Deuteronomy 5:14 - but the seventh day is a Sabbath to Yahweh your God, in which you shall not do any work, you, nor your son, nor your daughter, nor your male servant, nor your female servant, nor your ox, nor your donkey, nor any of your livestock, nor your stranger who is within your gates; that your male servant and your female servant may rest as well as you.
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What does "Deuteronomy 5:14" mean?
This verse, Deuteronomy 5:14, is part of the Ten Commandments as reiterated in Deuteronomy (a repetition of the Law given in Exodus). It elaborates on the Fourth Commandment: "Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy." Here's a breakdown of its meaning:
"but the seventh day is a Sabbath to Yahweh your God": The seventh day of the week (Saturday, in the traditional Jewish and some Christian calendars) is specifically designated as a Sabbath. This Sabbath is not just for personal rest, but is dedicated to God (Yahweh). It's a day of honor and devotion.
"in which you shall not do any work": The core of the Sabbath observance is the prohibition of labor. What constitutes "work" is a matter of ongoing interpretation and has been a source of discussion throughout Jewish and Christian history. The intent is to cease from one's usual productive activities.
"you, nor your son, nor your daughter": The commandment applies not only to the head of the household but to all immediate family members.
"nor your male servant, nor your female servant": This is significant. The Sabbath rest is extended even to servants, highlighting a concern for their well-being and ensuring they too have a day of rest. In ancient times, servants held a low status with little or no leisure. The Sabbath commandment recognizes their inherent worth and dignity.
"nor your ox, nor your donkey, nor any of your livestock": The Sabbath extends beyond humans to include animals. They are not to be burdened with labor on this day. This demonstrates a compassionate concern for the welfare of animals, reflecting God's care for all creation.
"nor your stranger who is within your gates": Even foreigners residing within the community are to observe the Sabbath rest. This emphasizes the universality of the command. It implies hospitality and ensuring that even those who are not part of the covenant community can benefit from the Sabbath rest.
"that your male servant and your female servant may rest as well as you": This clarifies the purpose of including servants in the Sabbath rest. It emphasizes the principle of equity and ensures they share in the blessings and benefits of the Sabbath. It reinforces the reason servants must not do any work.
In essence, this verse is about:
Honoring God: By setting aside a day specifically for Him.
Rest and Rejuvenation: For oneself, one's family, servants, animals, and the wider community.
Justice and Compassion: Ensuring that even the most vulnerable (servants, animals, foreigners) are given a day of rest and relief from labor.
Equality: All people, regardless of social standing, are given the opportunity to rest.
Remembering Creation: Some interpretations connect the Sabbath with remembering God's rest after creation.
The commandment underscores the importance of taking time out of a work-driven life to reflect on one's relationship with God and to care for the needs of others. It has profound implications for social justice, labor ethics, and the overall quality of life.
Deuteronomy 5:14 - but the seventh day is a Sabbath to Yahweh your God, in which you shall not do any work, you, nor your son, nor your daughter, nor your male servant, nor your female servant, nor your ox, nor your donkey, nor any of your livestock, nor your stranger who is within your gates; that your male servant and your female servant may rest as well as you.
What does "Deuteronomy 5:14" mean?
This verse, Deuteronomy 5:14, is part of the Ten Commandments as reiterated in Deuteronomy (a repetition of the Law given in Exodus). It elaborates on the Fourth Commandment: "Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy." Here's a breakdown of its meaning:
"but the seventh day is a Sabbath to Yahweh your God": The seventh day of the week (Saturday, in the traditional Jewish and some Christian calendars) is specifically designated as a Sabbath. This Sabbath is not just for personal rest, but is dedicated to God (Yahweh). It's a day of honor and devotion.
"in which you shall not do any work": The core of the Sabbath observance is the prohibition of labor. What constitutes "work" is a matter of ongoing interpretation and has been a source of discussion throughout Jewish and Christian history. The intent is to cease from one's usual productive activities.
"you, nor your son, nor your daughter": The commandment applies not only to the head of the household but to all immediate family members.
"nor your male servant, nor your female servant": This is significant. The Sabbath rest is extended even to servants, highlighting a concern for their well-being and ensuring they too have a day of rest. In ancient times, servants held a low status with little or no leisure. The Sabbath commandment recognizes their inherent worth and dignity.
"nor your ox, nor your donkey, nor any of your livestock": The Sabbath extends beyond humans to include animals. They are not to be burdened with labor on this day. This demonstrates a compassionate concern for the welfare of animals, reflecting God's care for all creation.
"nor your stranger who is within your gates": Even foreigners residing within the community are to observe the Sabbath rest. This emphasizes the universality of the command. It implies hospitality and ensuring that even those who are not part of the covenant community can benefit from the Sabbath rest.
"that your male servant and your female servant may rest as well as you": This clarifies the purpose of including servants in the Sabbath rest. It emphasizes the principle of equity and ensures they share in the blessings and benefits of the Sabbath. It reinforces the reason servants must not do any work.
In essence, this verse is about:
Honoring God: By setting aside a day specifically for Him.
Rest and Rejuvenation: For oneself, one's family, servants, animals, and the wider community.
Justice and Compassion: Ensuring that even the most vulnerable (servants, animals, foreigners) are given a day of rest and relief from labor.
Equality: All people, regardless of social standing, are given the opportunity to rest.
Remembering Creation: Some interpretations connect the Sabbath with remembering God's rest after creation.
The commandment underscores the importance of taking time out of a work-driven life to reflect on one's relationship with God and to care for the needs of others. It has profound implications for social justice, labor ethics, and the overall quality of life.