Definition: Six days may work be done; but in the seventh [is] the sabbath of rest, holy to the LORD: whosoever doeth [any] work in the sabbath day, he shall surely be put to death.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this Bible verse. It's a really interesting one and has been debated for centuries! Here’s an explanation that aims to be clear and understandable: The Basic Idea: This verse is about the Sabbath – a day of rest and holiness dedicated to God. Let’s look at it piece by piece: “Six days may work be done…” : This part means that humans are allowed to work, build, and create things for six days each week. It's a time for us to contribute and make things happen. “…but in the seventh [is] the sabbath of rest, holy to the LORD…” : This is the crucial part. The seventh day specifically is reserved for God’s rest and worship. “Holy to the LORD” means that God wants to be honored and revered on this day. “Whosoever doeth [any] work in the sabbath day, he shall surely be put to death.” : This is where it gets a little more complicated and debated. "Work" here doesn't just mean physical labor. It includes anything – farming, building, even caring for others – that’s done on the seventh day. The phrase “he shall surely be put to death” means that this punishment isn’t optional; it's a consequence for disobeying God’s rest and holiness. So, what does this all mean? This verse is about a fundamental principle of Jewish law and Christian tradition: God values rest and holiness. It's a reminder to give God time and space to be in charge and to worship him. Important Context & Interpretation: The Old Testament: This passage appears in the Book of Exodus, which describes the Israelites’ journey out of Egypt and their entering into covenant with God. It highlights the importance of rest for both them and God. Later Interpretations (and why it's debated): For centuries, people struggled to understand this verse fully. Some interpreted it as a literal command to actively stop working on the seventh day. Others saw it as a symbolic instruction – that even though we work, we should still be mindful of God’s presence and holiness. Modern Understanding: Today, most Christians believe this verse is more about taking time off and focusing on spiritual matters rather than actually punishing people for working. It's a reminder to prioritize God’s plan and to avoid being consumed by worldly pursuits. In short, the verse essentially says that while we have a right to work, we must also take time to rest and worship God. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Provide a different perspective on its meaning? Discuss how this verse relates to other biblical teachings (like the concept of sin)?