What is the Sabbath?
What is the Sabbath? The Sabbath is the seventh day of the week set apart for rest and worship, established by God at creation and formalized in the Ten Commandments.
Key verse: Exodus 20:8 (KJV)
The Sabbath is the seventh day of the week set apart for rest and worship, established by God at creation and formalized in the Ten Commandments.
The Sabbath is the seventh day of the week set apart for rest and worship, established by God at creation and formalized in the Ten Commandments.
"Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy." — Exodus 20:8 (KJV)
Meaning
Plain-language explanation
In Context
Surrounding KJV scripture
Related Verses
Cross-reference scriptures
The Biblical Answer
God rested on the seventh day of creation, blessing it and making it holy. The Sabbath command — 'Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy' — became the fourth of the Ten Commandments. Israel was required to cease work from Friday evening to Saturday evening. Jesus challenged the Pharisees' rigid Sabbath rules, declaring that 'the sabbath was made for man, and not man for the sabbath.' Early Christians began gathering on the first day of the week (Sunday) to commemorate Christ's resurrection. Today, some Christians observe Saturday as the Sabbath while most worship on Sunday, but the principle of regular rest and worship remains important.
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."
"And he said unto them, The sabbath was made for man, and not man for the sabbath."
"And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made."
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Related Questions
What Are the Ten Commandments?
The Ten Commandments are God's moral law given to Moses on Mount Sinai, establishing fundamental principles for humanity's relationship with God and others.
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.
What Does the Bible Say About Love?
The Bible defines love not as a feeling but as a sacrificial choice — modeled perfectly by God's gift of His Son.
How Do You Forgive Others According to the Bible?
Biblical forgiveness means releasing bitterness and choosing not to hold someone's offense against them — just as God in Christ forgave us.
What Does the Bible Say About Money?
The Bible doesn't condemn money itself but warns against the love of money and teaches generosity, contentment, and wise stewardship.
Deep Dive Commentary
For a more in-depth study, read our verse-by-verse commentary:
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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 is the Sabbath?” comes from the King James Version, free to download and print.
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