling place, reinforcing its status as a sign that transcends even sacred acts of worship.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, the concept of a weekly, universal day of rest, mandated by deity for all people—including servants, foreigners, and even animals—was uniquely radical to Israel. Other cultures had festivals or periods of cessation, but none mirrored the comprehensive, divinely ordained rhythm of the Israelite Sabbath. This command, rooted in the creation narrative ([Genesis 2:2-3](/genesis/2-2-3 "Genesis 2:2-3 - God Rests on the Seventh Day")) and formally codified as the Fourth Commandment ([Exodus 20:8-11](/exodus/20-8-11 "Exodus 20:8-11 - The Fourth Commandment")), served multifaceted purposes. Historically, it commemorated God's creative act and His rest, reminding Israel of His sovereignty over all time and creation. Culturally, it established a counter-cultural rhythm of life, preventing endless toil and fostering a society where even the most vulnerable had guaranteed rest. The severity of the death penalty for its violation, as articulated here and in [Exodus 31:14](/exodus/31-14 "Exodus 31:14 - The Penalty for Sabbath Breaking"), underscored the Sabbath's role as a vital sign of the covenant between God and Israel ([Exodus 31:13](/exodus/31-13 "Exodus 31:13 - The Sabbath as a Sign")), a public declaration of their loyalty and identity as God's chosen people. To violate it was to reject the covenant itself, an act of high treason against the divine King.
* **Key Themes:** Exodus 31:15 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Exodus and the broader Pentateuch. Primarily, it reinforces the theme of **Divine Sovereignty** over creation and time, as God dictates the rhythm of human activity. It highlights **Covenant Fidelity**, positioning Sabbath observance as a crucial indicator of Israel's loyalty to their covenant God, distinguishing them from surrounding nations. The severe penalty underscores the theme of **Holiness and Separation**, emphasizing that God's people are called to be set apart, and His holy commands are to be treated with utmost reverence. Furthermore, the Sabbath command points to the theme of **Rest and Trust**, inviting Israel to cease from their labors and trust in God's provision rather than their own ceaseless efforts, a principle echoed throughout the biblical narrative, culminating in the spiritual rest found in Christ ([Matthew 11:28-30](/matthew/11-28-30 "Matthew 11:28-30 - Come to Me, All Who Are Weary")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Sabbath (Hebrew, _shabbâth'_):** (H7676) Derived from the verb _shavat_, meaning "to cease," "to stop," or "to rest." This word fundamentally denotes a cessation from activity, particularly labor. In the context of the Sabbath, it signifies a divinely commanded cessation of work, marking the seventh day as distinct and set apart from the six days of human endeavor. It emphasizes not merely inactivity, but a deliberate cessation for a specific, holy purpose, reflecting God's own rest after creation.
* **Holy (Hebrew, _qôdesh'_):** (H6944) This word signifies "set apart," "consecrated," or "sacred." When applied to the Sabbath, it means the day is separated from common use and dedicated exclusively to the LORD. This holiness implies a divine claim on the day, making its violation not just a breach of law but a desecration of something belonging to God. The Sabbath's holiness elevates it beyond a mere human regulation to a divine institution, reflecting God's own character.
* **Put to death (Hebrew, _mûwth'_):** (H4191) This is the primitive root meaning "to die" (literally or figuratively) or, causatively, "to kill." In the context of the KJV "he shall surely be put to death," the Hebrew employs an infinitive absolute construction (_mot yumat_), which intensifies the verb, literally meaning "dying, he shall die." This grammatical form emphasizes the absolute certainty and severity of the penalty. It communicates an absolute, non-negotiable consequence, highlighting the extreme gravity with which God viewed the violation of the Sabbath command. It was a capital offense, indicating the Sabbath's foundational importance to the covenant and Israel's spiritual integrity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Six days may work be done;":** This initial clause establishes the divine permission and expectation for human labor. It affirms the goodness and necessity of work for six days, setting a rhythm of productivity and effort. It implicitly acknowledges that human beings are created to be active and to engage with the world through their labor, a reflection of God's own creative activity. This sets the stage for the contrast that follows.
* **"but in the seventh [is] the sabbath of rest, holy to the LORD:":** This clause introduces the stark contrast and the divine imperative for the seventh day. It defines the seventh day as the "sabbath of rest" (Hebrew _shabbaton_, an intensified form of _shabbat_, signifying a solemn, complete cessation from labor). Crucially, it declares this day "holy to the LORD," meaning it is set apart for God's exclusive honor and purposes. This consecration transforms it from a mere day off into a sacred time for spiritual focus, worship, and communion with the Creator, reflecting His own rest from creation.
* **"whosoever doeth [any] work in the sabbath day,":** This specifies the prohibited action and its scope. The phrase "any work" (מְלָאכָה, _melakhah_) refers to purposeful, creative, or gainful labor, encompassing the ordinary activities of the other six days. It signifies a comprehensive prohibition against engaging in such activities. The "whosoever" indicates that this command applies universally to all within the covenant community, without exception—from the highest leader to the lowliest servant and even animals—underscoring its foundational nature.
* **"he shall surely be put to death.":** This final, emphatic clause states the severe, capital punishment for violating the Sabbath. The repetition of the verb "death" (infinitive absolute, _mot yumat_) underscores the absolute certainty and gravity of the penalty. This extreme consequence highlights that Sabbath breaking was considered a direct act of rebellion against God's authority, a desecration of His holy time, and a profound breach of the covenant. Such an offense threatened the very spiritual fabric and distinct identity of the community, necessitating the most severe penalty to uphold God's holiness and the covenant's integrity.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 31:15 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message with undeniable force. **Contrast** is immediately evident in the juxtaposition of "Six days may work be done" with "but in the seventh is the sabbath of rest," highlighting the distinct nature and divine purpose of the seventh day. The phrase "sabbath of rest" itself uses **Repetition** (or a cognate accusative in Hebrew) to intensify the concept of cessation, emphasizing the profound and complete cessation from labor required. The use of the infinitive absolute for the penalty, "he shall surely be put to death" (literally "dying, he shall die"), is a potent form of **Emphasis**, underscoring the absolute certainty and severity of the consequence. This also functions as a **Legal Formula**, characteristic of Old Testament law, designed to leave no ambiguity regarding the gravity of the offense. Finally, the declaration that the Sabbath is "holy to the LORD" imbues the day with rich **Symbolism**, representing God's sovereignty over time, His covenant relationship with Israel, and His demand for their complete devotion and separation from the ways of the world.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 31:15 profoundly connects to several core theological themes that resonate throughout biblical revelation. It reiterates God's absolute sovereignty over time and human activity, establishing a divine rhythm for life that reflects His creative order and ultimate authority. The Sabbath, as "holy to the LORD," is a tangible expression of God's inherent holiness and His demand for His people to reflect that holiness in their lives through obedience and separation. It serves as a perpetual sign of the covenant, a weekly reminder of God's unique relationship with Israel, distinguishing them as His chosen people and a testimony to His redemptive work. Furthermore, it points to God's provision and trustworthiness, as ceasing from work required faith that God would sustain them even without continuous labor. The severe penalty for violation underscores the gravity of covenant disobedience and the seriousness of rebellion against a holy God, demonstrating that the Sabbath was not merely a ceremonial observance but a foundational test of loyalty and faith, impacting the spiritual well-being of the entire community.

