Exodus 20:11

KJV

For [in] six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them [is], and rested the seventh day: wherefore the LORD blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it.

KJV (with Strong's)

For in six {H8337} days {H3117} the LORD {H3068} made {H6213} heaven {H8064} and earth {H776}, the sea {H3220}, and all that in them is, and rested {H5117} the seventh {H7637} day {H3117}: wherefore the LORD {H3068} blessed {H1288} the sabbath {H7676} day {H3117}, and hallowed {H6942} it.

Complete Jewish Bible

For in six days, ADONAI made heaven and earth, the sea and everything in them; but on the seventh day he rested. This is why ADONAI blessed the day, Shabbat, and separated it for himself. v

Berean Standard Bible

For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth and the sea and all that is in them, but on the seventh day He rested. Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and set it apart as holy.

American Standard Version

for in six days Jehovah made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore Jehovah blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 20:11 provides the profound theological rationale for the Fourth Commandment, articulating why the seventh day was to be observed as a day of sacred rest and holiness. It firmly anchors the human rhythm of work and rest in the very creative activity of God, establishing a divine precedent for the Sabbath. This verse not only highlights God's absolute sovereignty as Creator of the cosmos but also reveals His benevolent design for humanity's well-being, imbuing the Sabbath with divine blessing and consecration.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the direct theological foundation for the Fourth Commandment, found in [Exodus 20:8-10](/exodus/20-8 "Exodus 20:8-10 - The Fourth Commandment"). Within the broader framework of the [Ten Commandments](/exodus/20 "Exodus 20 - The Ten Commandments"), which begin in [Exodus 20:1](/exodus/20-1 "Exodus 20:1 - Introduction to the Decalogue"), the preceding verses (8-10) explicitly state *what* the Israelites were to do regarding the Sabbath: "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: in it thou shalt not do any work..." Verse 11 then transitions from the imperative command to its underlying cosmic and theological justification, explaining *why* such an observance is mandated. It forms a crucial explanatory clause, linking human obedience to divine action, thereby elevating the Sabbath from a mere legal injunction to a deeply meaningful participation in God's own creative and redemptive pattern.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Ten Commandments were delivered by God to the newly liberated Israelites at Mount Sinai, forming the foundational covenant document that would shape their identity as God's chosen people. Having just escaped the relentless labor and oppression of Egyptian slavery, the concept of a mandated day of rest was revolutionary and counter-cultural. In ancient Near Eastern societies, continuous labor was often the norm, and the idea of a universal day of cessation from work, even for slaves and animals, was unique to Israel's covenant with Yahweh. This command not only distinguished Israel from surrounding nations but also served as a constant reminder of their deliverance from bondage, as later articulated in [Deuteronomy 5:15](/deuteronomy/5-15 "Deuteronomy 5:15 - Remember your deliverance from Egypt"). The Sabbath, therefore, was not merely a religious ritual but a socio-economic institution designed to protect all members of society, fostering a rhythm of life that honored God as Creator and Deliverer, and trusting in His provision rather than human toil alone.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Rested (Hebrew, _shabat'_):** This verb signifies "to cease," "to desist," or "to stop working," rather than implying exhaustion or inactivity. In the context of creation, when God "rested" on the seventh day, it means He ceased His creative work, not that He became weary. This cessation established a divine pattern, indicating the completion and perfection of His creative activity. The word forms the root of "Sabbath" (שַׁבָּת, _shabbat_), directly linking the command to God's own action.
* **Blessed (Hebrew, _barak'_):** To "bless" something in the biblical sense means to endow it with divine favor, power, and prosperity, making it a source of good. When God blessed the Sabbath day, He infused it with special significance and benefit, making it a conduit for spiritual and physical well-being for those who observe it. It suggests that observing the Sabbath is not a burden but a privilege that brings tangible divine favor.
* **Hallowed (Hebrew, _qadash'_):** This term means "to set apart," "to consecrate," or "to make holy." When God "hallowed" the Sabbath, He designated it as distinct from the other six days, separating it for a sacred purpose. It implies that the day is to be treated with reverence, dedicated to God and His purposes, and distinguished from common or secular activities.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is":** This foundational clause explicitly grounds the Sabbath commandment in the creation narrative of [Genesis 1](/genesis/1 "Genesis 1 - The Creation Account"). It asserts God's absolute sovereignty and omnipotence as the sole Creator of the entire cosmos—the celestial realm ("heaven"), the terrestrial realm ("earth"), the aquatic domains ("the sea"), and all living things within them ("all that in them is"). This statement establishes God's ultimate authority to command, as the one who brought all things into existence through His word and power.
* **"and rested the seventh day":** This phrase directly echoes [Genesis 2:2](/genesis/2-2 "Genesis 2:2 - God Rests on the Seventh Day"), emphasizing God's cessation from His creative work. It is not a rest born of weariness, but of completion and satisfaction in His perfect creation. This divine act of resting serves as the ultimate precedent and model for humanity's Sabbath observance, demonstrating that even the Creator Himself observed a rhythm of work and rest.
* **"wherefore the LORD blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it":** This concluding clause reveals the divine consequence and purpose of God's resting. Because God rested on the seventh day, He actively endowed that day with special favor ("blessed it") and set it apart as sacred ("hallowed it"). This act of blessing signifies that the Sabbath is not merely a day off, but a day imbued with divine presence and benefit, intended to be a source of spiritual and physical renewal for those who honor it according to God's design.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 20:11 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound theological message. The most prominent is **Causality**, indicated by the opening "For," which establishes a direct cause-and-effect relationship between God's creative work and rest, and the human obligation to observe the Sabbath. This creates an **Aetiological** explanation, providing the divine origin and reason for the commandment. Furthermore, the verse functions as a powerful example of **Divine Precedent**, where God's own actions serve as the ultimate model for human behavior. By stating that the LORD "made heaven and earth... and rested the seventh day," the text implicitly calls humanity to imitate the Creator's rhythm. This is reinforced by **Allusion** and **Echo**, as the verse directly references and summarizes the creation account in [Genesis 1](/genesis/1 "Genesis 1 - The Creation Account") and [Genesis 2:1-3](/genesis/2-1 "Genesis 2:1-3 - Completion of Creation and God's Rest"), linking the covenant people to the very beginning of cosmic history. Finally, there is an underlying **Pattern/Rhythm** established—six days of work followed by one day of rest—which is presented as an intrinsic part of the created order and God's design for flourishing.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 20:11 is a cornerstone of biblical theology, linking the covenant obligations of Israel directly to the foundational act of creation. It underscores God's absolute sovereignty as the Creator of all things, establishing His inherent right to command and His benevolent design for His creation. The Sabbath, therefore, is not an arbitrary rule but a participation in the divine rhythm of work and rest, a recognition of human dependence on God, and a weekly reminder that ultimate provision and sustenance come from Him, not from endless toil. It serves as a sign of the covenant, distinguishing God's people and reminding them of their identity and relationship with their Creator and Redeemer. The theological significance extends to human anthropology, affirming that humanity, made in God's image, is designed for both productive labor and restorative rest, reflecting the divine pattern.

