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Deuteronomy 5:13

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

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

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

Six days you shall labor and do all your work,

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

Commentary

Deuteronomy 5:13 (KJV) states, "Six days thou shalt labour, and do all thy work:" This verse, part of the Ten Commandments as restated by Moses to the Israelites, lays the foundational expectation for daily life before introducing the command for the Sabbath rest.

Context

This commandment is found within the retelling of the Ten Commandments in Deuteronomy chapter 5. Moses is addressing the new generation of Israelites on the plains of Moab, reiterating the covenant laws given at Mount Sinai. This verse is a direct parallel to Exodus 20:9. Deuteronomy presents these laws with an emphasis on their meaning and the importance of obedience for the people entering the Promised Land. Verse 13 specifically sets the stage for the command to observe the Sabbath, defining the period of human activity and productivity that precedes the day of rest, as detailed in the very next verse, Deuteronomy 5:14.

Key Themes and Messages

  • The Divine Mandate for Work: The verse clearly establishes that labor is an expected and necessary part of human existence. God designed humans not for idleness but for productive activity. This aligns with the very beginning of creation, where Adam was placed in the Garden of Eden to "dress it and to keep it" (Genesis 2:15).
  • Diligence in Labor: The phrase "and do all thy work" emphasizes the importance of diligence and completeness in one's tasks. It encourages a strong work ethic, urging individuals to apply themselves fully to their responsibilities during the designated time for labor.
  • Preparation for Rest: This verse serves as the essential counterpart to the Sabbath command. It defines the six days as the period for all necessary labor, thereby highlighting the distinctiveness of the seventh day as a time specifically for rest and worship. The rhythm of six days of work followed by one day of rest is a fundamental pattern established by God.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "labour" here is ‘avad (עָבַד), which carries a broad meaning encompassing work, service, and even worship. It implies diligent effort and responsibility. The term for "work" is mela'khah (מְלָאכָה), referring to one's occupation, business, or specific tasks. Together, these terms underscore the comprehensive nature of the command: all forms of productive activity are to be undertaken during the six days.

Practical Application

Deuteronomy 5:13 offers timeless principles for believers today:

  • Work is Honorable: This verse affirms the dignity and necessity of honest labor. It reminds us that our work, whatever it may be, is a God-given responsibility and can be performed as an act of worship.
  • Balance and Rhythm: It teaches the importance of a balanced life, recognizing that periods of diligent work are essential, but they are also framed by the need for rest. This rhythm prevents both idleness and burnout.
  • Stewardship of Time: The command to "do all thy work" encourages us to manage our time wisely, ensuring that our responsibilities are met during the designated workdays, preparing us to truly rest on the seventh day or a designated day of rest and worship. This principle of a structured work-week is foundational to many societies even today.

Understanding this verse helps to appreciate the full context of the Sabbath command, emphasizing that diligent work is not only permitted but commanded by God, setting the stage for the blessed rest that follows.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Ezekiel 20:12 (3 votes)

    Moreover also I gave them my sabbaths, to be a sign between me and them, that they might know that I [am] the LORD that sanctify them.

  • Exodus 35:2 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

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

  • Luke 13:14 (2 votes)

    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 13:16 (2 votes)

    And ought not this woman, being a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan hath bound, lo, these eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the sabbath day?

  • Exodus 23:12 (2 votes)

    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.

  • Luke 23:56 (2 votes)

    And they returned, and prepared spices and ointments; and rested the sabbath day according to the commandment.