* [Exodus 20:8-11](/exodus/20-8-11 "Exodus 20:8-11 - The Fourth Commandment, linking Sabbath to Creation")
* [Ezekiel 20:12](/ezekiel/20-12 "Ezekiel 20:12 - The Sabbath as a Sign of Sanctification")
* [Isaiah 58:13-14](/isaiah/58-13-14 "Isaiah 58:13-14 - The Blessings of Honoring the Sabbath")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the literal death penalty for Sabbath breaking belongs to the Old Covenant legal system, the enduring principles of Exodus 31:15 offer profound spiritual and practical guidance for believers today. The verse calls us to recognize that God is the Lord of all time and that intentionally setting aside a portion of our lives for rest, worship, and spiritual renewal is not merely a suggestion but a divine invitation and a foundational principle for human flourishing. In a world that often glorifies ceaseless activity, productivity, and the relentless pursuit of more, the Sabbath principle challenges us to trust in God's provision, to prioritize communion with Him over endless toil, and to find our true rest not in idleness but in Him. It encourages us to cultivate rhythms of life that allow for physical restoration, spiritual reflection, and meaningful engagement with God and community, recognizing that true well-being flows from aligning our lives with His divine design. This intentional pause fosters gratitude, deepens our dependence on God, and reminds us that our worth is not defined by our output but by our identity as His beloved children, created in His image to reflect His rhythm of work and rest.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does my current rhythm of life reflect a prioritization of rest and spiritual renewal, or does it lean towards ceaseless activity and self-reliance?**
* **In what ways can I practically "set apart" time as "holy to the LORD" in my modern context, even if not strictly adhering to Old Covenant Sabbath laws?**
* **What does it truly mean for me to "rest" in Christ, and how does this spiritual rest influence my physical, mental, and emotional well-being?**
* **How does the concept of God's sovereignty over time, as highlighted by the Sabbath, impact my approach to planning, work, leisure, and financial management?**

