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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 35:2 · King James Version

Meaning

This verse from the book of Exodus emphasizes the importance of honoring the Sabbath day and keeping it holy. In the Bible, God commanded that the Israelites work for six days but rest on the seventh day as a way to observe and remember the creation story in which God rested on the seventh day. The Sabbath day, also known as a day of rest, was meant to be a time of reflection, rejuvenation, and worship of the Lord. By refraining from work on the Sabbath, individuals were showing their trust and obedience to God, recognizing Him as the ultimate provider and sustainer of life. The consequence for breaking this commandment was severe, as it was punishable by death. This served as a reminder of the seriousness of keeping the Sabbath day holy and the importance of following God's laws. Overall, this verse serves as a reminder to prioritize spiritual and restful practices in one's life and to honor God through observing the Sabbath day.

Theological Overview

In this verse, the importance of observing the sabbath day is emphasized through a serious consequence - death for anyone who does work on that day. This underscores the significance of resting and dedicating the seventh day to the Lord. The theological interpretation of this commandment reveals God's desire for His people to set aside time to worship Him, reflect on His goodness, and recharge. The word 'holy' signifies the sacredness of the sabbath day, indicating that it is a time set apart for God. By refraining from work on the sabbath, believers demonstrate their trust in God's provision and their commitment to honoring Him. This verse serves as a reminder for believers to prioritize spiritual rejuvenation and to trust in God's commandments for their well-being.

Exodus 35:2 in other translations

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.

World English Bible

‘Six days shall work be done, but on the seventh day there shall be a holy day for you, a Sabbath of solemn rest to Yahweh: whoever does any work in it shall be put to death.

Douay-Rheims

Six days you shall do work; the seventh day shall be holy unto you, the sabbath and the rest of the Lord: he that shall do any work on it, shall be put to death.

Geneva Bible (1599)

Six dayes thou shalt work, but the seuenth day shall bee vnto you the holy Sabbath of rest vnto the Lord: whosoeuer doth any worke therein, shall die.