Deuteronomy 5:14 · Bible study
Deuteronomy 5:14 Commentary: Sabbath Rest for All
Hebrew · 6 what the commentators say
Meaning in one sentence
This verse expands the Sabbath command to explicitly include servants, foreigners, and livestock, revealing God's concern for rest and justice for
Research Summary
- Meaning: God commands rest on the seventh day for the entire household, including servants, animals, and foreigners, as an act of justice rooted in redemption from Egypt.
- Key words: Shabbat (sabbath), me.la.Khah (work), nuach (rest), ger (sojourner), 'e.ved (servant).
- Main debate: Whether the differences between Exodus and Deuteronomy reflect separate traditions or a conscious expansion for a new generation; also how the principle of Sabbath rest applies under the new covenant.
- Theological theme: God’s rest is a gift of liberation that extends to all creation, especially the powerless. Sabbath observance is a rehearsal of redemption and a practice of justice.
- Best use: Preaching on the fourth commandment with an emphasis on social ethics, or small-group study on rest, work, and justice.
Translation Comparison
BSB Berean Standard Bible 2020
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.
WEB World English Bible 2000
but the seventh day is a Sabbath to Yahweh your God, in which you shall not do any work—neither 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.
KJV King James Version 1769
But the seventh day is the sabbath of the Lord thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, nor thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thine ox, nor thine ass, nor any of thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates; that thy manservant and thy maidservant may rest as well as thou.
ASV American Standard Version 1901
but the seventh day is a sabbath unto Jehovah thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, nor thy man-servant, nor thy maid-servant, nor thine ox, nor thine ass, nor any of thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates; that thy man-servant and thy maid-servant may rest as well as thou.
YLT Young's Literal Translation 1898
and the seventh day is a sabbath to Jehovah thy God; thou dost not do any work, thou, and thy son, and thy daughter, and thy man-servant, and thy handmaid, and thine ox, and thine ass, and all thy cattle, and thy sojourner who is within thy gates; so that thy man-servant, and thy handmaid doth rest like thyself;
Darby Darby Bible 1890
but the seventh day is the sabbath of Jehovah thy God: thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, nor thy bondman, nor thy handmaid, nor thine ox, nor thine ass, nor any of thy cattle, nor thy sojourner that is within thy gates; that thy bondman and thy handmaid may rest as well as thou.
Douay-Rheims Douay-Rheims Bible 1899
The seventh is the day of the sabbath, that is, the rest of the Lord thy God. Thou shalt not do any work therein, thou nor thy son nor thy daughter, nor thy manservant nor thy maidservant, nor thy ox, nor thy ass, nor any of thy beasts, nor the stranger that is within thy gates: that thy manservant and thy maidservant may rest, even as thyself.
Translations in other languages (10 available)
Mas el séptimo es reposo á Jehová tu Dios: ninguna obra harás tú, ni tu hijo, ni tu hija, ni tu siervo, ni tu sierva, ni tu buey, ni tu asno, ni ningún animal tuyo, ni tu peregrino que está dentro de tus puertas: porque descanse tu siervo y tu sierva como tú.
Mas no sétimo é repouso ao SENHOR teu Deus: nenhuma obra farás tu, nem teu filho, nem tua filha, nem teu servo, nem tua serva, nem tua boi, nem tua asno, nem nenhum animal teu, nem tua peregrino que está dentro de tuas portas: para que descanse teu servo e tua serva como
Mais le septième jour est le jour du repos de l’ Éternel, ton Dieu: tu ne feras aucun ouvrage, ni toi, ni ton fils, ni ta fille, ni ton serviteur, ni ta servante, ni ton bœuf, ni ton âne, ni aucune de tes bêtes, ni l’ étranger qui est dans tes portes, afin que ton serviteur et ta servante se reposent comme toi.
Aber am siebenten Tage ist der Sabbat des HERRN, deines Gottes. Da sollst du keine Arbeit tun noch dein Sohn noch deine Tochter noch dein Knecht noch deine Magd noch dein Ochse noch dein Esel noch all dein Vieh noch dein Fremdling, der in deinen Toren ist, auf daß dein Knecht und deine Magd ruhe wie du.
