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Exodus 31:15 - Shabbat: work or rest?

Exodus 31:15 - שמות 31:15

Hebrew Text

שֵׁשֶׁת יָמִים יֵעָשֶׂה מְלָאכָה וּבַיּוֹם הַשְּׁבִיעִי שַׁבַּת שַׁבָּתוֹן קֹדֶשׁ לַיהוָה כָּל־הָעֹשֶׂה מְלָאכָה בְּיוֹם הַשַּׁבָּת מוֹת יוּמָת׃

English Translation

Six days may work be done; but on the seventh is the sabbath of rest, holy to the Lord: whoever does any work on the sabbath day, he shall surely be put to death.

Transliteration

Sheshet yamim ye'aseh melachah uvayom hashvi'i shabbat shabbaton kodesh la'Adonai kol ha'oseh melachah beyom hashabbat mot yumat.

Hebrew Leining Text

שֵׁ֣שֶׁת יָמִים֮ יֵעָשֶׂ֣ה מְלָאכָה֒ וּבַיּ֣וֹם הַשְּׁבִיעִ֗י שַׁבַּ֧ת שַׁבָּת֛וֹן קֹ֖דֶשׁ לַיהֹוָ֑ה כׇּל־הָעֹשֶׂ֧ה מְלָאכָ֛ה בְּי֥וֹם הַשַּׁבָּ֖ת מ֥וֹת יוּמָֽת׃
שֵׁ֣שֶׁת יָמִים֮ יֵעָשֶׂ֣ה מְלָאכָה֒ וּבַיּ֣וֹם הַשְּׁבִיעִ֗י שַׁבַּ֧ת שַׁבָּת֛וֹן קֹ֖דֶשׁ לַיהֹוָ֑ה כׇּל־הָעֹשֶׂ֧ה מְלָאכָ֛ה בְּי֥וֹם הַשַּׁבָּ֖ת מ֥וֹת יוּמָֽת׃

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Parasha Commentary

The Commandment of Shabbat

The verse (Shemot 31:15) establishes the fundamental mitzvah of Shabbat, emphasizing its sanctity and the severe prohibition against performing melachah (work) on the seventh day. The Torah frames Shabbat as a day of rest ("שַׁבַּת שַׁבָּתוֹן") and holiness ("קֹדֶשׁ לַיהוָה"), setting it apart from the six days of labor.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi comments on the phrase "שֵׁשֶׁת יָמִים יֵעָשֶׂה מְלָאכָה" by noting that the passive form ("יֵעָשֶׂה") implies that melachah is permitted during the six days, but not on Shabbat. He further explains that "שַׁבַּת שַׁבָּתוֹן" means a complete cessation from labor, a "rest of rests," underscoring the total abstention from creative work.

The Severity of Shabbat Violation

The verse concludes with the stern warning that "כָּל־הָעֹשֶׂה מְלָאכָה בְּיוֹם הַשַּׁבָּת מוֹת יוּמָת." The Rambam (Hilchot Shabbat 1:1) elaborates that this refers to one who intentionally violates Shabbat, as the punishment of death applies only to a meizid (one who acts willfully). The Talmud (Sanhedrin 73a) discusses the legal procedures for this capital case, emphasizing the gravity of Shabbat desecration.

The Concept of Melachah

The Mishnah (Shabbat 7:2) enumerates 39 categories of prohibited labor derived from the construction of the Mishkan, as the Torah links Shabbat observance to the Mishkan (Shemot 35:2). The Sages teach that these melachot represent creative acts akin to Hashem’s work in creation, and abstaining from them affirms belief in Hashem as the Creator.

  • Shabbat as a Covenant: The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 25:12) states that Shabbat is a sign of the eternal covenant between Hashem and the Jewish people, as mentioned in Shemot 31:16-17.
  • Spiritual Purpose: The Ramban explains that Shabbat is not merely a day of physical rest but an opportunity for spiritual elevation, where one dedicates time to Torah study and divine connection.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Shabbat 70a
The verse is referenced in the discussion about the prohibition of work on the Sabbath and the severity of violating this commandment.
📖 Sanhedrin 58b
The verse is cited in the context of discussing the laws applicable to non-Jews and the prohibition of Sabbath labor.
📖 Mekhilta d'Rabbi Yishmael Ki Tisa
Although not part of the Babylonian Talmud, the Mekhilta, a tannaitic midrash, discusses this verse extensively in relation to Sabbath laws.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does 'Six days may work be done, but on the seventh is the Sabbath' mean?
A: This verse teaches that Hashem commanded us to work during the six days of the week, but to completely rest on the seventh day, Shabbat. Shabbat is a holy day dedicated to connecting with Hashem, and no creative work (melacha) should be performed. This is a fundamental mitzvah in the Torah.
Q: Why is Shabbat called a 'Sabbath of rest'?
A: Shabbat is called a 'Sabbath of rest' (Shabbat Shabbaton) because it is a day of complete cessation from creative labor (melacha). The Torah emphasizes that Shabbat is not just a physical break but a spiritually elevated day, as Rashi explains—it is a 'rest of restfulness,' meaning an absolute cessation from weekday activities to focus on holiness.
Q: What kind of work is forbidden on Shabbat?
A: The Torah prohibits 39 categories of creative labor (melacha) on Shabbat, derived from the work done in constructing the Mishkan (Tabernacle). These include activities like cooking, writing, and building. The Talmud (Shabbat 73a) elaborates on these categories, and halacha (Jewish law) details their practical applications.
Q: Why is the punishment for breaking Shabbat so severe?
A: Shabbat is a foundational covenant between Hashem and the Jewish people (Exodus 31:16). Violating it publicly demonstrates a rejection of Hashem’s authority and the sanctity of time. The Rambam (Hilchot Shabbat 30:15) explains that Shabbat observance affirms belief in Creation, and its desecration undermines a core principle of Jewish faith.
Q: How do we observe Shabbat today according to Jewish tradition?
A: Today, we observe Shabbat by refraining from the 39 melachot, lighting candles before sunset, making kiddush over wine, eating festive meals, and engaging in prayer and Torah study. The Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chaim 242-344) details the laws, and the Mishnah Berurah provides further guidance to ensure proper observance.