Leviticus 23:3
New International Version
“’There are six days when you may work, but the seventh day is a day of sabbath rest, a day of sacred assembly. You are not to do any work; wherever you live, it is a sabbath to the LORD.

New Living Translation
“You have six days each week for your ordinary work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath day of complete rest, an official day for holy assembly. It is the LORD’s Sabbath day, and it must be observed wherever you live.

English Standard Version
“Six days shall work be done, but on the seventh day is a Sabbath of solemn rest, a holy convocation. You shall do no work. It is a Sabbath to the LORD in all your dwelling places.

Berean Standard Bible
For six days work may be done, but the seventh day is a Sabbath of complete rest, a day of sacred assembly. You must not do any work; wherever you live, it is a Sabbath to the LORD.

King James Bible
Six days shall work be done: but the seventh day is the sabbath of rest, an holy convocation; ye shall do no work therein: it is the sabbath of the LORD in all your dwellings.

New King James Version
‘Six days shall work be done, but the seventh day is a Sabbath of solemn rest, a holy convocation. You shall do no work on it; it is the Sabbath of the LORD in all your dwellings.

New American Standard Bible
‘For six days work may be done, but on the seventh day there is a Sabbath of complete rest, a holy convocation. You shall not do any work; it is a Sabbath to the LORD in all your dwellings.

NASB 1995
‘For six days work may be done, but on the seventh day there is a sabbath of complete rest, a holy convocation. You shall not do any work; it is a sabbath to the LORD in all your dwellings.

NASB 1977
‘For six days work may be done; but on the seventh day there is a sabbath of complete rest, a holy convocation. You shall not do any work; it is a sabbath to the LORD in all your dwellings.

Legacy Standard Bible
‘For six days work may be done, but on the seventh day there is a sabbath of complete rest, a holy convocation. You shall not do any work; it is a sabbath to Yahweh in all your places of habitation.

Amplified Bible
‘For six days work may be done, but the seventh day is the Sabbath of complete rest, a holy convocation (calling together). You shall not do any work [on that day]; it is the Sabbath of the LORD wherever you may be.

Christian Standard Bible
“Work may be done for six days, but on the seventh day there is to be a Sabbath of complete rest, a sacred assembly. You are not to do any work; it is a Sabbath to the LORD wherever you live.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Work may be done for six days, but on the seventh day there must be a Sabbath of complete rest, a sacred assembly. You are not to do any work; it is a Sabbath to the LORD wherever you live.”

American Standard Version
Six days shall work be done: but on the seventh day is a sabbath of solemn rest, a holy convocation; ye shall do no manner of work: it is a sabbath unto Jehovah in all your dwellings.

Contemporary English Version
You have six days when you can do your work, but the seventh day of each week is holy because it belongs to me. No matter where you live, you must rest on the Sabbath and come together for worship. This law will never change.

English Revised Version
Six days shall work be done: but on the seventh day is a sabbath of solemn rest, an holy convocation; ye shall do no manner of work: it is a sabbath unto the LORD in all your dwellings.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
You may work for six days. But the seventh day is a day of worship, a day when you don't work, a holy assembly. Don't do any work. It is the LORD's day of worship wherever you live.

Good News Translation
You have six days in which to do your work, but remember that the seventh day, the Sabbath, is a day of rest. On that day do not work, but gather for worship. The Sabbath belongs to the LORD, no matter where you live.

International Standard Version
Six days you may work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath of rest, a sacred assembly. You are not to do any work. It's a Sabbath to the LORD wherever you live.

Majority Standard Bible
For six days work may be done, but the seventh day is a Sabbath of complete rest, a day of sacred assembly. You must not do any work; wherever you live, it is a Sabbath to the LORD.

NET Bible
"'Six days work may be done, but on the seventh day there must be a Sabbath of complete rest, a holy assembly. You must not do any work; it is a Sabbath to the LORD in all the places where you live.

New Heart English Bible
"'Six days shall work be done: but on the seventh day is a Sabbath of solemn rest, a holy convocation; you shall do no manner of work. It is a Sabbath to the LORD in all your dwellings.

