Old Testament
Exodus 23:10
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
For 6 years, plant your land and harvest its crops.
Compare translations
And six years thou shalt sow thy land, and shalt gather in the fruits thereof:
What Exodus 23:10 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, we see a clear instruction about farming practices. For six years, you are encouraged to cultivate your land and gather the produce. This reflects a rhythm of work and rest, emphasizing the importance of diligence in our efforts. The idea is to invest time and energy into what you grow, ensuring that you reap the benefits of your hard work. It also suggests a sustainable approach to land use, where the land is given a break after six years of cultivation. This principle can be applied to various aspects of life, reminding us that consistent effort over time leads to fruitful results. It teaches us to be patient and to trust the process, knowing that our hard work will eventually pay off. This verse encourages us to take responsibility for our resources and to be mindful of how we use them, ensuring that we maintain balance in our lives and the environment around us. It’s a call to be intentional in our actions and to honor the cycles of nature and life.
How to apply Exodus 23:10 to your life
Consider how you can apply this principle of consistent effort in your own life. Whether it's in your career, relationships, or personal growth, commit to investing time and energy over a sustained period. Remember to also take breaks and allow for renewal, just as the land needs rest after years of cultivation. Balance is key to long-term success and fulfillment in any endeavor you pursue. Embrace the journey and trust the process.
Curated for this public verse page. Exodus Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Ruth's story: Three Widows (Ruth 1:1–5)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Ruth
Photo: Zeev Stein / PikiWiki Israel, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 2.5. Source. Location: Tel Beer Sheva National Park, Israel. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Beersheba
Where Abraham and Isaac dug wells and worshiped the LORD, at the southern edge of the land.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Exodus 23:10
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Exodus 23:10
Related Bible verses
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Exodus
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites in the wilderness
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Exodus 23:10 mean?
Exodus 23:10 instructs that for six years, one should cultivate their land and harvest its crops. This verse emphasizes the importance of consistent effort in farming and reflects a sustainable approach to land use.
How can I apply the lessons from Exodus 23:10 to my life?
You can apply the lessons from Exodus 23:10 by committing to consistent effort in your personal and professional pursuits while also allowing time for rest and renewal. This balance can lead to long-term success and fulfillment.
What does the phrase 'sow thy land' mean in Exodus 23:10?
The phrase 'sow thy land' in Exodus 23:10 refers to the act of planting crops and cultivating the land. It signifies the importance of taking initiative and working diligently to achieve fruitful results.
What themes are present in Exodus 23:10?
Exodus 23:10 presents themes of work, rest, sustainability, patience, and responsibility. These themes encourage a balanced approach to life and highlight the value of consistent effort over time.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.