Exodus 35:2

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Six {H8337} days {H3117} shall work {H4399} be done {H6213}, but on the seventh {H7637} day {H3117} there shall be to you an holy day {H6944}, a sabbath {H7676} of rest {H7677} to the LORD {H3068}: whosoever doeth {H6213} work {H4399} therein shall be put to death {H4191}.

Complete Jewish Bible

On six days work is to be done, but the seventh day is to be a holy day for you, a Shabbat of complete rest in honor of ADONAI. Whoever does any work on it is to be put to death.

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 35:2, strategically positioned within Moses' instructions for the Tabernacle's construction, unequivocally reiterates the divine command for Sabbath observance. It designates the seventh day as a sacred day of complete rest, consecrated to the LORD, and sternly warns that any violation of this command through work will incur the capital penalty. This verse profoundly underscores the Sabbath's non-negotiable sanctity as a foundational sign of the covenant and a powerful testament to God's ultimate sovereignty over all time and human labor, even amidst the urgent and divinely mandated task of building His sanctuary.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Exodus 35:2 serves as a critical theological preface to Moses' detailed instructions for the construction of the Tabernacle and its sacred implements, spanning [Exodus 35](/exodus/35 "Exodus 35 - Call for Tabernacle Contributions and Skilled Workers") through [Exodus 40](/exodus/40 "Exodus 40 - The Tabernacle Erected and Filled with God's Glory"). Its immediate placement, preceding the call for freewill offerings and the mobilization of skilled artisans, is highly significant. It acts as a divine boundary marker, asserting that even the most sacred and divinely commanded work, such as building God's dwelling place, must yield to the preeminence of the Sabbath command. This reiteration reinforces earlier, comprehensive Sabbath legislation found in the Decalogue (e.g., [Exodus 20:8-11](/exodus/20-8-11 "Exodus 20:8-11 - The Fourth Commandment: Remember the Sabbath Day")) and other covenant stipulations (e.g., [Exodus 31:12-17](/exodus/31-12-17 "Exodus 31:12-17 - The Sabbath as a Perpetual Sign of the Covenant")), emphasizing its non-negotiable and foundational status within the Mosaic Covenant.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** This command was delivered to the Israelites at Mount Sinai, a pivotal moment when they were formally constituted as God's covenant people. The Sabbath, a unique institution in the ancient Near East, distinctly set Israel apart from surrounding polytheistic cultures that lacked a regular, divinely mandated day of cessation from labor. Its observance served as a tangible and visible sign of their exclusive covenant relationship with Yahweh, marking them as a people consecrated to Him. The severe penalty of death for Sabbath violation, also explicitly stated in passages like [Exodus 31:14-15](/exodus/31-14-15 "Exodus 31:14-15 - Death Penalty for Sabbath Breaking"), highlights the extreme gravity of this offense within the Mosaic Law. Sabbath-breaking was not merely a minor infraction but was considered an act of direct rebellion against God's sovereignty, a profound rejection of His covenant authority, and thus, a capital offense akin to idolatry or murder.
* **Key Themes:** Exodus 35:2 contributes significantly to several overarching theological and narrative themes within Exodus and the broader Pentateuch. It powerfully reinforces the theme of God's **Sovereignty over Time and Creation**, echoing His own rest after the six days of creation in [Genesis 2:2-3](/genesis/2-2-3 "Genesis 2:2-3 - God Rests on the Seventh Day"). The verse also highlights the **Holiness of God** and His expectation that His people reflect this holiness by setting apart time for Him. Furthermore, it underscores the **Importance of Obedience to God's Commands** as integral to covenant faithfulness, demonstrating that God's laws are not arbitrary but carry profound implications for life and death. The Sabbath itself is presented as a crucial **Covenant Sign**, distinguishing Israel and reminding them of God's sanctifying work among them (as seen in [Ezekiel 20:12](/ezekiel/20-12 "Ezekiel 20:12 - The Sabbath as a Sign of Sanctification")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Day (Hebrew, _yôwm'_):** (H3117) From an unused root meaning "to be hot," this term 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 Exodus 35:2, it is used in both senses: "six days" for labor and "the seventh day" as a specific, designated period, highlighting God's ordering of time.
* **Holy (Hebrew, _qôdesh'_):** (H6944) This word signifies something "set apart," "consecrated," or "dedicated" for sacred use, distinct from the common or profane. When applied to the Sabbath, it means the day is not merely a day off, but a day specially designated by God for His purposes, to be treated with reverence and distinct from the other six days of the week. This holiness implies a separation from mundane activities and a dedication to spiritual pursuits and rest in the Lord.
* **Sabbath of Rest (Hebrew, _shabbâthôwn'_):** (H7677) Derived from `shabbâth` (H7676), this term is an intensive form, signifying a "sabbatism" or "special holiday," emphasizing the intensity and completeness of the rest. It implies a "full sabbath rest" or "solemn rest." The phrase "a sabbath of rest to the LORD" (שַׁבַּת שַׁבָּתוֹן לַיהוָה) further clarifies that this rest is not primarily for human convenience, but is an act of worship and dedication to Yahweh (H3068), acknowledging His lordship over all time and labor.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Six days shall work be done":** This opening clause establishes the divinely ordained rhythm of human activity for the majority of the week. It affirms the necessity and divine sanction of labor and productivity as a fundamental aspect of human existence, setting the stage for the crucial contrast that immediately follows.
* **"but on the seventh day there shall be to you an holy day, a sabbath of rest to the LORD":** This is the central command, introducing the radical concept of the Sabbath. The seventh day is explicitly designated as "holy" (set apart for God) and a "sabbath of rest" (a complete cessation from ordinary labor). The phrase "to the LORD" underscores that this day is consecrated to God's purposes, not merely a day of leisure for people. It is a time for ceasing from one's own work to acknowledge God's sovereignty, provision, and to reflect His own rest after creation.
* **"whosoever doeth work therein shall be put to death":** This stark and severe pronouncement reveals the extreme gravity of violating the Sabbath command. The death penalty signifies that Sabbath-breaking was considered a capital offense, an act of high treason against God's covenant. It was not a minor transgression but a fundamental rejection of God's authority, a profaning of His holy time, and a direct assault on the covenant relationship He established with Israel.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 35:2 employs several potent **Literary Devices** to convey its message with clarity and force. The most prominent is **Legal Pronouncement**, characteristic of the Mosaic Law, which uses direct, imperative language to establish a clear command and consequence. The structure of the verse itself presents a stark **Contrast** between the six days of work and the singular, holy day of rest, highlighting the unique status and profound purpose of the Sabbath. The phrase "a sabbath of rest" (Hebrew _shabbâthôwn_) functions as an **Intensifier**, emphasizing the absolute and complete nature of the required cessation from labor, signifying a solemn and full rest. Furthermore, the explicit declaration of the death penalty serves as a powerful **Deterrent**, underscoring the extreme seriousness with which God views the sanctity of this commandment, making it unequivocally clear that Sabbath observance is not optional but foundational to the covenant and the very identity of God's people.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 35:2 profoundly connects to several core theological principles. It reinforces the theme of God's absolute **Sovereignty** over time and human activity, establishing a divine rhythm for life that transcends mere human productivity. The Sabbath is presented as a **Covenant Sign**, a perpetual reminder of God's unique relationship with Israel and His sanctifying power. It is a weekly testament to the **Holiness of God** and His desire for His people to reflect that holiness in their lives, setting aside time for Him. The severe penalty for disobedience underscores the **Gravity of Covenant Breaking** and the necessity of absolute obedience to God's commands, demonstrating that God's laws are not arbitrary but carry life-and-death significance for those in covenant with Him.

