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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Exodus 23:12 For six days you are to do your work, but on the seventh day you must cease, so that your ox and your donkey may rest and the son of your maidservant may be refreshed, as well as the foreign resident.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/exodus/23-12.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/17/02_Exo_23_12.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Exodus 23:12 - Sabbath Laws" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="For six days you are to do your work, but on the seventh day you must cease, so that your ox and your donkey may rest and the son of your maidservant may be refreshed, as well as the foreign resident." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/exodus/23-12.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/exodus/23-12.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/exodus/">Exodus</a> > <a href="/exodus/23.htm">Chapter 23</a> > Verse 12</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad12.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/exodus/23-11.htm" title="Exodus 23:11">◄</a> Exodus 23:12 <a href="/exodus/23-13.htm" title="Exodus 23:13">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/exodus/23.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/exodus/23.htm">New International Version</a> &#8220Six days do your work, but on the seventh day do not work, so that your ox and your donkey may rest, and so that the slave born in your household and the foreigner living among you may be refreshed. <a href="/nlt/exodus/23.htm">New Living Translation</a> “You have six days each week for your ordinary work, but on the seventh day you must stop working. This gives your ox and your donkey a chance to rest. It also allows your slaves and the foreigners living among you to be refreshed. <a href="/esv/exodus/23.htm">English Standard Version</a> “Six days you shall do your work, but on the seventh day you shall rest; that your ox and your donkey may have rest, and the son of your servant woman, and the alien, may be refreshed. <a href="/bsb/exodus/23.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> For six days you are to do your work, but on the seventh day you must cease, so that your ox and your donkey may rest and the son of your maidservant may be refreshed, as well as the foreign resident. <a href="/kjv/exodus/23.htm">King James Bible</a> 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. <a href="/nkjv/exodus/23.htm">New King James Version</a> Six days you shall do your work, and on the seventh day you shall rest, that your ox and your donkey may rest, and the son of your female servant and the stranger may be refreshed. <a href="/nasb_/exodus/23.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> “For six days you are to do your work, but on the seventh day you shall cease from labor so that your ox and your donkey may rest, and the son of your female slave, as well as the stranger residing with you, may refresh themselves. <a href="/nasb/exodus/23.htm">NASB 1995</a> &#8220Six days you are to do your work, but on the seventh day you shall cease from labor so that your ox and your donkey may rest, and the son of your female slave, as well as your stranger, may refresh themselves. <a href="/nasb77/exodus/23.htm">NASB 1977 </a> “Six days you are to do your work, but on the seventh day you shall cease from labor in order that your ox and your donkey may rest, and the son of your female slave, as well as your stranger, may refresh themselves. <a href="/lsb/exodus/23.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> “Six days you are to do your work, but on the seventh day you shall rest so that your ox and your donkey may rest, and the son of your maidservant, as well as your sojourner, may refresh themselves. <a href="/amp/exodus/23.htm">Amplified Bible</a> “Six days [each week] you shall do your work, but on the seventh day you shall stop [working] so that your ox and your donkey may settle down and rest, and the son of your female servant, as well as your stranger, may be refreshed. <a href="/csb/exodus/23.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> “Do your work for six days but rest on the seventh day so that your ox and your donkey may rest, and the son of your female slave as well as the resident alien may be refreshed. <a href="/hcsb/exodus/23.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Do your work for six days but rest on the seventh day so that your ox and your donkey may rest, and the son of your female slave as well as the foreign resident may be refreshed.&#8221 <a href="/asv/exodus/23.htm">American Standard Version</a> Six days thou shalt do thy work, and on the seventh day thou shalt rest; that thine ox and thine ass may have rest, and the son of thy handmaid, and the sojourner, may be refreshed. <a href="/cev/exodus/23.