Webster's Bible Translation
Six days shall work be done: but the seventh day is the sabbath of rest, a holy convocation: ye shall do no work in it: it is the sabbath of the LORD in all your dwellings.

World English Bible
“‘Six days shall work be done, but on the seventh day is a Sabbath of solemn rest, a holy convocation; you shall do no kind of work. It is a Sabbath to Yahweh in all your dwellings.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
[For] six days work is done, and in the seventh day [is] a Sabbath of rest, a holy convocation; you do no work; it [is] a Sabbath to YHWH in all your dwellings.

Young's Literal Translation
six days is work done, and in the seventh day is a sabbath of rest, a holy convocation; ye do no work; it is a sabbath to Jehovah in all your dwellings.

Smith's Literal Translation
Six days shall work be done; the seventh day a Sabbath of rest, a holy calling: ye shall not do any work: it is a Sabbath to Jehovah in all your dwellings.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Six days shall ye do work: the seventh day, because it is the rest of the sabbath, shall be called holy. You shall do no work on that day: it is the sabbath of the Lord in all your habitations.

Catholic Public Domain Version
For six days you shall do work; the seventh day, because it is the rest of the Sabbath, shall be called holy. You shall do no work on that day; it is the Sabbath of the Lord in all your dwelling places.

New American Bible
For six days work may be done; but the seventh day is a sabbath of complete rest, a declared holy day; you shall do no work. It is the LORD’s sabbath wherever you dwell.

New Revised Standard Version
Six days shall work be done; but the seventh day is a sabbath of complete rest, a holy convocation; you shall do no work: it is a sabbath to the LORD throughout your settlements.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Six days you shall do work; but the seventh day is the sabbath of rest, it shall be holy to the LORD; you shall do no work thereon; it is the sabbath to the LORD in all your dwellings.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
Six days you shall do work and the seventh day is the Sabbath, and you shall be tranquil holiness to LORD JEHOVAH and you shall do no work; it is the Sabbath to LORD JEHOVAH in every house of your dwellings.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Six days shall work be done; but on the seventh day is a sabbath of solemn rest, a holy convocation; ye shall do no manner of work; it is a sabbath unto the LORD in all your dwellings.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
Six days shalt thou do works, but on the seventh day is the sabbath; a rest, a holy convocation to the Lord: thou shalt not do any work, it is a sabbath to the Lord in all your dwellings.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Feasts of the LORD
2“Speak to the Israelites and say to them, ‘These are My appointed feasts, the feasts of the LORD that you are to proclaim as sacred assemblies. 3For six days work may be done, but the seventh day is a Sabbath of complete rest, a day of sacred assembly. You must not do any work; wherever you live, it is a Sabbath to the LORD.

Cross References
Exodus 20:8-11
Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. / Six days you shall labor and do all your work, / but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God, on which you must not do any work—neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your manservant or maidservant or livestock, nor the foreigner within your gates. ...

Deuteronomy 5:12-15
Observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy, as the LORD your God has commanded you. / Six days you shall labor and do all your work, / but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God, on which you must not do any work—neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your manservant or maidservant, nor your ox or donkey or any of your livestock, nor the foreigner within your gates, so that your manservant and maidservant may rest as you do. ...

Genesis 2:2-3
And by the seventh day God had finished the work He had been doing; so on that day He rested from all His work. / Then God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it, because on that day He rested from all the work of creation that He had accomplished.

Exodus 31:13-17
“Tell the Israelites, ‘Surely you must keep My Sabbaths, for this will be a sign between Me and you for the generations to come, so that you may know that I am the LORD who sanctifies you. / Keep the Sabbath, for it is holy to you. Anyone who profanes it must surely be put to death. Whoever does any work on that day must be cut off from among his people. / For six days work may be done, but the seventh day is a Sabbath of complete rest, holy to the LORD. Whoever does any work on the Sabbath day must surely be put to death. ...

Isaiah 58:13-14
If you turn your foot from breaking the Sabbath, from doing as you please on My holy day, if you call the Sabbath a delight, and the LORD’s holy day honorable, if you honor it by not going your own way or seeking your own pleasure or speaking idle words, / then you will delight yourself in the LORD, and I will make you ride on the heights of the land and feed you with the heritage of your father Jacob.” For the mouth of the LORD has spoken.