* [Exodus 20:8-11](/exodus/20-8-11 "Exodus 20:8-11 - The Fourth Commandment")
* [Exodus 31:12-17](/exodus/31-12-17 "Exodus 31:12-17 - The Sabbath as a Perpetual Covenant Sign")
* [Nehemiah 13:15-22](/nehemiah/13-15-22 "Nehemiah 13:15-22 - Nehemiah Enforces Sabbath Observance")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In a contemporary world that often glorifies relentless productivity, busyness, and constant connectivity, Exodus 35:2 offers a profound and counter-cultural call to intentional rest and spiritual reorientation. While the specific capital penalty of the Old Covenant is not directly applied to believers today, the underlying principle of setting aside time for God, for rest, and for spiritual renewal remains profoundly relevant and vital for human flourishing. This verse challenges us to deeply consider whether we truly acknowledge God's sovereignty over our time, our labor, and our resources, or if we operate under the illusion that our ceaseless efforts are the sole source of our provision, security, and identity. Honoring a day of rest is not merely about physical recuperation; it is a profound act of faith, a declaration that God is our ultimate provider, sustainer, and the source of our true rest. It provides an essential rhythm for holistic human flourishing, allowing for physical, mental, and spiritual replenishment, and fostering a deeper, more dependent relationship with our Creator and Redeemer.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does my current rhythm of work and rest practically demonstrate my trust in God's provision and sovereignty over my life?**
* **In what specific and practical ways can I intentionally set aside time as "holy to the LORD" in my contemporary context, distinct from my regular labor?**
* **What anxieties, fears, or cultural beliefs prevent me from fully embracing a principle of rest and ceasing from my own striving and labor?**
* **How can the enduring principles of the Sabbath inform and enrich my approach to spiritual disciplines, worship, and my relationship with God?**

