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Exodus 23:12 - Rest for all, Shabbat's gift

Exodus 23:12 - שמות 23:12

Hebrew Text

שֵׁשֶׁת יָמִים תַּעֲשֶׂה מַעֲשֶׂיךָ וּבַיּוֹם הַשְּׁבִיעִי תִּשְׁבֹּת לְמַעַן יָנוּחַ שׁוֹרְךָ וַחֲמֹרֶךָ וְיִנָּפֵשׁ בֶּן־אֲמָתְךָ וְהַגֵּר׃

English Translation

Six days thou shalt do thy work, and on the seventh day thou shalt rest: that thy ox and thy ass may rest; and the son of thy handmaid, and the stranger, may be refreshed.

Transliteration

Sheishet yamim ta'aseh ma'asecha uvayom hashvi'i tishbot lema'an yanuach shorcha vachamorecha veyinafesh ben-amatecha vehager.

Hebrew Leining Text

שֵׁ֤שֶׁת יָמִים֙ תַּעֲשֶׂ֣ה מַעֲשֶׂ֔יךָ וּבַיּ֥וֹם הַשְּׁבִיעִ֖י תִּשְׁבֹּ֑ת לְמַ֣עַן יָנ֗וּחַ שֽׁוֹרְךָ֙ וַחֲמֹרֶ֔ךָ וְיִנָּפֵ֥שׁ בֶּן־אֲמָתְךָ֖ וְהַגֵּֽר׃
שֵׁ֤שֶׁת יָמִים֙ תַּעֲשֶׂ֣ה מַעֲשֶׂ֔יךָ וּבַיּ֥וֹם הַשְּׁבִיעִ֖י תִּשְׁבֹּ֑ת לְמַ֣עַן יָנ֗וּחַ שֽׁוֹרְךָ֙ וַחֲמֹרֶ֔ךָ וְיִנָּפֵ֥שׁ בֶּן־אֲמָתְךָ֖ וְהַגֵּֽר׃

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Parasha Commentary

The Commandment of Shabbat Rest

The verse (Shemot 23:12) commands the observance of Shabbat by ceasing from labor on the seventh day. Rashi explains that this mitzvah serves a dual purpose: it is both a remembrance of Creation (as stated in Shemot 20:11) and a humanitarian obligation to provide rest for all members of one's household, including animals and servants.

Inclusivity of Shabbat Rest

The Torah emphasizes that Shabbat rest extends to:

  • Your ox and donkey - Rambam (Hilchot Shabbat 20:14) derives from this that one must ensure all animals under one's care refrain from labor on Shabbat.
  • The son of your maidservant - The Talmud (Sanhedrin 58b) interprets this as referring to non-Jewish servants in a Jewish household who must also be given Shabbat rest.
  • The stranger - Sforno notes this includes all who dwell among the Jewish people, emphasizing the universal humanitarian aspect of Shabbat.

The Concept of "Veyinafesh" (Refreshment)

The term "וְיִנָּפֵשׁ" (may be refreshed) is interpreted by the Mechilta as meaning both physical rest and spiritual rejuvenation. Ibn Ezra explains this refers to the opportunity for all beings to recover their strength after six days of labor.

Halachic Implications

The Rambam (Hilchot Shabbat 6:1) rules that this verse establishes biblical prohibitions against:

  • Making one's animals work on Shabbat
  • Having one's servants perform labor for one's benefit
  • Any action that would prevent others from properly observing Shabbat rest

Philosophical Dimension

The Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 32) explains that this commandment trains us in emunah (faith) by recognizing that our sustenance comes from Hashem, not merely from our labor. By resting on Shabbat, we demonstrate our belief that the world continues to function through Divine providence.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Shabbat 113b
The verse is cited in a discussion about the importance of resting on the Sabbath, emphasizing the commandment to cease work so that both humans and animals may rest.
📖 Mekhilta d'Rabbi Yishmael Ki Tisa
The verse is referenced in the context of expounding on the laws of Sabbath, highlighting the ethical dimension of providing rest for all members of the household, including servants and animals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Exodus 23:12 teach about Shabbat?
A: Exodus 23:12 teaches that we must work for six days and rest on the seventh day (Shabbat). This rest applies not only to us but also to our animals (ox and donkey) and workers (son of your handmaid and the stranger). The Torah emphasizes that Shabbat is a day of physical and spiritual rest for all, as explained by Rashi and other commentators.
Q: Why does the Torah mention animals resting on Shabbat?
A: The Torah includes animals (ox and donkey) in the Shabbat rest to teach us compassion and responsibility. Rambam (Hilchot Shabbat 20:14) explains that even animals deserve a break from labor. This reinforces the idea that Shabbat is a universal day of rest, not just for Jews but for all living beings under our care.
Q: Who is included in the Shabbat rest according to Exodus 23:12?
A: Exodus 23:12 specifies that Shabbat rest applies to the worker ('son of your handmaid') and the stranger ('ger'). The Talmud (Bava Metzia 10b) explains that this teaches us to ensure that all people—whether servants, employees, or converts—are given proper rest on Shabbat, reflecting the Torah’s emphasis on kindness and fairness.
Q: What does 'may be refreshed' (וְיִנָּפֵשׁ) mean in this verse?
A: The term 'may be refreshed' (וְיִנָּפֵשׁ) comes from the word 'nefesh' (soul), meaning that Shabbat provides spiritual and physical renewal. Rashi explains that this rest allows everyone—workers, animals, and strangers—to regain strength. The Midrash (Mechilta) adds that Shabbat is a gift that revitalizes the soul after a week of labor.
Q: How does Exodus 23:12 apply to modern work-life balance?
A: Exodus 23:12 teaches the timeless value of balancing work and rest. The Chafetz Chaim (in his commentary on Torah) emphasizes that Shabbat is a divinely ordained break, reminding us to pause from our daily routines. This applies today by encouraging us to set aside sacred time for rest, family, and spiritual growth, just as our ancestors did.