Exodus 20:10 - Rest for all, holy day

Join Our Newsletter To Be Informed When New Videos Are Posted

Join the thousands of fellow Studends who rely on our videos to learn how to read the bible in Hebrew for free!

Hebrew Text

וְיוֹם הַשְּׁבִיעִי שַׁבָּת לַיהוָה אֱלֹהֶיךָ לֹא־תַעֲשֶׂה כָל־מְלָאכָה אַתָּה וּבִנְךָ־וּבִתֶּךָ עַבְדְּךָ וַאֲמָתְךָ וּבְהֶמְתֶּךָ וְגֵרְךָ אֲשֶׁר בִּשְׁעָרֶיךָ

English Translation

but the seventh day is a sabbath to 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:

Transliteration

Veyom hashvi'i shabat la'adonai elohekha lo-ta'ase kol-melakha atah uvin'kha uvitekha avdekha va'amatekha uvhemtekha vegerkha asher bish'areikha

Hebrew Leining Text

וְי֨וֹם֙ הַשְּׁבִיעִ֔֜י שַׁבָּ֖֣ת&thinsp

Parasha Commentary

The Sanctity of Shabbat

The verse (Shemot 20:10) establishes the fundamental mitzvah of Shabbat, emphasizing its sanctity as a day dedicated to Hashem. Rashi explains that the phrase "שַׁבָּת לַיהוָה אֱלֹהֶיךָ" ("a Sabbath to the Lord your God") teaches that Shabbat is not merely a day of rest but a sacred institution, reflecting our covenant with the Creator. The Rambam (Hilchot Shabbat 30:1) further elaborates that Shabbat serves as a testimony to the belief in Ma'aseh Bereishit (Creation), as it commemorates Hashem resting on the seventh day.

Prohibition of Melachah (Work)

The Torah explicitly prohibits performing כָל־מְלָאכָה ("any work") on Shabbat. The Talmud (Shabbat 49b) defines melachah not as general labor but as specific creative acts akin to the 39 categories of work used in constructing the Mishkan. The Rambam (Hilchot Shabbat 7:1) codifies these 39 avot melachot (primary categories of labor), derived from the Mishkan's construction, as the basis for Shabbat prohibitions.

Inclusivity of the Commandment

The verse enumerates those bound by Shabbat observance:

You, your son, and your daughter: Rashi notes that this includes all members of one's household, teaching that parents are responsible for educating their children in Shabbat observance (Chinuch 31).
Your manservant and maidservant: The Talmud (Yevamot 48b) explains that even non-Jewish servants are included, provided they accept the Noahide laws, as Shabbat rest is a universal human right derived from Creation.
Your cattle: The Mechilta teaches that animals must also rest, reinforcing the idea that Shabbat is a day of universal cessation from creative labor.
The stranger within your gates: Ramban emphasizes that this refers to ger toshav (resident aliens), who, while not Jewish, must refrain from work out of respect for the sanctity of Shabbat in a Jewish environment.

Philosophical Dimensions

The Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 32) highlights that Shabbat cultivates emunah (faith) by reminding us that Hashem created the world. The Sforno adds that refraining from melachah allows one to focus on spiritual growth and Torah study. The Chatam Sofer (Torat Moshe) notes that the phrase "לַיהוָה אֱלֹהֶיךָ" underscores that Shabbat observance must be solely for the sake of Heaven, not for personal convenience or leisure.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Shabbat 73b

The verse is cited in the discussion of the 39 categories of prohibited labor on Shabbat, emphasizing the prohibition of work for all individuals and animals under one's domain.

📖 Chagigah 10a

Referenced in the context of discussing the sanctity of Shabbat and the obligations of rest for all members of the household, including servants and animals.

📖 Yevamot 6a

Mentioned in a broader discussion about the applicability of Shabbat laws to various categories of people, including strangers residing within one's gates.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does the verse mean by 'not doing any work' on Shabbat?
A: The verse prohibits performing any of the 39 categories of creative labor (melachot) that were used in building the Mishkan (Tabernacle), as derived from the Talmud (Shabbat 73a). This includes activities like cooking, writing, and building. The purpose is to dedicate the day to spiritual rest and connection with Hashem.

Q: Why does the verse include 'your son, daughter, servant, and stranger' in the Shabbat prohibition?
A: The Torah emphasizes that Shabbat observance applies to everyone in one's household, including family members and even non-Jewish servants or guests (ger toshav). This teaches that Shabbat is a universal day of rest and holiness, not just for individuals but for the entire community (Rashi on Exodus 20:10).

Q: Why is Shabbat called 'a Sabbath to the Lord your God'?
A: Shabbat is designated as a day dedicated to Hashem, symbolizing our belief that He created the world in six days and rested on the seventh (Exodus 20:11). By resting, we emulate Hashem and affirm His role as Creator (Rambam, Hilchot Shabbat 30:15).

Q: How does the prohibition of working animals apply today?
A: The verse forbids making one's animal work on Shabbat (e.g., plowing or carrying loads), which today includes not riding animals or using them for labor. This reinforces the idea that Shabbat is a day of rest for all creatures (Mishneh Torah, Hilchot Shabbat 20:14).

Q: What is the significance of Shabbat being the 'seventh day'?
A: The seventh day completes the cycle of creation, representing perfection and holiness. Shabbat reminds us that time itself is sanctified, and by resting, we acknowledge Hashem's mastery over the universe (Midrash Bereishit Rabbah 11:2).