Sabbath
שַׁבָּת (shabbat)
The day of rest — ceasing from work in honor of God's creation rest.
Shabbat is the Hebrew word for Sabbath, meaning 'to cease' or 'to rest.' It is the seventh day set apart for rest and worship, rooted in God's rest after creation and enshrined in the Ten Commandments.
"And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made." — Genesis 2:2-3 (KJV)
Key Verses
Genesis 2:2-3
“And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made.”Read in context
Mark 2:27
“And he said unto them, The sabbath was made for man, and not man for the sabbath.”Read in context
Strong's Concordance
Strong's H7676 — Sabbath (שַׁבָּת (shabbat))
Browse the full lexicon entry and every KJV verse where שַׁבָּת (shabbat) appears.
Open Strong's H7676Etymology and Original Meaning
Shabbat comes from the Hebrew verb shavat, meaning 'to cease' or 'to stop.' It does not primarily mean relaxation but cessation — stopping productive activity. God Himself modeled this pattern by resting on the seventh day of creation, not from exhaustion but to mark the completion and goodness of His work.
The Sabbath in the Law
The fourth commandment — 'Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy' (Exodus 20:8) — made Sabbath observance central to Israelite identity. No work was to be done: not by the household, servants, animals, or even foreigners within the gates. Violation carried severe penalties (Numbers 15:32-36). The Sabbath was a sign of the covenant between God and Israel (Exodus 31:13).
Jesus and the Sabbath
Jesus often clashed with Pharisees over Sabbath observance, not because He rejected it but because they had buried its purpose under legalistic rules. He healed on the Sabbath, declaring 'The sabbath was made for man, and not man for the sabbath' (Mark 2:27). He claimed to be 'Lord even of the sabbath' (Mark 2:28), asserting His authority over its meaning.
Sabbath Rest for Today
Hebrews 4 presents a 'sabbath rest' that remains for God's people — not merely a weekly day off but an entering into God's rest through faith. Christians debate whether the Sabbath is Saturday, Sunday, or a spiritual principle. What is clear is the abiding truth: God designed rhythms of rest, worship, and trust into human life.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Sabbath mean?
Sabbath (shabbat) means 'to cease' or 'to rest.' It is the seventh day set apart for resting from work and honoring God, rooted in His rest after creation.
Do Christians need to keep the Sabbath?
Christians hold different views. Some observe Saturday, others Sunday, and others see Sabbath rest as a spiritual principle fulfilled in Christ (Hebrews 4). All agree on the importance of regular rest and worship.
What is the Hebrew word for "Sabbath" in the Bible?
שַׁבָּת (shabbat), pronounced "shah-BAHT." It means the day of rest — ceasing from work in honor of god's creation rest. Its Strong's number is H7676. It is the word behind "Sabbath" in both Testaments, for example in Genesis 2:2-3.
Which Bible verse uses the word "Sabbath"?
Genesis 2:2-3 — "And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made" (KJV). It also appears in Exodus 20:8, Mark 2:27.
Related Words
Related Reading
Continue your study with related content from across our library:
Sabbath (שַׁבָּת (Shabbat))
The seventh day of rest; ceasing from work as God did in creation
Strong's H7676 — Sabbath
שַׁבָּת (Shabbat) • The seventh day of rest; ceasing from work as God did in creation
Remember the Sabbath Day, to Keep It Holy
The fourth commandment establishes a weekly day of rest and worship, reflecting
Rest (מְנוּחָה (menuchah))
A settled, peaceful state — the place of security, completion, and dwelling with God.
Strong's H4496 — Rest
מְנוּחָה (menuchah) • A settled, peaceful state — the place of security, completion, and dwelling with God.
Biblical Meaning of the Number 7 in a Dream (KJV)
Completeness, rest, and God's finished work.
Where to go next
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