Maar de zevende dag is de sabbat des HEEREN, uws Gods; dan zult gij geen werk doen, gij, noch uw zoon, noch uw dochter, noch uw dienstknecht, noch uw dienstmaagd, noch uw os, noch uw ezel, noch enig van uw vee, noch de vreemdeling, die in uw poorten is; opdat uw dienstknecht, en uw dienstmaagd ruste, gelijk als gij.
ma il settimo giorno è giorno di riposo consacrato all’Eterno, al tuo Dio: non fare in esso lavoro alcuno, né tu, né il tuo figliuolo, né la tua figliuola, né il tuo servo, né la tua serva, né il tuo bue, né il tuo asino, né alcuna delle tue bestie, né il tuo forestiero che sta dentro le tue porte, affinché il tuo servo e la tua serva si riposino come tu.
Ale dnia siódmego jest odpocznienie Pana, Boga twego; nie czyń żadnej roboty, ty i syn twój, i córka twoja, i sługa twój, i służebnica twoja, i wół twój, i osieł twój, i każde bydlę twoje, i gość twój, który jest w bramach twoich, aby odpoczynął sługa twój, i służebnica twoja, jako i ty.
а день седьмой — суббота Господу, Богу твоему. Не делай [в оный] никакого дела, ни ты, ни сын твой, ни дочь твоя, ни раб твой, ни раба твоя, ни вол твой, ни осел твой, ни всякий скот твой, ни пришелец твой, который у тебя, чтобы отдохнул раб твой, и раба твоя [и осел твой,] как и ты;
但第七 日 是向耶和華─你 神 當守的安息日。這一日，你 和你的兒 女、僕 婢、牛、驢、 牲畜，並在你城 裡寄居的 客旅，無論何工 都 不可 做，使 你的僕 婢 可以和你一樣 安息。
But the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God; on that day do no work, you or your son or your daughter, or your man-servant or your woman-servant, or your ox or your ass or any of your cattle, or the man from a strange country who is living among you; so that your man-servant and your woman-servant may have rest as well as you.
Verse in Context
Original Language (Biblical Hebrew)
Old Testament · Biblical Hebrew · Deuteronomy 5:14
Source: STEPBible TAGNT/TEHB (CC-BY 4.0). Click or tap a morphology code to see the full parsing.
Scholars' Consensus
Commentators across traditions agree that Deuteronomy 5:14 deliberately expands the version of the Sabbath command found in Exodus 20:8-11. The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges notes the addition of specific animals, ox, donkey, livestock, as ‘an obvious expansion’ and calls the explicit purpose statement (‘that your male servant and your female servant may rest’) a ‘characteristic of the humane spirit of D.’ Gill’s Exposition adds that the ox and ass are singled out because they were used for ploughing and carrying burdens, and without their rest the servants attending them could not rest. Jamieson-Fausset-Brown argues that the additional motive of deliverance from Egypt (v.15) does not contradict the creation reason in Exodus; rather, it secures the privilege of Sabbath rest for servants, who were being deprived of it. The consensus is clear: this version emphasizes that Sabbath rest is not merely a religious observance for the household head but a gift of rest for the entire community, including the powerless.
How settled is the interpretation?
Interpretive difficulty: Low
What is clear: God commands a day of rest for all members of the household, including servants and animals, as a reflection of His liberating action in bringing Israel out of Egypt.
What Scholars Agree and Debate
| Topic | Agreed | Debated |
|---|---|---|
| Reason for Sabbath in Deuteronomy vs Exodus | Both creation (Exodus) and redemption (Deuteronomy) are valid foundations for Sabbath rest. God is both Creator and Redeemer. | Some Christians see the two reasons as complementary; others view the shift as showing that the Sabbath is a moral command rooted in creation, while the ceremonial aspects are fulfilled in Christ. |
| Inclusion of animals | God commands rest for domestic animals, showing care for all creatures. This teaches mercy. | There is no debate that the text includes animals. The question is whether this implies animals have inherent rights or whether the command is for the sake of humans dependent on them. Both views find support. |
| Social justice implications | The verse demonstrates God's concern for the vulnerable, servants, foreigners, and animals. Sabbath rest protects them from exploitation. | How to apply this in a modern economy is debated. Some argue for labor laws that ensure a weekly day off; others focus on voluntary practice within households and churches. Traditions differ on whether the Sabbath command is binding on governments or only on believers. |
Historical & Cultural Context
Deuteronomy is presented as Moses’ final address to Israel on the plains of Moab, as a new generation prepares to enter the Promised Land. The four commandments (Sabbath) is restated with a shift in emphasis. In Exodus 20:11, the reason is creation: God rested on the seventh day. Here in Deuteronomy 5:15, the reason is redemption: ‘you shall remember that you were a servant in the land of Egypt, and Yahweh your God brought you out.’ This change roots the command in Israel’s experience of liberation. God freed them from forced labor; now they are to extend that freedom to others through a weekly rest.
