What Does the Bible Say About Keeping the Sabbath?
What Does the Bible Say About Keeping the Sabbath? The Sabbath was instituted at creation and formalized in the Ten Commandments as a day of rest, worship, and trust in God's provision.
Key verse: Exodus 20:8-10 (KJV)
The Sabbath was instituted at creation and formalized in the Ten Commandments as a day of rest, worship, and trust in God's provision.
The Sabbath was instituted at creation and formalized in the Ten Commandments as a day of rest, worship, and trust in God's provision.
"Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work: But the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God." — Exodus 20:8-10 (KJV)
Meaning
Plain-language explanation
In Context
Surrounding KJV scripture
Related Verses
Cross-reference scriptures
The Biblical Answer
God sanctified the seventh day at creation (Genesis 2:2-3). The fourth commandment says, 'Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work: But the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God' (Exodus 20:8-10). In the Old Testament, Sabbath-breaking was a serious offense (Numbers 15:32-36). Jesus, however, challenged legalistic Sabbath rules: 'The sabbath was made for man, and not man for the sabbath' (Mark 2:27). He healed on the Sabbath, declaring Himself 'Lord even of the sabbath' (Mark 2:28). In the New Testament, Paul wrote, 'Let no man therefore judge you... in respect of... the sabbath days: Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ' (Colossians 2:16-17). The early church began meeting on the first day — Sunday — to celebrate the resurrection (Acts 20:7). The principle of regular rest and worship remains, though the specific day is no longer binding.
Topic Overview
What Does the Bible Say About The Sabbath & Rest?
What the Bible teaches about the Sabbath, rest, and the importance of taking a day off.
Key Scripture References
"Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work: But the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God."
"The sabbath was made for man, and not man for the sabbath."
"Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days: Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ."
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Related Questions
Should Christians Observe the Sabbath Today?
Christians disagree — some observe Saturday or Sunday as Sabbath, while others see Christ as the fulfillment of Sabbath rest for every day.
What Does the Bible Say About Rest?
God designed rest as a gift and a command, modeling it at creation and providing spiritual rest through Christ.
Did Jesus Really Rise from the Dead?
The Bible presents the resurrection as historical fact, supported by eyewitness testimony, an empty tomb, and transformed lives.
Is Jesus God?
Yes — the Bible teaches that Jesus is fully God and fully man, the second person of the Trinity.
What Is the Trinity?
The Trinity is the doctrine that God exists as three persons — Father, Son, and Holy Spirit — in one divine being.
Deep Dive Commentary
For a more in-depth study, read our verse-by-verse commentary:
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Jude 1:24-25 Commentary
In-depth study • God's Keeping Power
Read it in context
The answer above sits inside Exodus. The 365-day chronological plan reads it in the order the events happened.
Read Exodus on day 24 of the chronological Bible reading planKeep the verses to hand
Every verse quoted in “What Does the Bible Say About Keeping the Sabbath?” comes from the King James Version, free to download and print.
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