Ezekiel 20:12
I also gave them My Sabbaths as a sign between us, so that they would know that I am the LORD who sanctifies them.

Nehemiah 13:15-22
In those days I saw people in Judah treading winepresses on the Sabbath and bringing in grain and loading it on donkeys, along with wine, grapes, and figs. All kinds of goods were being brought into Jerusalem on the Sabbath day. So I warned them against selling food on that day. / Additionally, men of Tyre who lived there were importing fish and all kinds of merchandise and selling them on the Sabbath to the people of Judah in Jerusalem. / Then I rebuked the nobles of Judah and asked, “What is this evil you are doing—profaning the Sabbath day? ...

Jeremiah 17:21-27
This is what the LORD says: Take heed for yourselves; do not carry a load or bring it through the gates of Jerusalem on the Sabbath day. / You must not carry a load out of your houses or do any work on the Sabbath day, but you must keep the Sabbath day holy, just as I commanded your forefathers. / Yet they would not listen or incline their ear, but they stiffened their necks and would not listen or receive My discipline. ...

Numbers 15:32-36
While the Israelites were in the wilderness, a man was found gathering wood on the Sabbath day. / Those who found the man gathering wood brought him to Moses, Aaron, and the whole congregation, / and because it had not been declared what should be done to him, they placed him in custody. ...

2 Kings 4:23
“Why would you go to him today?” he replied. “It is not a New Moon or a Sabbath.” “Everything is all right,” she said.

Matthew 12:1-8
At that time Jesus went through the grainfields on the Sabbath. His disciples were hungry and began to pick the heads of grain and eat them. / When the Pharisees saw this, they said to Him, “Look, Your disciples are doing what is unlawful on the Sabbath.” / Jesus replied, “Have you not read what David did when he and his companions were hungry? ...

Mark 2:23-28
One Sabbath Jesus was passing through the grainfields, and His disciples began to pick the heads of grain as they walked along. / So the Pharisees said to Him, “Look, why are they doing what is unlawful on the Sabbath?” / Jesus replied, “Have you never read what David did when he and his companions were hungry and in need? ...

Luke 6:1-5
One Sabbath Jesus was passing through the grainfields, and His disciples began to pick the heads of grain, rub them in their hands, and eat them. / But some of the Pharisees asked, “Why are you doing what is unlawful on the Sabbath?” / Jesus replied, “Have you not read what David did when he and his companions were hungry? ...

Hebrews 4:9-11
There remains, then, a Sabbath rest for the people of God. / For whoever enters God’s rest also rests from his own work, just as God did from His. / Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will fall by following the same pattern of disobedience.

Acts 13:14-15
And from Perga, they traveled inland to Pisidian Antioch, where they entered the synagogue on the Sabbath and sat down. / After the reading from the Law and the Prophets, the synagogue leaders sent word to them: “Brothers, if you have a word of encouragement for the people, please speak.”


Treasury of Scripture

Six days shall work be done: but the seventh day is the sabbath of rest, an holy convocation; you shall do no work therein: it is the sabbath of the LORD in all your dwellings.

Leviticus 19:3
Ye shall fear every man his mother, and his father, and keep my sabbaths: I am the LORD your God.

Exodus 16:23,29
And he said unto them, This is that which the LORD hath said, To morrow is the rest of the holy sabbath unto the LORD: bake that which ye will bake to day, and seethe that ye will seethe; and that which remaineth over lay up for you to be kept until the morning…

Exodus 20:8-11
Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy…

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Assembly Complete Convocation Dwellings Holy Live Manner Rest Sabbath Sacred Seventh Solemn Special Therein Time Wherever Work Worship
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Assembly Complete Convocation Dwellings Holy Live Manner Rest Sabbath Sacred Seventh Solemn Special Therein Time Wherever Work Worship
Leviticus 23
1. The feasts of the Lord
3. the Sabbath
4. The Passover
9. The sheaf of firstfruits
15. The feast of Pentecost
22. Gleanings to be left for the poor
23. The feast of trumpets
26. The day of atonement
33. The feast of tabernacles