The list of those who must not work is remarkable in its specificity. The Hebrew term me.la.Khah (work) covers any occupation or business. The command covers the household head, his family, servants (both male 'e.ved and female a.mah), livestock (ox, donkey, all cattle), and the ger (sojourner) within the gates, the foreigner or resident alien who lacks inherited rights. The gate was the center of legal and economic life in an ancient Israelite town; ‘within your gates’ means anyone residing under your authority. The verb for rest in the purpose clause is ya.Nu.ach, to settle down, to repose permanently, not just to stop. This is a call for deep, restorative rest for all who are dependent on the household. In the ancient Near East, rest days were often observed only by the elite. This command is a radical departure: God’s rest is for everyone.
Textual Notes
Textual variants in this verse are minor and do not affect the meaning. The phrase ‘in it’ (referring to the seventh day) is not present in the Hebrew text of Deuteronomy 5:14 or Exodus 20:10, but is supplied by the Septuagint, Samaritan Pentateuch, and the Nash papyrus (see Cambridge Bible). The Hebrew text reads simply ‘on the seventh day a Sabbath to Yahweh your God you shall not do any work.’ The conjunction ‘nor’ before ‘bondman’ in Exodus 20:10 is omitted; here it is included, but again without semantic change. The consulted sources note no significant variants that would alter the command or its purpose.
Reception History
This verse has been read across Christian history as a cornerstone for the humane treatment of laborers. Early church writers, especially in the patristic period, saw the Sabbath command as pointing to the spiritual rest found in Christ, while also affirming the moral obligation to give rest to servants and animals. During the Reformation, John Calvin and others emphasized the ‘social’ dimension of the fourth commandment, arguing that it restrains the powerful from overworking those under them. In modern times, this passage has been cited in movements for workers’ rights and in Christian arguments for animal welfare. Across traditions, the verse is recognized as a gift of God’s grace that protects the vulnerable and invites all creation into a rhythm of renewal.
Preaching This Verse
Three-point outline
- God commands rest for the whole household. The list expands beyond the head of the home to include family, servants, animals, and foreigners. No one is exempt from the gift of rest.
- Rest is grounded in redemption. Israel’s deliverance from Egypt is the foundation. Because God freed them from slavery, they are to free others from labor one day a week.
- Rest is an act of justice. The purpose clause is explicit: ‘that your male servant and your female servant may rest as well as you.’ The Sabbath protects the vulnerable from exploitation.
Five-point outline
- You, the household head is commanded to stop work, modeling trust in God’s provision.
- Your son and daughter, children are included; the Sabbath shapes family identity.
- Your male and female servants, they are to rest, even if their work is essential. The command limits the authority of masters.
- Your ox, donkey, and livestock, animals are given rest, teaching mercy toward creatures and reminding us that productivity is not ultimate.
- The stranger within your gates, the foreigner is included, reflecting God’s heart for the outsider.
Illustration hooks
- A business owner who insists employees do not answer emails on weekends, even though clients push for more availability. The owner chooses to honor a rhythm of rest for everyone, knowing it costs them short-term profit.
- A farmer who brings in extra help on Saturday to give his regular workers a full day off. He sees the command as a way to let both people and animals recover.
- A church that schedules no evening meetings on a certain day so that staff volunteers and families can have one full day of rest together.
Questions your congregation is asking
- Does this mean Christians must observe Saturday as the Sabbath, or does it apply differently under the New Covenant?
- How do I apply this if my job requires seven-day operation, healthcare, emergency services, retail?
- What does rest look like for a single parent with no help? Does this command create guilt or freedom?
Leading a Discussion
This passage invites us to consider how God’s command for rest shapes our households and communities. The expansion in Deuteronomy makes clear that the Sabbath is not just a personal spiritual practice but a social provision for every dependent person and animal in our care. As you read the verse together, notice the careful listing and the stated purpose.
Discussion questions
- What differences do you notice between this version of the Sabbath command and the one in Exodus 20:8-11? Why do you think Deuteronomy adds ox, donkey, livestock, and the stranger?
