What is the Sabbath?
Quick Answer
The Sabbath is the seventh day of the week set apart by God for rest and worship, commemorating His rest after creation and Israel's deliverance from Egypt.
Understanding Sabbath
The Sabbath (from Hebrew 'shabbat,' meaning to cease or rest) was established at creation when God rested on the seventh day (Genesis 2:2-3). It became the fourth commandment, requiring Israel to rest from regular work on the seventh day. The Sabbath served multiple purposes: physical rest, spiritual renewal, worship of God, and as a sign of the covenant between God and Israel (Exodus 31:13). Strict regulations governed Sabbath observance, with violations punishable by death under the old covenant. The Sabbath pointed forward to the ultimate rest found in Christ. Christians traditionally have gathered for worship on Sunday (the Lord's Day) to celebrate Christ's resurrection, though views on Sabbath observance vary among believers.
In the Old Testament
God established the Sabbath pattern at creation, setting apart the seventh day as holy. In the wilderness, God provided double manna on the sixth day so Israel would not work on the Sabbath (Exodus 16). The Sabbath commandment was given as part of the Decalogue, grounded in both creation (Exodus 20:11) and redemption (Deuteronomy 5:15). Sabbath violations were serious covenant breaches. The prophets condemned empty Sabbath observance while calling for authentic rest and worship. Sabbath-keeping became a distinctive mark of Jewish identity, especially during and after the exile.
In the New Testament
By Jesus' time, the Pharisees had added numerous regulations to the Sabbath. Jesus confronted their legalism, declaring Himself 'Lord of the Sabbath' and teaching that the Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath (Mark 2:27-28). He healed on the Sabbath, prioritizing mercy over ritual. The early church began gathering on 'the first day of the week' (Sunday) to celebrate Christ's resurrection (Acts 20:7, 1 Corinthians 16:2). Hebrews presents Christ as the fulfillment of Sabbath rest - in Him, believers cease from works-based righteousness and enter God's rest (Hebrews 4:9-10). Paul taught freedom regarding Sabbath observance (Romans 14:5, Colossians 2:16).
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.”
Read full commentary →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. And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it.”
Read full commentary →Hebrews 4:9-10“There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God. For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his.”
Read full commentary →Mark 2:27“And he said unto them, The sabbath was made for man, and not man for the sabbath.”
Read full commentary →Colossians 2:16-17“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.”
Read full commentary →Isaiah 58:13-14“If thou turn away thy foot from the sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on my holy day; and call the sabbath a delight, the holy of the LORD, honourable... then shalt thou delight thyself in the LORD.”
Read full commentary →Related Concepts
Want to Learn More About Sabbath?
Ask a Biblical figure directly about this concept. Get Scripture-grounded answers in their own voice.
Explore More Concepts
What is salvation?
Salvation is God's deliverance of humanity from sin and its consequences through faith in Jesus Christ, restoring our relationship with God and granting eternal life.
What is grace?
Grace is God's unmerited favor and lovingkindness toward humanity - the free gift of salvation and blessing that we could never earn or deserve.
What is faith?
Faith is complete trust and confidence in God - believing His promises, accepting His truth, and committing one's life to Him even when circumstances seem contrary.
What is redemption?
Redemption is God's act of purchasing believers out of slavery to sin through the payment of Christ's blood, setting them free to belong to Him.
What is justification?
Justification is God's act of declaring guilty sinners righteous based on Christ's perfect righteousness, received through faith - as if they had never sinned.
What is sanctification?
Sanctification is the ongoing process by which God transforms believers to become more like Christ in character and conduct, separating them from sin for holy purposes.