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

Answer: The death penalty for Sabbath-breaking, as stated in Exodus 35:2, underscores the extreme gravity of this offense within the Old Covenant. The Sabbath was not merely a ceremonial law; it was a foundational commandment, part of the Decalogue, and a unique, perpetual sign of Israel's covenant relationship with Yahweh (see [Exodus 31:13](/exodus/31-13 "Exodus 31:13 - The Sabbath as a Sign of Sanctification")). To violate the Sabbath was to reject God's direct command, to profane a holy institution He had established, and to demonstrate a fundamental rebellion against the covenant itself. It was seen as an act of high treason against the divine King, equivalent in seriousness to other capital offenses like idolatry or murder, because it struck at the heart of Israel's identity as God's chosen people and their allegiance to Him.

**Is the Sabbath still a binding command for Christians today?**

Answer: For Christians, the understanding of the Sabbath undergoes a significant transformation under the New Covenant. While the Old Testament Sabbath laws were part of the Mosaic Law given specifically to Israel, the New Testament emphasizes that believers are no longer under the legalistic demands of the Law but under grace (see [Romans 6:14](/romans/6-14 "Romans 6:14 - Not Under Law, But Under Grace")). Jesus declared Himself "Lord of the Sabbath" ([Mark 2:28](/mark/2-28 "Mark 2:28 - Jesus, Lord of the Sabbath")), indicating His ultimate authority over it and its fulfillment in Him. The early church did not rigidly observe the seventh-day Sabbath but often gathered on the first day of the week to commemorate Christ's resurrection (e.g., [Acts 20:7](/acts/20-7 "Acts 20:7 - Breaking Bread on the First Day of the Week")). While the specific legalistic observance of a particular day is not mandated, the underlying principles of rest, worship, and setting aside time for God remain timeless wisdom for human flourishing and spiritual health, finding their ultimate expression in the spiritual rest found in Christ.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 35:2, with its stringent command for Sabbath rest and severe penalty for violation, finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Old Covenant Sabbath, a shadow of things to come, pointed forward to a deeper, spiritual rest that humanity could only truly find in God. Jesus, as the "Lord of the Sabbath" ([Mark 2:28](/mark/2-28 "Mark 2:28 - Jesus, Lord of the Sabbath")), did not abolish the Sabbath but revealed its true meaning and purpose, declaring that "The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath" ([Mark 2:27](/mark/2-27 "Mark 2:27 - The Sabbath Made for Man")). He invited all who are weary and burdened by the weight of sin and legalistic striving to "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest" ([Matthew 11:28](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28 - Jesus' Invitation to Rest")). This rest is not merely a cessation from physical labor but a profound spiritual rest from the burden of sin, the condemnation of the Law, and the futile striving to earn righteousness through human works. The author of Hebrews speaks of a "Sabbath rest" that remains for the people of God, which is entered into by faith in Christ, signifying salvation and peace in Him, a cessation from our own works as God ceased from His ([Hebrews 4:9-10](/hebrews/4-9-10 "Hebrews 4:9-10 - The Spiritual Rest for God's People")). Thus, the death penalty for Sabbath-breaking in the Old Covenant foreshadows the spiritual death that inevitably results from rejecting God's ultimate provision of rest and salvation in Christ. In Him, the perfect obedience to the Law is fulfilled, and believers receive not a legalistic burden, but the liberating grace that enables true rest and worship, transforming the temporal shadow of the Sabbath into the glorious and eternal reality of life in Christ.

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

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.

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.

Luke 13:15

The Lord then answered him, and said, [Thou] hypocrite, doth not each one of you on the sabbath loose his ox or [his] ass from the stall, and lead [him] away to watering?

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.

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.

Exodus 20:9

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