Exodus 35:2 Meaning and Explanation
“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.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →God requires six days of work on the tabernacle, but absolute rest on the seventh day; breaking the Sabbath is punishable by death.
The Context of Exodus 35:2
The Sabbath rest is absolutely binding, even during the tabernacle's construction.
What Does Exodus 35:2 Mean?
The Sabbath commandment establishes a rhythm of work and rest that mirrors Creation itself. Six days are permitted for labor on the holy tabernacle—God's dwelling place—but the seventh day is set apart entirely for rest. This is not negotiable; it applies to every person, regardless of how urgent the tabernacle project seems.
The severity of the penalty—death for Sabbath work—underscores how seriously God treats this boundary between holy time and working time. The Sabbath is not a minor rule but a sign of God's covenant with Israel, and its violation is presented as fundamentally breaking trust with the Lord.
Exodus 35:2 in the Original Language
shabbat (שׁבָּת), 'Sabbath' — a day of ceasing or resting; marked the completion of God's creative work and now marks holy time set apart from ordinary labor.
Frequently Asked Questions About Exodus 35:2
What does Exodus 35:2 mean?
God requires six days of work on the tabernacle, but absolute rest on the seventh day; breaking the Sabbath is punishable by death.
What is the context of Exodus 35:2?
The Sabbath rest is absolutely binding, even during the tabernacle's construction.