Exodus 23:12 Meaning and Explanation
“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.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Work six days, but on the seventh rest, so animals, servants, and foreigners can recover.
The Context of Exodus 23:12
Laws establishing weekly rest and sabbath.
What Does Exodus 23:12 Mean?
This weekly sabbath encompasses all who labor in the household—humans and animals. Rest is not a privilege for the master but a requirement for all under his authority. Servants, hired workers, and even livestock deserve restoration.
The command reflects God's concern for the vulnerable and exhausted. Rest is necessary for human and animal flourishing, and those with power must ensure that those under them receive it.
Frequently Asked Questions About Exodus 23:12
What does Exodus 23:12 mean?
Work six days, but on the seventh rest, so animals, servants, and foreigners can recover.
What is the context of Exodus 23:12?
Laws establishing weekly rest and sabbath.