share torah logo

Exodus 35:2 - Shabbat: work or rest?

Exodus 35:2 - שמות 35:2

Hebrew Text

שֵׁשֶׁת יָמִים תֵּעָשֶׂה מְלָאכָה וּבַיּוֹם הַשְּׁבִיעִי יִהְיֶה לָכֶם קֹדֶשׁ שַׁבַּת שַׁבָּתוֹן לַיהוָה כָּל־הָעֹשֶׂה בוֹ מְלָאכָה יוּמָת׃

English Translation

Six days shall work be done, but on the seventh day there shall be to you a holy day, a sabbath of rest to the Lord: whoever does work on it shall be put to death.

Transliteration

Sheishet yamim te'aseh melacha uvayom hashvi'i yihyeh lachem kodesh Shabbat shabbaton la'Adonai kol ha'oseh vo melacha yumat.

Hebrew Leining Text

שֵׁ֣שֶׁת יָמִים֮ תֵּעָשֶׂ֣ה מְלָאכָה֒ וּבַיּ֣וֹם הַשְּׁבִיעִ֗י יִהְיֶ֨ה לָכֶ֥ם קֹ֛דֶשׁ שַׁבַּ֥ת שַׁבָּת֖וֹן לַיהֹוָ֑ה כׇּל־הָעֹשֶׂ֥ה ב֛וֹ מְלָאכָ֖ה יוּמָֽת׃
שֵׁ֣שֶׁת יָמִים֮ תֵּעָשֶׂ֣ה מְלָאכָה֒ וּבַיּ֣וֹם הַשְּׁבִיעִ֗י יִהְיֶ֨ה לָכֶ֥ם קֹ֛דֶשׁ שַׁבַּ֥ת שַׁבָּת֖וֹן לַיהֹוָ֑ה כׇּל־הָעֹשֶׂ֥ה ב֛וֹ מְלָאכָ֖ה יוּמָֽת׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

The Commandment of Shabbat

The verse (Shemot 35:2) establishes the foundational mitzvah of Shabbat, emphasizing its sanctity and the severe prohibition against performing melachah (work) on the seventh day. The Torah designates Shabbat as a day of rest and holiness, dedicated to Hashem.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi comments on the phrase "שֵׁשֶׁת יָמִים תֵּעָשֶׂה מְלָאכָה" ("Six days shall work be done") by noting that the passive form ("תֵּעָשֶׂה") implies that work is permitted during the six days, but on Shabbat, it is as if the work is done on its own—meaning one must refrain from active labor. This teaches that Shabbat is a day when we acknowledge Hashem as the true provider, and our abstention from work reflects this belief.

The Severity of Violating Shabbat

The verse concludes with "כָּל־הָעֹשֶׂה בוֹ מְלָאכָה יוּמָת" ("whoever does work on it shall be put to death"). The Rambam (Hilchot Shabbat 1:1) explains that this refers to the capital punishment of skilah (stoning) for intentional desecration of Shabbat. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 73a) clarifies that this applies only to one who knowingly and willfully violates Shabbat after proper warning.

Shabbat as a "Shabbat Shabbaton"

The term "שַׁבַּת שַׁבָּתוֹן" ("a sabbath of rest") is interpreted by the Mechilta as indicating a complete cessation from labor, beyond the ordinary prohibitions. The Sforno adds that this phrase underscores Shabbat's unique status as a day of spiritual elevation, where physical rest facilitates deeper connection with Hashem.

Melachah Defined

The Mishnah (Shabbat 7:2) enumerates 39 categories of prohibited labor (avot melachah), derived from the types of work performed in constructing the Mishkan. The Gemara (Shabbat 49b) explains that these activities are forbidden because they represent creative human effort, and Shabbat is a day to refrain from such exertion in emulation of Hashem's rest on the seventh day of Creation.

Spiritual Purpose of Shabbat

The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 11:2) teaches that Shabbat is a matanah tovah (a precious gift) from Hashem to the Jewish people. By abstaining from melachah, we testify to Hashem's creation of the world and affirm our role as His chosen nation. The Kli Yakar emphasizes that Shabbat is not merely a day of physical rest but an opportunity for spiritual renewal and Torah study.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Shabbat 70a
The verse is discussed in the context of defining what constitutes prohibited labor on the Sabbath.
📖 Sanhedrin 56b
The verse is referenced in the discussion of the Noahide laws and the prohibition of labor on the Sabbath.
📖 Mekhilta d'Rabbi Yishmael Ki Tisa
The verse is cited in the midrashic discussion on the observance and sanctity of the Sabbath.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Exodus 35:2 mean?
A: Exodus 35:2 commands the Jewish people to work for six days and observe the seventh day (Shabbat) as a holy day of rest dedicated to Hashem. It strictly prohibits doing any work on Shabbat, with severe consequences for those who violate this commandment. This verse emphasizes the sanctity of Shabbat in Jewish tradition.
Q: Why is Shabbat observance so important in Judaism?
A: Shabbat is a foundational mitzvah (commandment) in Judaism, as it commemorates Hashem's rest on the seventh day of Creation (Genesis 2:2-3). The Talmud (Shabbat 10a) teaches that Shabbat is a precious gift from Hashem, a day for spiritual connection, family, and rest. Observing Shabbat affirms our belief in Hashem as Creator and our commitment to the Torah's laws.
Q: What counts as 'work' (melacha) on Shabbat according to Jewish law?
A: The Torah prohibits 39 categories of creative work (melacha) on Shabbat, derived from the types of work used to build the Mishkan (Tabernacle). These include activities like cooking, writing, building, and lighting fires (Mishnah Shabbat 7:2). The details are elaborated in the Talmud and halachic literature. Orthodox Jews follow these guidelines to ensure proper Shabbat observance.
Q: How do Orthodox Jews apply this verse today?
A: Orthodox Jews strictly observe Shabbat by refraining from all 39 categories of melacha, as well as rabbinically prohibited activities. They dedicate the day to prayer, Torah study, festive meals, and family time. While the Torah's death penalty is not applied today, the seriousness of the prohibition reminds us of Shabbat's supreme sanctity (Rambam, Hilchot Shabbat 1:1-2).
Q: What does 'Shabbat Shabbaton' mean?
A: The term 'Shabbat Shabbaton' (often translated as 'a sabbath of solemn rest') emphasizes that Shabbat is a day of complete rest and holiness. The Midrash (Vayikra Rabbah 25:12) explains that 'Shabbaton' intensifies the concept of Shabbat, indicating it is a day of special spiritual elevation and cessation from mundane activities, wholly dedicated to serving Hashem.