For six days work may be done
This phrase establishes the rhythm of work and rest that is foundational to the biblical understanding of time and labor. The Hebrew word for "work" is "מְלָאכָה" (melachah), which refers to occupational or creative work. This concept is rooted in the creation narrative where God worked for six days and rested on the seventh (Genesis 2:2-3). Historically, this six-day workweek was a radical departure from the labor practices of surrounding cultures, emphasizing the dignity of work and the need for rest. It underscores the balance between human effort and divine provision, reminding believers that while work is necessary, it is not the ultimate purpose of life.

but the seventh day is a Sabbath of complete rest
The term "Sabbath" comes from the Hebrew "שַׁבָּת" (Shabbat), meaning "to cease" or "to rest." This day of rest is not merely a cessation of labor but a sanctified time set apart for spiritual renewal and worship. The "complete rest" signifies a holistic pause, encompassing physical, mental, and spiritual rejuvenation. In the historical context, the Sabbath served as a sign of the covenant between God and Israel (Exodus 31:16-17), a perpetual reminder of God's creation and deliverance. For Christians, it prefigures the eternal rest found in Christ (Hebrews 4:9-10), encouraging believers to find their ultimate rest in Him.

a sacred assembly
The Hebrew term for "sacred assembly" is "מִקְרָא קֹדֶשׁ" (miqra kodesh), indicating a holy convocation or gathering. This phrase highlights the communal aspect of the Sabbath, where the people of God come together to worship and hear His Word. It reflects the importance of community in spiritual life, as believers are called to encourage and edify one another (Hebrews 10:24-25). Historically, these assemblies were times of teaching, prayer, and celebration, reinforcing the identity and unity of God's people. In the Christian tradition, this concept is mirrored in the gathering of the church for worship and fellowship.

You are not to do any work
This command reiterates the prohibition of work on the Sabbath, emphasizing the need for rest and trust in God's provision. The Hebrew phrase "לֹא תַעֲשׂוּ כָּל מְלָאכָה" (lo ta'asu kol melachah) underscores the totality of the rest required. It is a call to set aside the busyness of life and focus on spiritual matters. This cessation of work is a tangible expression of faith, acknowledging that God is the ultimate provider and sustainer. It challenges believers to prioritize their relationship with God over the demands of daily life, fostering a spirit of dependence and gratitude.

wherever you live
This phrase, "בְּכֹל מוֹשְׁבֹתֵיכֶם" (bechol moshvoteichem), extends the commandment beyond the geographical boundaries of Israel, indicating its universal application for God's people. It signifies that the principles of Sabbath rest and worship are relevant regardless of location or circumstance. This universality points to the timeless nature of God's commandments and their applicability to all believers. It serves as a reminder that God's presence and blessings are not confined to a specific place but are available to His people wherever they are.

it is a Sabbath to the LORD
The phrase "שַׁבָּת לַיהוָה" (Shabbat laYHWH) designates the Sabbath as belonging to the LORD, highlighting its divine origin and purpose. It is a day dedicated to honoring and glorifying God, a time to reflect on His goodness and faithfulness. This dedication to the LORD transforms the Sabbath from a mere day of rest into an act of worship and devotion. It calls believers to align their hearts with God's will, finding joy and peace in His presence. The Sabbath thus becomes a foretaste of the eternal rest and fellowship with God that awaits His people.

(3) Six days shall work be done.--Recurring every week, and being the most important as well as the oldest of all festivals, the sabbath introduces the holy seasons. Hence, during the second Temple it was declared that "the sabbath is in importance equal to the whole law; he who profanes the sabbath openly is like him who transgresses the whole law." The hour at which it began and ended was announced by three blasts of the trumpets.