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Work the first six days of the week, but rest and relax on the seventh day. This law is not only for you, but for your oxen, donkeys, and slaves, as well as for any foreigners among you. <a href="/erv/exodus/23.htm">English Revised Version</a> Six days thou shalt do thy work, and on the seventh day thou shalt rest: that thine ox and thine ass may have rest, and the son of thy handmaid, and the stranger, may be refreshed. <a href="/gwt/exodus/23.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> "For six days you will do your work, but on the seventh day you must not work. Then your ox and donkey can rest. The slaves born in your household and foreigners will also be refreshed. <a href="/gnt/exodus/23.htm">Good News Translation</a> "Work six days a week, but do no work on the seventh day, so that your slaves and the foreigners who work for you and even your animals can rest. <a href="/isv/exodus/23.htm">International Standard Version</a> You are to do your work for six days, but on the seventh day you are to refrain from work so that your ox and donkey may rest, and so the son of your maidservant and the alien may be refreshed. <a href="/net/exodus/23.htm">NET Bible</a> For six days you are to do your work, but on the seventh day you must cease, in order that your ox and your donkey may rest and that your female servant's son and any hired help may refresh themselves. <a href="/nheb/exodus/23.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> "Six days you shall do your work, and on the seventh day you shall rest, that your ox and your donkey may have rest, and the son of your handmaid, and the alien may be refreshed. <a href="/wbt/exodus/23.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Six days thou shalt do thy work, and on the seventh day thou shalt rest: that thy ox and thy ass may rest, and the son of thy handmaid, and the stranger, may be refreshed.<div class="vheading2">Majority Text Translations</div><a href="/msb/exodus/23.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> For six days you are to do your work, but on the seventh day you must cease, so that your ox and your donkey may rest and the son of your maidservant may be refreshed, as well as the foreign resident. <a href="/web/exodus/23.htm">World English Bible</a> “Six days you shall do your work, and on the seventh day you shall rest, that your ox and your donkey may have rest, and the son of your servant, and the alien may be refreshed. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/exodus/23.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> Six days you do your work, and on the seventh day you rest, so that your ox and your donkey rest, and the son of your handmaid and the sojourner is refreshed; <a href="/ylt/exodus/23.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> 'Six days thou dost do thy work, and on the seventh day thou dost rest, so that thine ox and thine ass doth rest, and the son of thine handmaid and the sojourner is refreshed; <a href="/slt/exodus/23.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> Six days thou shalt do thy works, and in the seventh day thou shalt rest: that thine ox shall rest, and thine ass, and the son of thy maid shall be refreshed, and the stranger.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/exodus/23.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Six days thou shalt work: the seventh day thou shalt cease, that thy ox and thy ass may rest: and the son of thy handmaid and the stranger may be refreshed. <a href="/cpdv/exodus/23.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> For six days, you shall work. On the seventh day, you shall cease, so that your ox and your donkey may rest, and so that the newcomer and the son of your handmaid may be refreshed. <a href="/nabre/exodus/23.htm">New American Bible</a> For six days you may do your work, but on the seventh day you must rest, that your ox and your donkey may have rest, and that the son of your maidservant and the resident alien may be refreshed. <a href="/nrsvce/exodus/23.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Six days you shall do your work, but on the seventh day you shall rest, so that your ox and your donkey may have relief, and your homeborn slave and the resident alien may be refreshed.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/exodus/23.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Six days you shall do your work, and on the seventh day you shall rest, that your ox and your ass may rest and the son of your handmaid; and that the stranger in your towns may be refreshed. <a href="/hpbt/exodus/23.