The Church Fathers on this verse

Deuteronomy 5:14Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

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.

Douay-Rheims

וְי֨וֹם֙ הַשְּׁבִיעִ֔֜י שַׁבָּ֖֣ת ׀ לַיהוָ֣֥ה אֱלֹהֶ֑֗יךָ לֹ֣א תַעֲשֶׂ֣ה כָל־מְלָאכָ֡ה אַתָּ֣ה וּבִנְךָֽ־וּבִתֶּ֣ךָ וְעַבְדְּךָֽ־וַ֠אֲמָתֶךָ וְשׁוֹרְךָ֨ וַחֲמֹֽרְךָ֜ וְכָל־בְּהֶמְתֶּ֗ךָ וְגֵֽרְךָ֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר בִּשְׁעָרֶ֔יךָ לְמַ֗עַן יָנ֛וּחַ עַבְדְּךָ֥ וַאֲמָתְךָ֖ כָּמֽ֑וֹךָ׃

Hebrew (Masoretic text)

The Church Fathers on this verse

One Church Father comments on this verse

Gregorios Palamas

14th centuryChurch Father

Designate one day each week, known as the Lord's Day, as a time for devotion to the Lord, who triumphed over death on this day and anticipated our collective resurrection. Use this day to refrain from all secular activities (Exodus 20:10; Deuteronomy 5:12; Revelation 1:10); honor this day by setting aside all worldly engagements aside from those that are absolutely necessary. Provide rest for all those in your care, as well as everyone residing in your household, so that together you may glorify Him who redeemed us through His death and rose again, restoring our humanity. Keep in mind the coming age, familiarize yourself with all the commandments and justifications of the Lord, and assess yourself for any transgressions or shortcomings, making amends in every way.

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Remain in the house of God, participate in the public worship, and receive the Holy Body and Blood of Christ with sincere faith and a clear conscience. Establish the groundwork for an exemplary life and rejuvenate your spirit, preparing for the eternal blessings to come. During the remaining days, avoid being overly attached to material concerns; however, on the Lord's Day, abstain from all unnecessary distractions so that you may dwell continuously with the Lord, aside from what is essential for life. In doing so, you will walk in the presence of God, steering clear of temptations, adhering to His law, suppressing the passions of sin, and avoiding the weight of sin (Exodus 12:16; Jeremiah 17:24; Nehemiah 13:15; Matthew 12:2; John 5:10). You will sanctify the Sabbath by refraining from sin. Likewise, honor the other significant feasts mandated by the Church, observing the previously mentioned guidelines and reminders concerning them.

Cross references

Passages read together with this verse.