King James Version

What Does Exodus 31:14 Mean?

Exodus 31:14 in the King James Version says “Ye shall keep the sabbath therefore; for it is holy unto you: every one that defileth it shall surely be put to death: f... — study this verse from Exodus chapter 31 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Ye shall keep the sabbath therefore; for it is holy unto you: every one that defileth it shall surely be put to death: for whosoever doeth any work therein, that soul shall be cut off from among his people.

Exodus 31:14 · KJV


Context

12

And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

13

Speak thou also unto the children of Israel, saying, Verily my sabbaths ye shall keep: for it is a sign between me and you throughout your generations; that ye may know that I am the LORD that doth sanctify you.

14

Ye shall keep the sabbath therefore; for it is holy unto you: every one that defileth it shall surely be put to death: for whosoever doeth any work therein, that soul shall be cut off from among his people.

15

Six days may work be done; but in the seventh is the sabbath of rest, holy to the LORD: whosoever doeth any work in the sabbath day, he shall surely be put to death. holy: Heb. holiness

16

Wherefore the children of Israel shall keep the sabbath, to observe the sabbath throughout their generations, for a perpetual covenant.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The Sabbath is a sign between God and Israel forever, reminding them that the LORD sanctifies them. Sabbath-keeping testified to creation (God rested on the seventh day) and sanctification (God sets apart His people). Sabbath rest prefigures the spiritual rest believers find in Christ—ceasing from self-effort, trusting His finished work (Hebrews 4:9-10). Violating the Sabbath incurred death, showing that rejecting God's rest is spiritual death.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The Sabbath command's placement after tabernacle instructions (before construction began) emphasized that even sacred work must pause for sacred rest. God's people rest in His timing, not working constantly even for holy purposes.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Sabbath rest prefigure ceasing from self-effort and resting in Christ's finished work?
  2. What does the severity of Sabbath violation teach about rejecting God's rest?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 20 words
וּשְׁמַרְתֶּם֙1 of 20

Ye shall keep

H8104

properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc

אֶת2 of 20
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הַשַּׁבָּ֔ת3 of 20

the sabbath

H7676

intermission, i.e (specifically) the sabbath

כִּ֛י4 of 20
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

קֹ֥דֶשׁ5 of 20

therefore for it is holy

H6944

a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity

הִ֖וא6 of 20
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

לָכֶ֑ם7 of 20
H0
מְחַֽלְלֶ֙יהָ֙8 of 20

unto you every one that defileth

H2490

properly, to bore, i.e., (by implication) to wound, to dissolve; figuratively, to profane (a person, place or thing), to break (one's word), to begin

יוּמָ֔ת9 of 20

be put to death

H4191

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

יוּמָ֔ת10 of 20

be put to death

H4191

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

כִּ֗י11 of 20
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

כָּל12 of 20
H3605

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

הָֽעֹשֶׂ֥ה13 of 20

for whosoever doeth

H6213

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

בָהּ֙14 of 20
H0
מְלָאכָ֔ה15 of 20

any work

H4399

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

וְנִכְרְתָ֛ה16 of 20

shall be cut off

H3772

to cut (off, down or asunder); by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to covenant (i.e., make an alliance or bargain, originally by cutt

הַנֶּ֥פֶשׁ17 of 20

therein that soul

H5315

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

הַהִ֖וא18 of 20
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

מִקֶּ֥רֶב19 of 20

from among

H7130

properly, the nearest part, i.e., the center, whether literal, figurative or adverbial (especially with preposition)

עַמֶּֽיהָ׃20 of 20

his people

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock


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 31:14 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 31:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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