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> In six days you shall do your work and in the seventh day you shall rest, so that your ox and your donkey will rest, and the son of your maid Servant will be refreshed, and the stranger that is in your towns.<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/exodus/23.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> Six days thou shalt do thy work, but on the seventh day thou shalt rest; that thine ox and thine ass may have rest, and the son of thy handmaid, and the stranger, may be refreshed. <a href="/sep/exodus/23.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> Six days shalt thou do thy works, and on the seventh day there shall be rest, that thine ox and thine ass may rest, and that the son of thy maid-servant and the stranger may be refreshed. <a href="/parallel/exodus/23-12.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kVae3PiKqhs?start=5816" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/exodus/23.htm">Sabbath Laws</a> …11but in the seventh year you must let it rest and lie fallow, so that the poor among your people may eat from the field and the wild animals may consume what they leave. Do the same with your vineyard and olive grove. 12<a href="/hebrew/8337.htm" title="8337: šê·šeṯ (Number-msc) -- Masculine shishshah; a primitive number; six (see suws) beyond five or the fingers of the hand); as ord. Sixth.">For six</a> <a href="/hebrew/3117.htm" title="3117: yā·mîm (N-mp) -- Day. From an unused root meaning to be hot; a day, whether literal, or figurative.">days</a> <a href="/hebrew/6213.htm" title="6213: ta·‘ă·śeh (V-Qal-Imperf-2ms) -- To do, make. A primitive root; to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application.">you are to do</a> <a href="/hebrew/4639.htm" title="4639: ma·‘ă·śe·ḵā (N-mpc:: 2ms) -- A deed, work. From asah; an action; generally, a transaction; abstractly, activity; by implication, a product or property.">your work,</a> <a href="/hebrew/7637.htm" title="7637: haš·šə·ḇî·‘î (Art:: Number-oms) -- Seventh (an ord. number). Or shbi iy; ordinal from shib'iym. seventh.">but on the seventh</a> <a href="/hebrew/3117.htm" title="3117: ū·ḇay·yō·wm (Conj-w, Prep-b, Art:: N-ms) -- Day. From an unused root meaning to be hot; a day, whether literal, or figurative.">day</a> <a href="/hebrew/7673.htm" title="7673: tiš·bōṯ (V-Qal-Imperf-2ms) -- To repose, desist from exertion. A primitive root; to repose, i.e. Desist from exertion; used in many implied relations.">you must cease,</a> <a href="/hebrew/4616.htm" title="4616: lə·ma·‘an (Conj) -- From anah; properly, heed, i.e. Purpose; used only adverbially, on account of, teleologically, in order that.">so that</a> <a href="/hebrew/7794.htm" title="7794: šō·wr·ḵā (N-msc:: 2ms) -- A head of cattle (bullock, ox, etc.). From shuwr; a bullock.">your ox</a> <a href="/hebrew/2543.htm" title="2543: wa·ḥă·mō·re·ḵā (Conj-w:: N-msc:: 2ms) -- A male ass. Or chamor; from chamar; a male ass.">and your donkey</a> <a href="/hebrew/5117.htm" title="5117: yā·nū·aḥ (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- To rest, i.e. settle down">may rest</a> <a href="/hebrew/1121.htm" title="1121: ben- (N-msc) -- Son. From banah; a son, in the widest sense (like 'ab, 'ach, etc.).">and the son</a> <a href="/hebrew/519.htm" title="519: ’ă·mā·ṯə·ḵā (N-fsc:: 2ms) -- A maid, handmaid. Apparently a primitive word; a maid-servant or female slave.">of your maidservant</a> <a href="/hebrew/5314.htm" title="5314: wə·yin·nā·p̄êš (Conj-w:: V-Nifal-ConjImperf-3ms) -- To be refreshed. A primitive root; to breathe; passively, to be breathed upon, i.e. refreshed.">may be refreshed,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1616.htm" title="1616: wə·hag·gêr (Conj-w, Art:: N-ms) -- A sojourner. Or geyr; from guwr; properly, a guest; by implication, a foreigner.">as well as the foreign resident.</a> 13Pay close attention to everything I have said to you. You must not invoke the names of other gods; they must not be heard on your lips.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/genesis/2-2.htm">Genesis 2:2-3</a> And by the seventh day God had finished the work He had been doing; so on that day He rested from all His work. / Then God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it, because on that day He rested from all the work of creation that He had accomplished. <a href="/deuteronomy/5-12.htm">Deuteronomy 5:12-14</a> Observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy, as the LORD your God has commanded you. / Six days you shall labor and do all your work, / but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God, on which you must not do any work—neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your manservant or maidservant, nor your ox or donkey or any of your livestock, nor the foreigner within your gates, so that your manservant