But the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates:
But the seventh day is the Sabbath that belongs to the Lord your God. On that day, you must not do any work, not you, your sons, your daughters, your servants, your animals, or even the foreigners living in your community.
God is commanding that everyone, family, workers, animals, and visitors, must rest on the seventh day because it's set apart for Him.
📚 Historical Context
The Ten Commandments, including this verse, were given by God to Moses on Mount Sinai shortly after the Israelites escaped from slavery in Egypt, forming the foundation of their covenant with God. This specific command about the Sabbath day builds on the creation account in Genesis, where God rested on the seventh day, emphasizing a rhythm of work and rest to sustain the community. In the ancient Israelite culture, where labor was often grueling and exploitative, this law protected vulnerable groups like servants, strangers, and even animals by mandating universal rest.
Explore Similar Verses
Ask the AI Assistant
Have a question about this chapter or verse? Ask below for a clear explanation.