King James Version

What Does Exodus 31:15 Mean?

Exodus 31:15 in the King James Version says “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 ... — study this verse from Exodus chapter 31 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Exodus 31:15 · KJV


Context

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.

17

It is a sign between me and the children of Israel for ever: for in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, and on the seventh day he rested, and was refreshed.


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.

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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 · 17 words
שֵׁ֣שֶׁת1 of 17

Six

H8337

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

בְּי֥וֹם2 of 17

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

הָֽעֹשֶׂ֧ה3 of 17

be done

H6213

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

מְלָאכָ֛ה4 of 17

any work

H4399

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

בְּי֥וֹם5 of 17

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

הַשְּׁבִיעִ֗י6 of 17

but in the seventh

H7637

seventh

הַשַּׁבָּ֖ת7 of 17

in the sabbath

H7676

intermission, i.e (specifically) the sabbath

שַׁבָּת֛וֹן8 of 17

of rest

H7677

a sabbatism or special holiday

קֹ֖דֶשׁ9 of 17

holy

H6944

a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity

לַֽיהוָ֑ה10 of 17

to the LORD

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

כָּל11 of 17
H3605

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

הָֽעֹשֶׂ֧ה12 of 17

be done

H6213

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

מְלָאכָ֛ה13 of 17

any work

H4399

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

בְּי֥וֹם14 of 17

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

הַשַּׁבָּ֖ת15 of 17

in the sabbath

H7676

intermission, i.e (specifically) the sabbath

יוּמָֽת׃16 of 17

be put to death

H4191

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

יוּמָֽת׃17 of 17

be put to death

H4191

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


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 31:15 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 31:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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