and maidservant may rest as you do. <a href="/leviticus/23-3.htm">Leviticus 23:3</a> For six days work may be done, but the seventh day is a Sabbath of complete rest, a day of sacred assembly. You must not do any work; wherever you live, it is a Sabbath to the LORD. <a href="/isaiah/58-13.htm">Isaiah 58:13-14</a> If you turn your foot from breaking the Sabbath, from doing as you please on My holy day, if you call the Sabbath a delight, and the LORD’s holy day honorable, if you honor it by not going your own way or seeking your own pleasure or speaking idle words, / then you will delight yourself in the LORD, and I will make you ride on the heights of the land and feed you with the heritage of your father Jacob.” For the mouth of the LORD has spoken. <a href="/matthew/12-8.htm">Matthew 12:8</a> For the Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath.” <a href="/mark/2-27.htm">Mark 2:27-28</a> Then Jesus declared, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. / Therefore, the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath.” <a href="/luke/13-14.htm">Luke 13:14-16</a> But the synagogue leader was indignant that Jesus had healed on the Sabbath. “There are six days for work,” he told the crowd. “So come and be healed on those days and not on the Sabbath.” / “You hypocrites!” the Lord replied. “Does not each of you on the Sabbath untie his ox or donkey from the stall and lead it to water? / Then should not this daughter of Abraham, whom Satan has kept bound for eighteen long years, be released from her bondage on the Sabbath day?” <a href="/hebrews/4-9.htm">Hebrews 4:9-10</a> There remains, then, a Sabbath rest for the people of God. / For whoever enters God’s rest also rests from his own work, just as God did from His. <a href="/nehemiah/13-15.htm">Nehemiah 13:15-22</a> In those days I saw people in Judah treading winepresses on the Sabbath and bringing in grain and loading it on donkeys, along with wine, grapes, and figs. All kinds of goods were being brought into Jerusalem on the Sabbath day. So I warned them against selling food on that day. / Additionally, men of Tyre who lived there were importing fish and all kinds of merchandise and selling them on the Sabbath to the people of Judah in Jerusalem. / Then I rebuked the nobles of Judah and asked, “What is this evil you are doing—profaning the Sabbath day? ... <a href="/ezekiel/20-12.htm">Ezekiel 20:12</a> I also gave them My Sabbaths as a sign between us, so that they would know that I am the LORD who sanctifies them. <a href="/jeremiah/17-21.htm">Jeremiah 17:21-22</a> This is what the LORD says: Take heed for yourselves; do not carry a load or bring it through the gates of Jerusalem on the Sabbath day. / You must not carry a load out of your houses or do any work on the Sabbath day, but you must keep the Sabbath day holy, just as I commanded your forefathers. <a href="/numbers/15-32.htm">Numbers 15:32-36</a> While the Israelites were in the wilderness, a man was found gathering wood on the Sabbath day. / Those who found the man gathering wood brought him to Moses, Aaron, and the whole congregation, / and because it had not been declared what should be done to him, they placed him in custody. ... <a href="/colossians/2-16.htm">Colossians 2:16-17</a> Therefore let no one judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a feast, a New Moon, or a Sabbath. / These are a shadow of the things to come, but the body that casts it belongs to Christ. <a href="/acts/20-7.htm">Acts 20:7</a> On the first day of the week we came together to break bread. Since Paul was ready to leave the next day, he talked to them and kept on speaking until midnight. <a href="/romans/14-5.htm">Romans 14:5-6</a> One person regards a certain day above the others, while someone else considers every day alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind. / He who observes a special day does so to the Lord; he who eats does so to the Lord, for he gives thanks to God; and he who abstains does so to the Lord and gives thanks to God.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Six days you shall do your work, and on the seventh day you shall rest: that your ox and your ass may rest, and the son of your handmaid, and the stranger, may be refreshed.six days<a href="/exodus/20-8.htm">Exodus 20:8-11</a> Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy… <a href="/exodus/31-15.htm">Exodus 31:15,16</a> 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… <a href="/luke/13-14.htm">Luke 13:14</a> And the ruler of the synagogue answered with indignation, because that Jesus had healed on the sabbath day, and said unto the people, There are six days in which men ought to work: in them therefore come and be healed, and not on the sabbath day.and the son<a href="/deuteronomy/5-13.htm">Deuteronomy 5:13-15</a> Six days thou shalt labour, and do all thy work: … <a href="/isaiah/58-3.htm">Isaiah 58:3</a> Wherefore have we fasted, say they, and thou seest not? wherefore have we afflicted our soul, and thou takest no knowledge? Behold, in the day of your fast ye find pleasure, and exact all your labours.