King James Version

What Does Exodus 23:12 Mean?

Exodus 23:12 in the King James Version says “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 s... — study this verse from Exodus chapter 23 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

Exodus 23:12 · KJV


Context

10

And six years thou shalt sow thy land, and shalt gather in the fruits thereof:

11

But the seventh year thou shalt let it rest and lie still; that the poor of thy people may eat: and what they leave the beasts of the field shall eat. In like manner thou shalt deal with thy vineyard, and with thy oliveyard. oliveyard: or, olive trees

12

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.

13

And in all things that I have said unto you be circumspect: and make no mention of the name of other gods, neither let it be heard out of thy mouth.

14

Three times thou shalt keep a feast unto me in the year.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

Sabbath principle extends beyond weekly rest to include land (Sabbath Year) and economic relationships. The Hebrew שַׁבָּת (shabbat, 'cease/rest') reflects God's creation pattern—work six, rest seventh. Sabbath is gift, not burden: protecting workers from exploitation, land from exhaustion, and community from greed. Jesus declares Himself 'Lord of the Sabbath' (Mark 2:28)—He fulfills and interprets Sabbath's meaning. Christians rest in Christ's finished work, not just one day weekly but continually.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Sabbath observance distinguished Israel from all ancient Near Eastern cultures. No other society practiced mandatory weekly rest from labor. The Sabbath testified to Creator who rests and grants rest.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this law reveal God's character—His justice, mercy, or holiness?
  2. What New Testament principles build upon or fulfill this Old Testament regulation?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
שֵׁ֤שֶׁת1 of 15

Six

H8337

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

וּבַיּ֥וֹם2 of 15

day

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

תַּֽעֲשֶׂ֣ה3 of 15

thou shalt do

H6213

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

מַֽעֲשֶׂ֔יךָ4 of 15

thy work

H4639

an action (good or bad); generally, a transaction; abstractly, activity; by implication, a product (specifically, a poem) or (generally) property

וּבַיּ֥וֹם5 of 15

day

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

הַשְּׁבִיעִ֖י6 of 15

and on the seventh

H7637

seventh

תִּשְׁבֹּ֑ת7 of 15

thou shalt rest

H7673

to repose, i.e., desist from exertion; used in many implied relations (causative, figurative or specific)

לְמַ֣עַן8 of 15
H4616

properly, heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that

יָנ֗וּחַ9 of 15

may rest

H5117

to rest, i.e., settle down; used in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, intransitive, transitive and causative (to dwell, stay, l

שֽׁוֹרְךָ֙10 of 15

that thine ox

H7794

a bullock (as a traveller)

וַֽחֲמֹרֶ֔ךָ11 of 15

and thine ass

H2543

a male ass (from its dun red)

וְיִנָּפֵ֥שׁ12 of 15

may be refreshed

H5314

to breathe; passively, to be breathed upon , i.e., (figuratively) refreshed (as if by a current of air)

בֶּן13 of 15

and the son

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

אֲמָֽתְךָ֖14 of 15

of thy handmaid

H519

a maid-servant or female slave

וְהַגֵּֽר׃15 of 15

and the stranger

H1616

properly, a guest; by implication, a foreigner


Study Guide

Historical Context

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

Theological Significance

Exodus 23:12 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 Exodus 23:12 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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