* [Genesis 2:2-3](/genesis/2-2 "God's Rest and Blessing of the Seventh Day")
* [Exodus 31:16-17](/exodus/31-16 "Exodus 31:16-17 - The Sabbath as a Perpetual Covenant Sign")
* [Hebrews 4:9-10](/hebrews/4-9 "Hebrews 4:9-10 - The Sabbath Rest for the People of God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 20:11 invites us to deeply consider the divine wisdom embedded in the rhythm of work and rest. In a world that often glorifies constant busyness and productivity, this verse calls us to pause, to remember our Creator, and to trust in His sustaining power. Observing a day of rest is not merely about physical recuperation, but about spiritual recalibration—it is an act of worship that acknowledges God's lordship over our time, our resources, and our very lives. It reminds us that our worth is not defined by our output, but by our identity as beloved children of a Creator God who cares for our holistic well-being. This principle encourages us to intentionally set aside time for spiritual nourishment, family connection, and restorative peace, thereby fostering a healthier relationship with God, ourselves, and others. It is a weekly opportunity to cease from striving and to simply "be," resting in God's finished work and His ongoing provision.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God's rest in creation change my perspective on my own need for rest?**
* **In what practical ways can I honor the principle of Sabbath rest in my life today, even if the specific day of observance differs?**
* **What does my willingness (or unwillingness) to rest reveal about my trust in God's provision versus my reliance on my own efforts?**
* **How can I use a dedicated day of rest to deepen my relationship with God and nourish my soul?**

### FAQ
**Why is the Sabbath commandment rooted in the creation account, and what does "rested" mean for God?**

Answer: The Sabbath commandment in [Exodus 20:11](/exodus/20-11 "Exodus 20:11 - The Sabbath's Foundation in Creation") is rooted in the creation account of [Genesis 1-2](/genesis/1 "Genesis 1 - The Creation Account") to establish a divine precedent and universal principle for humanity's rhythm of life. By linking the Sabbath to God's own activity, it elevates the command beyond a mere legalistic rule to a participation in the very order of creation. When the text states that God "rested" on the seventh day, it doesn't imply exhaustion or fatigue. The Hebrew word _shabat_ (שָׁבַת) means "to cease," "to desist," or "to stop working." God's rest signifies the completion and perfection of His creative work, a cessation from new acts of creation, and a moment of delight and satisfaction in what He had made. This divine rest serves as the ultimate model for human rest, demonstrating that even the Creator observed a pattern of work followed by cessation, blessing, and hallowing that day for a sacred purpose.