### FAQ

**Why was the penalty for Sabbath breaking so severe in the Old Testament?**

Answer: The severity of the death penalty for Sabbath breaking, as stated in [Exodus 31:15](/exodus/31-15 "Exodus 31:15 - The Sabbath Command and Penalty"), underscores the profound theological and covenantal significance of the Sabbath for ancient Israel. The Sabbath was not merely a ceremonial regulation; it was a foundational sign of the covenant between God and His people ([Exodus 31:13](/exodus/31-13 "Exodus 31:13 - The Sabbath as a Sign")). To violate the Sabbath was considered an act of direct rebellion against God's authority, a desecration of His holy time, and a rejection of the covenant itself. It was akin to high treason against the divine King, threatening the spiritual integrity and distinct identity of the entire nation. The penalty served as a stark deterrent, emphasizing the absolute holiness of God and the seriousness of disobedience to His commands within the Old Covenant legal system. It also highlighted the Sabbath's crucial role in distinguishing Israel from pagan nations and reminding them of God as their Creator and Deliverer, who both worked and rested.

**Is the command to observe the Sabbath still applicable to Christians today, given the New Covenant?**

Answer: While Christians are not under the literal Old Covenant law, including the specific capital punishment for Sabbath breaking, the underlying principles and spiritual truths of the Sabbath remain profoundly relevant. The New Testament teaches that Jesus is the [Lord of the Sabbath](/mark/2-28 "Mark 2:28 - Jesus, Lord of the Sabbath") and that He fulfills the Sabbath's ultimate meaning. The focus shifts from a strict legalistic observance of a particular day to a spiritual rest found in Christ ([Matthew 11:28-30](/matthew/11-28-30 "Matthew 11:28-30 - Come to Me, All Who Are Weary")). Believers are called to enter into God's rest, which is both a present reality through faith in Christ and a future hope in eternal glory ([Hebrews 4:9-11](/hebrews/4-9-11 "Hebrews 4:9-11 - The Promise of God's Rest")). Therefore, while Christians are not bound to the ceremonial aspects of the Old Covenant Sabbath, the principles of regular rest, worship, trust in God's provision, and setting aside time for spiritual renewal are vital for a healthy Christian life. Many Christians observe Sunday as a day of worship and rest, not as a legal requirement, but as a joyful expression of Christ's resurrection and the new creation He inaugurated.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 31:15, with its severe command concerning the Sabbath, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment not in a continued legalistic adherence to its letter, but in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. The Sabbath, as a day of cessation from labor and a symbol of rest, ultimately points to the ultimate rest found in Christ. Jesus declared Himself to be the [Lord of the Sabbath](/mark/2-28 "Mark 2:28 - Jesus, Lord of the Sabbath"), demonstrating His authority over it and revealing its true, spiritual purpose. He did not abolish the Sabbath but fulfilled its deepest meaning, inviting all who are weary and burdened by the demands of the law and the weight of sin to [come to Him and find rest for their souls](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28 - Come to Me, All Who Are Weary and Burdened"). The spiritual rest offered by Christ is a cessation from the futile works of self-righteousness and a reliance on His finished work on the cross for salvation ([Romans 3:28](/romans/3-28 "Romans 3:28 - Justification by Faith")). Furthermore, the Sabbath's weekly rhythm of rest foreshadows the eternal rest that awaits God's people in the new heavens and new earth, a rest that is fully realized in Christ's redemptive work and ultimate return ([Hebrews 4:9-11](/hebrews/4-9-11 "Hebrews 4:9-11 - The Promise of God's Rest")). Thus, the death penalty for Sabbath breaking in the Old Covenant underscores the gravity of rejecting God's provision for rest and life, a gravity that is ultimately borne by Christ Himself, who died to provide the true and lasting rest from sin and striving, bringing us into a new covenant of grace ([Hebrews 8:6](/hebrews/8-6 "Hebrews 8:6 - A Superior 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

Genesis 2:2

And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made.

Exodus 16:23

And he said unto them, This [is that] which the LORD hath said, To morrow [is] the rest of the holy sabbath unto the LORD: bake [that] which ye will bake [to day], and seethe that ye will seethe; and that which remaineth over lay up for you to be kept until the morning.

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 34:21

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

Exodus 31:17

It [is] a sign between me and the children of Israel for ever: for [in] six days the LORD made heaven and earth, and on the seventh day he rested, and was refreshed.

Jeremiah 17:24

And it shall come to pass, if ye diligently hearken unto me, saith the LORD, to bring in no burden through the gates of this city on the sabbath day, but hallow the sabbath day, to do no work therein;

Jeremiah 17:27

But if ye will not hearken unto me to hallow the sabbath day, and not to bear a burden, even entering in at the gates of Jerusalem on the sabbath day; then will I kindle a fire in the gates thereof, and it shall devour the palaces of Jerusalem, and it shall not be quenched.