What Does the Bible Say About Keeping the Sabbath — In Biblical Context
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)
The Biblical Context
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.
Where It Sits in Scripture
The core passage for this question, Exodus 20:8-10, sits inside Exodus 20. To grasp the full meaning, read the surrounding paragraph — the verses before set up the thought, the verses after carry it forward.
"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."
Supporting Passages
"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."
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