King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 5:13 Mean?

Deuteronomy 5:13 in the King James Version says “Six days thou shalt labour, and do all thy work:” — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Deuteronomy 5:13 · KJV

Context

11

Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain: for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.

12

Keep the sabbath day to sanctify it, as the LORD thy God hath commanded thee.

13

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

14

But the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, nor thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thine ox, nor thine ass, nor any of thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates; that thy manservant and thy maidservant may rest as well as thou.

15

And remember that thou wast a servant in the land of Egypt, and that the LORD thy God brought thee out thence through a mighty hand and by a stretched out arm: therefore the LORD thy God commanded thee to keep the sabbath day.

Read Deuteronomy 5 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The command 'Six days thou shalt labour, and do all thy work' establishes work as divine ordinance and human duty. God commands labor, not merely permits it. The six-day work week reflects creation order where God worked six days before resting. Work is not curse but calling, means of glorifying God and serving neighbor. The phrase 'all thy work' indicates thorough completion of weekly responsibilities, enabling genuine rest on the seventh day. This verse opposes both workaholism (violating Sabbath rest) and laziness (refusing diligent labor). The Reformed work ethic sees all legitimate labor as sacred vocation.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Israel's agrarian economy required intensive labor: plowing, planting, harvesting, herding, building, and household management. The six-day pattern distinguished Israel from surrounding cultures with various work calendars. This rhythm sustained Israel economically while preserving weekly worship and rest. The Sabbath command protected workers from exploitation—even slaves and animals must rest. This humane labor law demonstrated covenant care for all creation.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this command establish both work and rest as divine ordinances, opposing both idleness and workaholism?
  2. In what ways can you view your weekly labor as sacred vocation, serving God and neighbor rather than merely earning income?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 6 words
שֵׁ֤֣שֶׁת1 of 6

“Six”

H8337

six (as an overplus beyond five or the fingers of the hand); as ordinal, sixth

יָמִ֣ים֙2 of 6

“days”

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

תַּֽעֲבֹ֔ד֮3 of 6

“thou shalt labour”

H5647

to work (in any sense); by implication, to serve, till, (causatively) enslave, etc

וְעָשִׂ֖֣יתָ4 of 6

“and do”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

כָּֿל5 of 6
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

מְלַאכְתֶּֽךָ֒׃6 of 6

“all thy work”

H4399

properly, deputyship, i.e., ministry; generally, employment (never servile) or work (abstractly or concretely); also property (as the result of labor)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Deuteronomy. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Deuteronomy 5:13 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Deuteronomy 5:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ezekiel 20:12Luke 23:56Luke 13:14-16Exodus 23:12Exodus 35:2-3

Test Your Knowledge

Deuteronomy 5 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterDeuteronomy Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Deuteronomy 5 with CommentaryAll Deuteronomy ChaptersComplete Deuteronomy QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes