King James Version

What Does Exodus 35:2 Mean?

Exodus 35:2 in the King James Version says “Six days shall work be done, but on the seventh day there shall be to you an holy day, a sabbath of rest to the LORD: wh... — study this verse from Exodus chapter 35 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Six days shall work be done, but on the seventh day there shall be to you an holy day, a sabbath of rest to the LORD: whosoever doeth work therein shall be put to death. an: Heb. holiness

Exodus 35:2 · KJV


Context

1

And Moses gathered all the congregation of the children of Israel together, and said unto them, These are the words which the LORD hath commanded, that ye should do them.

2

Six days shall work be done, but on the seventh day there shall be to you an holy day, a sabbath of rest to the LORD: whosoever doeth work therein shall be put to death. an: Heb. holiness

3

Ye shall kindle no fire throughout your habitations upon the sabbath day.

4

And Moses spake unto all the congregation of the children of Israel, saying, This is the thing which the LORD commanded, saying,


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The Sabbath command precedes tabernacle construction, establishing that even the holiest work must not violate God's rest principle. The Hebrew structure emphasizes 'six days' (שֵׁשֶׁת יָמִים, sheshet yamim) for work and 'the seventh day' (הַיּוֹם הַשְּׁבִיעִי, ha-yom ha-shevi'i) as קֹדֶשׁ (kodesh, holy) to the LORD. This order of priorities teaches that worship precedes work, being precedes doing, and relationship with God supersedes even building His dwelling place.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This reiteration of Sabbath law (see 31:12-17) was necessary because tabernacle construction might tempt workers to labor continuously. Ancient Near Eastern temple construction often involved relentless work, but Israel's pattern distinctly honors sacred rest.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why does God place Sabbath-keeping before the most sacred work of building His dwelling?
  2. How does the principle of rest before work challenge contemporary approaches to ministry and Christian service?

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

וּבַיּ֣וֹם2 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

הָֽעֹשֶׂ֥ה3 of 17

be done

H6213

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

מְלָאכָ֖ה4 of 17

shall work

H4399

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

וּבַיּ֣וֹם5 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 on the seventh

H7637

seventh

יִֽהְיֶ֨ה7 of 17
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

לָכֶ֥ם8 of 17
H0
קֹ֛דֶשׁ9 of 17

there shall be to you an holy day

H6944

a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity

שַׁבַּ֥ת10 of 17

a sabbath

H7676

intermission, i.e (specifically) the sabbath

שַׁבָּת֖וֹן11 of 17

of rest

H7677

a sabbatism or special holiday

לַֽיהוָ֑ה12 of 17

to the LORD

H3068

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

כָּל13 of 17
H3605

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

הָֽעֹשֶׂ֥ה14 of 17

be done

H6213

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

ב֛וֹ15 of 17
H0
מְלָאכָ֖ה16 of 17

shall work

H4399

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

יוּמָֽת׃17 of 17

therein shall 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 35:2 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 35:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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