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/exodus/23-9.htm">Alien</a> <a href="/exodus/23-5.htm">Ass</a> <a href="/galatians/4-22.htm">Bondmaid</a> <a href="/exodus/21-4.htm">Born</a> <a href="/exodus/14-12.htm">Cease</a> <a href="/exodus/23-5.htm">Donkey</a> <a href="/exodus/21-32.htm">Female</a> <a href="/exodus/21-27.htm">Handmaid</a> <a href="/exodus/12-48.htm">Household</a> <a href="/exodus/20-9.htm">Labor</a> <a href="/exodus/23-4.htm">Ox</a> <a href="/genesis/18-5.htm">Refresh</a> <a href="/philemon/1-7.htm">Refreshed</a> <a href="/exodus/23-11.htm">Rest</a> <a href="/exodus/20-11.htm">Sabbath</a> <a href="/exodus/21-32.htm">Servant</a> <a href="/exodus/23-11.htm">Seventh</a> <a href="/exodus/23-10.htm">Six</a> <a href="/exodus/21-32.htm">Slave</a> <a href="/exodus/23-9.htm">Sojourner</a> <a href="/exodus/23-9.htm">Strange</a> <a href="/exodus/23-9.htm">Stranger</a> <a href="/exodus/19-22.htm">Themselves</a> <a href="/exodus/21-18.htm">Together</a> <a href="/exodus/22-11.htm">Work</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/leviticus/16-29.htm">Alien</a> <a href="/exodus/34-20.htm">Ass</a> <a href="/leviticus/19-20.htm">Bondmaid</a> <a href="/exodus/34-19.htm">Born</a> <a href="/leviticus/26-6.htm">Cease</a> <a href="/exodus/34-20.htm">Donkey</a> <a href="/leviticus/3-1.htm">Female</a> <a href="/leviticus/25-44.htm">Handmaid</a> <a href="/leviticus/16-6.htm">Household</a> <a href="/exodus/31-17.htm">Labor</a> <a href="/exodus/29-1.htm">Ox</a> <a href="/judges/19-5.htm">Refresh</a> <a href="/exodus/30-38.htm">Refreshed</a> <a href="/exodus/28-10.htm">Rest</a> <a href="/exodus/31-13.htm">Sabbath</a> <a href="/exodus/24-13.htm">Servant</a> <a href="/exodus/24-16.htm">Seventh</a> <a href="/exodus/24-16.htm">Six</a> <a href="/leviticus/19-20.htm">Slave</a> <a href="/leviticus/17-12.htm">Sojourner</a> <a href="/exodus/30-9.htm">Strange</a> <a href="/exodus/29-33.htm">Stranger</a> <a href="/exodus/26-9.htm">Themselves</a> <a href="/exodus/25-36.htm">Together</a> <a href="/exodus/24-10.htm">Work</a><div class="vheading2">Exodus 23</div>1. <a href="/exodus/23-1.htm">Of slander, false witness, and partiality</a> 4. <a href="/exodus/23-4.htm">Of charitableness</a> 6. <a href="/exodus/23-6.htm">Of justice in judgment</a> 8. <a href="/exodus/23-8.htm">Of taking bribes</a> 9. <a href="/exodus/23-9.htm">Of oppressing a stranger</a> 10. <a href="/exodus/23-10.htm">Of the year of rest</a> 12. <a href="/exodus/23-12.htm">Of the Sabbath</a> 13. <a href="/exodus/23-13.htm">Of idolatry</a> 14. <a href="/exodus/23-14.htm">Of the three feasts</a> 18. <a href="/exodus/23-18.htm">Of the blood and the fat of the sacrifice</a> 20. <a href="/exodus/23-20.htm">An angel is promised, with a blessing, if they obey him</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/exodus/23.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/exodus/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/exodus/23.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>For six days you are to do your work This phrase establishes a pattern of labor that reflects the creation account in <a href="/genesis/1.htm">Genesis 1</a>, where God created the world in six days. It underscores the value of work and diligence, which is a recurring theme throughout Scripture (<a href="/proverbs/6-6.htm">Proverbs 6:6-11</a>). The six-day workweek was a common practice in ancient Near Eastern cultures, but the biblical mandate adds a divine purpose and rhythm to it.but on the seventh day you must cease The command to cease work on the seventh day introduces the concept of the Sabbath, a day of rest ordained by God. This is rooted in <a href="/genesis/2-2.htm">Genesis 2:2-3</a>, where God rested on the seventh day after creation. The Sabbath is a sign of the covenant between God and Israel (<a href="/exodus/31-16.htm">Exodus 31:16-17</a>) and serves as a reminder of God's provision and sovereignty. It also foreshadows the ultimate rest found in Christ (<a href="/hebrews/4-9.htm">Hebrews 4:9-10</a>).so that your ox and your donkey may rest This phrase highlights the compassionate nature of God's law, extending rest to animals. It reflects God's care for all creation (<a href="/proverbs/12-10.htm">Proverbs 12:10</a>) and the principle of stewardship. The rest for animals also ensures their well-being and productivity, which was vital in an agrarian society.and the son of your maidservant may be refreshed The inclusion of the maidservant's son emphasizes the social justice aspect of the Sabbath. It ensures that