Exodus 20:9
What does Exodus 20:9 mean?
A plain-English look at Exodus 20:9 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Exodus 20:9 means
This verse clarifies that the Sabbath commandment does not endorse idleness, but rather presupposes and even commands diligent labor for six days of the week. It balances the instruction for rest with the expectation of productive work. The intention is that weekly work should be completed within the dedicated time, making the Sabbath rest a true cessation from ordinary toil, rather than an extension of uncompleted tasks. This establishes a healthy rhythm of labor and rest, honoring God in both.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Six days shalt thou labor, and do all thy work;
KJV
King James Version · 1611Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work:
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Six days shalt thou labor, and do all thy work;
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949On six days do all your work:
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862six days thou dost labour, and hast done all thy work,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Six days shalt thou labour, and shalt do all thy works.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work;
Context
This verse expands on the command to remember the Sabbath, clarifying that the other six days are designated for work. It provides practical context for how the Sabbath is integrated into the Israelites' weekly life, establishing a complete cycle. This explanation ensures that the Sabbath command is understood not as a discouragement of work, but as a demarcation within a productive week, setting up the specifics of Sabbath observance in the next verse.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Exodus 23:12
Six days thou shalt do thy work, and on the seventh day thou shalt rest; that thine ox and thine ass may have rest, and the son of thy handmaid, and the sojourner, may be refreshed.
- Exodus 35:2
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.
- Exodus 34:21
Six days thou shalt work, but on the seventh day thou shalt rest: in plowing time and in harvest thou shalt rest.
- Leviticus 23:3
Six days shall work be done: but on the seventh day is a sabbath of solemn rest, a holy convocation; ye shall do no manner of work: it is a sabbath unto Jehovah in all your dwellings.
- Luke 13:14
And the ruler of the synagogue, being moved with indignation because Jesus had healed on the sabbath, answered and said to the multitude, There are six days in which men ought to work: in them therefore come and be healed, and not on the day of the sabbath.
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore Exodus 20
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Exodus 20.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About Adultery
Adultery, a grave sin against God and marriage, represents a betrayal of trust and a violation of sacred vows.
Topic
Bible Verses About Covetousness
Covetousness is an excessive desire for possessions or power, often leading to other sins and hindering one's relationship with God.
Topic
Bible Verses About Greed
The Bible consistently warns against greed, depicting it as a destructive force that hinders one’s relationship with God and others.
What the Bible says about…