Ye shall do no work therein.--Better, ye shall do no manner of work, as the Authorised version renders this phrase in Leviticus 23:31 of this very chapter. (See Leviticus 16:29.) Whilst on all other festivals servile work only was forbidden (see Leviticus 23:7-8; Leviticus 23:21; Leviticus 23:25; Leviticus 23:35-36), and work connected with the preparation of the necessary food was permitted (see Exodus 12:16), the sabbath and the day of atonement were the only days on which the Israelites were prohibited to engage in any work whatsoever. (See Leviticus 23:28; Leviticus 23:30; Leviticus 16:29.) Though manual labour on the sabbath was punished with death by lapidation (see Exodus 31:14-15; Exodus 35:2; Numbers 15:35-36), and though the authorities during the second Temple multiplied and registered most minutely the things which constitute labour, yet these administrators of the Law have enacted that in cases of illness and of any danger work is permitted. They laid down the principle that "the sabbath is delivered into your hand, but not you into the hand of the sabbath." Similar is the declaration of Christ (Matthew 12:8, Mark 2:27-28). . . .

Verse 3. - The seventh day is the sabbath of rest. This is a very strong expression, literally, the sabbath of sabbatism, which doubles the force of the single word. Ye shall do no work therein. The sabbath and the Day of Atonement were the only days in which no work might be done, whereas on the other festivals it was only no servile work that might be done. It is not to be observed solely where the tabernacle is pitched or the temple is built, but in every town and village of Canaan - in all your dwellings. In the sanctuary itself the peculiar characteristics of the sabbath were a holy convocation, the renewal of the shewbread, and the burnt offering of two lambs with their meat and drink offerings (Numbers 28:9, 10); elsewhere it was observed only by the holy convocation and rest from all labour. It commenced at sunset on Friday evening, and continued till sunset on Saturday evening. In later days the hour at which it began was announced by three blasts of the priests' trumpets, immediately after which a new course of priests entered on their ministry.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
For six
שֵׁ֣שֶׁת (šê·šeṯ)
Number - masculine singular construct
Strong's 8337: Six (a cardinal number)

days
יָמִים֮ (yā·mîm)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 3117: A day

work
מְלָאכָה֒ (mə·lā·ḵāh)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 4399: Deputyship, ministry, employment, work, property

may be done,
תֵּעָשֶׂ֣ה (tê·‘ā·śeh)
Verb - Nifal - Imperfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 6213: To do, make

but the seventh
הַשְּׁבִיעִ֗י (haš·šə·ḇî·‘î)
Article | Number - ordinal masculine singular
Strong's 7637: Seventh (an ordinal number)

day
וּבַיּ֣וֹם (ū·ḇay·yō·wm)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3117: A day

is to be a Sabbath
שַׁבַּ֤ת (šab·baṯ)
Noun - common singular construct
Strong's 7676: Intermission, the Sabbath

of complete rest,
שַׁבָּתוֹן֙ (šab·bā·ṯō·wn)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7677: Sabbath observance, sabbatism

a day of sacred
קֹ֔דֶשׁ (qō·ḏeš)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 6944: A sacred place, thing, sanctity

assembly.
מִקְרָא־ (miq·rā-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 4744: Something called out, a public meeting, a rehearsal

You are not
לֹ֣א (lō)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

to do
תַעֲשׂ֑וּ (ṯa·‘ă·śū)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine plural
Strong's 6213: To do, make

any
כָּל־ (kāl-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

work;
מְלָאכָ֖ה (mə·lā·ḵāh)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 4399: Deputyship, ministry, employment, work, property

wherever
בְּכֹ֖ל (bə·ḵōl)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

you live,
מֽוֹשְׁבֹתֵיכֶֽם׃ (mō·wō·šə·ḇō·ṯê·ḵem)
Noun - masculine plural construct | second person masculine plural
Strong's 4186: A seat, assembly, dwelling place, dwelling, dwellers

it
הִוא֙ (hî)
Pronoun - third person feminine singular
Strong's 1931: He, self, the same, this, that, as, are

is a Sabbath
שַׁבָּ֥ת (šab·bāṯ)
Noun - common singular
Strong's 7676: Intermission, the Sabbath

to the LORD.
לַֽיהוָ֔ה (Yah·weh)
Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel


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OT Law: Leviticus 23:3 Six days shall work be done: (Le Lv Lev.)
Leviticus 23:2
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