even those of lower social status benefit from rest, promoting equality and dignity for all individuals. This aligns with the broader biblical theme of caring for the marginalized and oppressed (<a href="/deuteronomy/24-14.htm">Deuteronomy 24:14-15</a>).as well as the foreign resident The mention of the foreign resident, or sojourner, underscores the inclusive nature of God's commandments. It reflects the call for Israel to be a light to the nations (<a href="/isaiah/49-6.htm">Isaiah 49:6</a>) and to treat foreigners with kindness and justice (<a href="/leviticus/19-33.htm">Leviticus 19:33-34</a>). This provision anticipates the New Testament teaching that in Christ, there is no distinction between Jew and Gentile (<a href="/galatians/3-28.htm">Galatians 3:28</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/i/israelites.htm">Israelites</a> The primary audience of the command, God's chosen people, who are to observe the Sabbath as a sign of their covenant with Him. 2. <a href="/topical/o/ox_and_donkey.htm">Ox and Donkey</a> Representing work animals, highlighting God's concern for all of His creation, including animals. 3. <a href="/topical/s/son_of_your_maidservant.htm">Son of your Maidservant</a> Refers to servants or those in a lower social status, emphasizing the inclusivity of God's rest. 4. <a href="/topical/f/foreigner.htm">Foreigner</a> Non-Israelites living among the Israelites, showing God's care extends beyond ethnic boundaries. 5. <a href="/topical/s/sabbath.htm">Sabbath</a> The seventh day of the week, set apart for rest and worship, rooted in the creation account where God rested on the seventh day.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_principle_of_rest.htm">The Principle of Rest</a> God designed the Sabbath as a day of rest, not just for physical rejuvenation but also for spiritual renewal. This principle encourages us to prioritize rest in our busy lives, trusting in God's provision. <a href="/topical/i/inclusivity_in_god's_care.htm">Inclusivity in God's Care</a> The command to allow rest for servants, foreigners, and animals shows God's inclusive care. We are called to extend compassion and rest to all people, regardless of their status or background. <a href="/topical/w/work-life_balance.htm">Work-Life Balance</a> The six days of work followed by a day of rest teaches us the importance of balance. We should strive to work diligently but also recognize the need for regular, intentional rest. <a href="/topical/s/sabbath_as_a_sign_of_faith.htm">Sabbath as a Sign of Faith</a> Observing a day of rest is an act of faith, trusting that God will provide for our needs even when we cease from our labor. It is a reminder of our dependence on Him. <a href="/topical/s/spiritual_refreshment.htm">Spiritual Refreshment</a> Beyond physical rest, the Sabbath is a time for spiritual refreshment. Engaging in worship, prayer, and reflection can deepen our relationship with God and renew our spirits.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_exodus_23.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Exodus 23</a> <a href="/q/bible's_view_on_animal_rights.htm">What does the Bible say about animal rights?</a> <a href="/q/can_the_son_do_anything_by_himself.htm">Should you love your neighbor and hate your enemy?</a> <a href="/q/did_proverbs_12_10_reflect_true_practice.htm">Proverbs 12:10 proclaims care for animals as a sign of righteousness—was this standard truly practiced in an era known for sacrifices and limited animal welfare regulations? </a> <a href="/q/what_are_the_laws_in_the_covenant_code.htm">What are the laws in the Covenant Code?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/exodus/23.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(12) The law of the weekly Sabbath is here repeated in conjunction with that of the Sabbatical year, to mark the intimate connection between the two, which were parts of one and the same system--a system which culminated in the Jubilee year (<a href="/context/leviticus/25-8.htm" title="And you shall number seven sabbaths of years to you, seven times seven years; and the space of the seven sabbaths of years shall be to you forty and nine years.">Leviticus 25:8-13</a>). Nothing is added to the requirements of the fourth commandment; but the merciful intention of the Sabbath day is more fully brought out--it is to be kept in order that the cattle may rest, and the slave and stranger may be refreshed.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/exodus/23.