**Does Exodus 20:11 mean Christians must observe Saturday as the Sabbath?**

Answer: While [Exodus 20:11](/exodus/20-11 "Exodus 20:11 - The Sabbath's Foundation in Creation") establishes the historical and theological basis for the Sabbath on the seventh day of the week, the New Testament introduces a deeper understanding and fulfillment of the Sabbath principle in Christ. Many Christians observe Sunday, the first day of the week, as a day of worship and rest, not as a direct continuation of the Old Testament Sabbath, but in commemoration of [Jesus' resurrection](/john/20-1 "John 20:1 - Jesus' Resurrection") on that day, signifying a "new creation" and the beginning of the new covenant. The emphasis shifts from a legalistic adherence to a specific day to the underlying principle of rest, worship, and spiritual renewal found in Christ. [Colossians 2:16-17](/colossians/2-16 "Colossians 2:16-17 - Christ is the Substance of the Sabbath") teaches that the Sabbath was a "shadow of things to come, but the substance is of Christ." Therefore, while the *principle* of regular rest and setting aside time for God remains vital, the *specific day* and *mode of observance* are often understood with New Covenant freedom, with the ultimate "Sabbath rest" found in Christ Himself ([Hebrews 4:9-10](/hebrews/4-9 "Hebrews 4:9-10 - The Sabbath Rest for the People of God")).

**How does observing the Sabbath, as rooted in this verse, benefit believers today?**

Answer: Observing the Sabbath, or at least the underlying principles derived from [Exodus 20:11](/exodus/20-11 "Exodus 20:11 - The Sabbath's Foundation in Creation"), offers profound benefits for believers today. Firstly, it provides essential **physical and mental rest**, acknowledging our human limitations and need for cessation from labor, preventing burnout and promoting holistic well-being. Secondly, it fosters **spiritual renewal** by dedicating time specifically for worship, prayer, scripture reading, and communion with God, deepening our relationship with Him. Thirdly, it is an act of **trust and faith**, demonstrating our reliance on God's provision rather than our own ceaseless efforts, believing that He will sustain us even when we pause our work. Fourthly, it cultivates **humility**, reminding us that we are not the ultimate creators or sustainers of our lives, but dependent creatures. Finally, it serves as a **weekly reminder of God's sovereignty and our identity** as His people, living in His rhythm and anticipating the ultimate eternal rest promised in Christ.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 20:11, with its emphasis on God's completed creative work and His subsequent rest, finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in the person and finished work of Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament Sabbath pointed to a physical day of rest and a shadow of future realities, Christ Himself is the true "Sabbath rest" for God's people. He declared Himself to be the "Lord even of the Sabbath day" ([Mark 2:28](/mark/2-28 "Mark 2:28 - Jesus is Lord of the Sabbath")), asserting His authority over its legalistic interpretations and revealing its true purpose. Just as God ceased from His creative work, Christ, through His perfect life, atoning death, and glorious resurrection, completed the work of redemption, offering a profound and eternal rest from the striving of self-righteousness and the burden of sin ([Matthew 11:28-30](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28-30 - Come to Me, All Who Are Weary")). His resurrection on the first day of the week inaugurated a "new creation," signifying that the true rest is now found in Him, not in a specific day or ritual. Therefore, the Sabbath principle of ceasing from one's own works and resting in God's completed work is fully realized in the believer's faith in Christ, who is our peace and our ultimate rest ([Hebrews 4:9-11](/hebrews/4-9 "Hebrews 4:9-11 - The True Sabbath Rest in Christ")). He is the substance to which the shadows of the Old Covenant, including the Sabbath, pointed ([Colossians 2:16-17](/colossians/2-16 "Colossians 2:16-17 - Christ is the Substance of the Sabbath")), inviting all who are weary and burdened to find true rest in Him.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Genesis 1:1

¶ In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.

Genesis 1:2

And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness [was] upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.

Genesis 2:2

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 2:3

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.

Exodus 31:17

It [is] a sign between me and the children of Israel for ever: for [in] six days the LORD made heaven and earth, and on the seventh day he rested, and was refreshed.

Mark 2:27

And he said unto them, The sabbath was made for man, and not man for the sabbath:

Mark 2:28

Therefore the Son of man is Lord also of the sabbath.