- The verb for ‘rest’ in verse 14 is nuach, to settle down or be quiet. How is that different from simply stopping work? What kind of rest does God intend?
- The purpose statement says ‘that your male servant and your female servant may rest as well as you.’ In what ways does this challenge assumptions about power and authority in a household or workplace?
- How does the reminder in verse 15 that Israel was a servant in Egypt shape the meaning of the command? What does it teach about God’s character?
- What pressures in modern life make it hard to give others, employees, children, even ourselves, a full day of rest? Are those pressures valid, or can they be resisted?
- If this command reflects God’s concern for justice, how might it inform our attitudes toward labor rights, fair wages, and overwork today?
- What would it look like for your small group or family to practice a rhythm of rest that includes everyone under your care? What one step could you take this week?
Word Study
The key original-language words in this verse. Select any word for its full lexicon entry — meaning, every occurrence in Scripture, and related words.
Cross-References
Source: Treasury of Scripture Knowledge (TSK, public domain)
| Genesis 2:2 | On the seventh day God finished his work which he had done; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had done. |
| Exodus 16:29 | Behold, because Yahweh has given you the Sabbath, therefore he gives you on the sixth day the bread of two days. Everyone stay in his place. Let no one go out of his place on the seventh day.” |
| Exodus 16:30 | So the people rested on the seventh day. |
| Exodus 23:12 | “Six days you shall do your work, and on the seventh day you shall rest, that your ox and your donkey may have rest, and the son of your servant, and the alien may be refreshed. |
| Leviticus 25:44 | “‘As for your male and your female slaves, whom you may have from the nations that are around you, from them you may buy male and female slaves. |
| Leviticus 25:46 | You may make them an inheritance for your children after you, to hold for a possession. Of them you may take your slaves forever, but over your brothers the children of Israel you shall not rule, one over another, with harshness. |
| Nehemiah 5:5 | Yet now our flesh is as the flesh of our brothers, our children as their children. Behold, we bring our sons and our daughters into bondage to be servants, and some of our daughters have been brought into bondage. It is also not in our power to help it, because other men have our fields and our vineyards.” |
| Nehemiah 13:15 | In those days I saw some men treading wine presses on the Sabbath in Judah, bringing in sheaves, and loading donkeys with wine, grapes, figs, and all kinds of burdens which they brought into Jerusalem on the Sabbath day; and I testified against them in the day in which they sold food. |
Interlinear and lexical data from STEPBible (CC BY 4.0). Cross-reference data from OpenBible.info (CC BY 4.0). Commentaries are public domain.
For personal reflection
Read the devotional page — prayer, application, and "for families"
What the Commentators Say
6 public-domain commentaries, condensed into plain language.
Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges Anglican 1880
This commentary highlights how Deuteronomy expands the Fourth Commandment beyond Exodus, adding specific animals and a clause about servants resting as their master does. These differences show Deuteronomy's distinct humane emphasis, giving the commandment a more compassionate character than the earlier version.
Geneva Bible Notes Reformed 1599
The Geneva Notes emphasize that the Sabbath command extends rest to every creature without exception — servants, animals, and even the foreigner — so that the lowest worker may rest equally with the master. The phrase "as well as thou" underscores this principle of shared rest, not just a prohibition of work.
Gill's Exposition of the Bible Baptist 1748
Gill observes that the specific mention of ox and ass clarifies which cattle are meant: the ones used daily for plowing and burdens. He further notes that the added reason for this law, the servants rest, depends on the cattle’s rest, since servants would otherwise have to attend working animals.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Commentary Protestant 1871
JFB sees the Sabbath command in Deuteronomy not as contradicting Exodus but as reinforcing the same law with a pointed social motive. The added reason—rest for servants—was meant to protect those who had been denied this rest, and the reminder of Egyptian bondage drove the lesson home with emotional force.
Lange's Commentary Reformed 1857
Lange emphasizes that Moses does not mechanically repeat the Ten Commandments; he adapts them to the new generation entering Canaan. The shift from remembering to keeping the Sabbath, and grounding it in redemption
Matthew Henry's Commentary Reformed/Presbyterian 1710
Henry reads the Ten Commandments here as a covenant of grace, not just a legal code. He stresses that God first identifies Himself as Israel's Redeemer before giving any commands. The Sabbath command in Deuteronomy, he notes, is uniquely tied to remembering their deliverance from Egyptian slavery.