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 12. - Law of the Sabbath, repeated. Nothing is here added to the teaching of the Fourth Commandment; but its merciful character is especially brought out. Men are called on to observe it, in order that their cattle may obtain rest, and their servants, together with the stranger that is within their gates, may find refreshment. It is to be borne in mind that the foreign population of Palestine was mostly held to hard service. (See <a href="/2_chronicles/2-17.htm">2 Chronicles 2:17, 18</a>.) Verse 13 contains two injunctions - one general, one special: - 1. "Be circumspect" (or cautious, careful) "in respect of all that I command you." 2. "Do not so much as utter the name of any false god." Not even to mention their names, was to show them the greatest contempt possible; and, if followed out universally, would soon have produced an absolute oblivion of them. Moses, it may be observed, scarcely ever does mention their names. Later historians and prophets had to do so, either to deliver the true history of the Israelites, or to denounce idolatries to which they were given. There are many words one would wish never to utter; but while wicked men do the things of which they are the names, preachers are obliged to use the words in their sermons and other warnings. <a href="/commentaries/exodus/23-12.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>For six שֵׁ֤שֶׁת (šê·šeṯ) Number - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8337.htm">Strong's 8337: </a> Six (a cardinal number) days יָמִים֙ (yā·mîm) Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3117.htm">Strong's 3117: </a> A day you are to do תַּעֲשֶׂ֣ה (ta·‘ă·śeh) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6213.htm">Strong's 6213: </a> To do, make your work, מַעֲשֶׂ֔יךָ (ma·‘ă·śe·ḵā) Noun - masculine plural construct | second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4639.htm">Strong's 4639: </a> An action, a transaction, activity, a product, property but on the seventh הַשְּׁבִיעִ֖י (haš·šə·ḇî·‘î) Article | Number - ordinal masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7637.htm">Strong's 7637: </a> Seventh (an ordinal number) day וּבַיּ֥וֹם (ū·ḇay·yō·wm) Conjunctive waw, Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3117.htm">Strong's 3117: </a> A day you must cease, תִּשְׁבֹּ֑ת (tiš·bōṯ) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7673.htm">Strong's 7673: </a> To repose, desist from exertion so that לְמַ֣עַן (lə·ma·‘an) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4616.htm">Strong's 4616: </a> Purpose -- intent your ox שֽׁוֹרְךָ֙ (šō·wr·ḵā) Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7794.htm">Strong's 7794: </a> A head of cattle (bullock, ox, etcetera) and your donkey וַחֲמֹרֶ֔ךָ (wa·ḥă·mō·re·ḵā) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2543.htm">Strong's 2543: </a> A male ass may rest, יָנ֗וּחַ (yā·nū·aḥ) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5117.htm">Strong's 5117: </a> To rest, settle down and the son בֶּן־ (ben-) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1121.htm">Strong's 1121: </a> A son of your maidservant אֲמָתְךָ֖ (’ă·mā·ṯə·ḵā) Noun - feminine singular construct | second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_519.htm">Strong's 519: </a> A maidservant, female slave may be refreshed, וְיִנָּפֵ֥שׁ (wə·yin·nā·p̄êš) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Nifal - Conjunctive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5314.htm">Strong's 5314: </a> To breathe, refreshed as well as the foreign resident. וְהַגֵּֽר׃ (wə·hag·gêr) Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1616.htm">Strong's 1616: </a> A guest, a foreigner <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/exodus/23-12.htm">Exodus 23:12 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/exodus/23-12.htm">Exodus 23:12 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/exodus/23-12.htm">Exodus 23:12 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/exodus/23-12.htm">Exodus 23:12 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/exodus/23-12.htm">Exodus 23:12 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/exodus/23-12.htm">Exodus 23:12 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/exodus/23-12.htm">Exodus 23:12 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/exodus/23-12.htm">Exodus 23:12 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/exodus/23-12.htm">Exodus 23:12 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/exodus/23-12.htm">Exodus 23:12 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/exodus/23-12.htm">OT Law: Exodus 23:12 Six days you shall do your work (Exo. Ex) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/exodus/23-11.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Exodus 23:11"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Exodus 23:11" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/exodus/23-13.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Exodus 23:13"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Exodus 23:13" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>