Exodus 20:8

KJV

Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy.

KJV (with Strong's)

Remember {H2142} the sabbath {H7676} day {H3117}, to keep it holy {H6942}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"Remember the day, Shabbat, to set it apart for God.

Berean Standard Bible

Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.

American Standard Version

Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 20:8, the fourth commandment in the Decalogue, is a foundational divine injunction for Israel, commanding the remembrance and sanctification of the Sabbath day. This command establishes a weekly rhythm of rest and worship, serving as a perpetual reminder of God's creative work, His redemptive act in delivering Israel from slavery, and His covenant relationship with His people, setting them apart as a distinct nation dedicated to Him. It is a profound invitation to trust God's provision and find spiritual renewal in His presence.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically positioned as the fourth of the Ten Commandments, delivered by God directly to the newly liberated nation of Israel at Mount Sinai. It forms a crucial part of the "first table" of the Law, which outlines humanity's vertical relationship with God. Preceding commands establish God's exclusive identity as the one true God ([Exodus 20:3](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3 - No Other Gods Before Me")), prohibit idolatry ([Exodus 20:4](/exodus/20-4 "Exodus 20:4 - No Idols")), and safeguard the sanctity of God's name ([Exodus 20:7](/exodus/20-7 "Exodus 20:7 - Do Not Misuse God's Name")). The Sabbath commandment acts as a bridge, linking God's identity as Creator and Redeemer to Israel's daily life and covenant responsibilities. It is not merely a legalistic decree but an integral aspect of their identity as God's chosen people, designed to foster a sustained, trusting relationship with their Deliverer and to distinguish them from the surrounding pagan nations.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The command to "remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy" was revolutionary in the ancient Near East. Israel had just been freed from centuries of brutal slavery in Egypt, a society that demanded continuous, relentless labor with no concept of regular rest for its workforce, especially for slaves. This divine mandate for a weekly day of cessation from labor was a radical act of liberation, providing physical and spiritual respite for all, including servants, resident aliens, and even animals ([Exodus 20:10](/exodus/20-10 "Exodus 20:10 - Rest for All")). It served as a constant reminder of their newfound freedom and their unique covenant relationship with Yahweh, who not only created the world in six days and rested on the seventh ([Genesis 2:2](/genesis/2-2 "Genesis 2:2 - God Rests on the Seventh Day")), but also delivered them from the "house of bondage" ([Deuteronomy 5:15](/deuteronomy/5-15 "Deuteronomy 5:15 - Sabbath as Remembrance of Deliverance from Egypt")). Observing the Sabbath distinguished Israel from surrounding nations, marking them as a people whose rhythm of life was dictated by their Creator and Redeemer, not by the demands of human masters or the relentless pursuit of productivity.
* **Key Themes:** The Sabbath commandment contributes significantly to several major theological and narrative themes within Exodus and the broader Pentateuch. It reinforces the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Creation**, grounding human rest in God's own creative work and His ultimate authority over time and human activity. It profoundly expresses the theme of **Redemption and Liberation**, serving as a weekly memorial of Israel's deliverance from Egyptian slavery and God's provision of freedom. The Sabbath also functions as a powerful **Covenant Sign**, marking Israel as God's peculiar people, set apart for Him, and symbolizing their unique relationship with Yahweh ([Exodus 31:13](/exodus/31-13 "Exodus 31:13 - Sabbath as a Sign of the Covenant")). Furthermore, it introduces the theme of **Trust and Provision**, inviting God's people to cease from their labors and trust that God will provide for them even in their rest, rather than relying solely on their own efforts.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Remember (Hebrew, _zâkar'_):** This is more than a passive recollection; it is an active, intentional engagement with the past, leading to present obedience. To "remember" the Sabbath implies a conscious act of bringing to mind God's creative work (as detailed in [Genesis 2:2-3](/genesis/2-2-3 "Genesis 2:2-3 - God Rests on the Seventh Day")) and His redemptive deliverance of Israel from slavery (as emphasized in [Deuteronomy 5:15](/deuteronomy/5-15 "Deuteronomy 5:15 - Sabbath as Remembrance of Deliverance from Egypt")), thereby shaping their current behavior and priorities. It calls for a deliberate cessation from ordinary activities to honor God and acknowledge His past and ongoing faithfulness.
* **Sabbath (Hebrew, _shabbâth'_):** Derived from the verb _shavat_ (שָׁבַת), meaning "to cease, to rest," the Sabbath is fundamentally a day of intermission or cessation from labor. It is not merely a day off, but a sacred pause, a deliberate interruption of the normal rhythm of work to acknowledge God's sovereignty and provision. This concept of divinely mandated rest was unique and counter-cultural in the ancient world, ensuring that even the most vulnerable in society received respite and a break from relentless toil.
* **Holy (Hebrew, _qâdash'_):** To "keep it holy" means to set the day apart, to consecrate it for a sacred purpose. This implies distinguishing it from the other six days of the week by dedicating it to God. It involves refraining from ordinary work and pursuing activities that foster spiritual nourishment, worship, and communion with God and community. The holiness of the day is derived from God's own act of sanctifying the seventh day of creation, making it a sacred time that reflects His own character.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Remember the sabbath day,"**: This opening imperative sets the tone for the command, emphasizing the importance of conscious recollection and active observance. It links the present observance to God's past actions – His resting after creation and His delivering Israel from slavery. The act of remembering is an act of faith and obedience, acknowledging God's authority and goodness. It implies a deliberate choice to reorient one's week around this sacred time, making it a priority in thought and action.
* **"to keep it holy."**: This phrase specifies the purpose and manner of remembering the Sabbath: to set it apart for God. "Keeping it holy" means treating it as distinct and sacred, refraining from activities that would profane its unique status. It is a day for spiritual focus, communal worship, personal reflection, and physical rest, distinguishing it from the other six days of labor. This consecration reflects God's own act of blessing and hallowing the seventh day in creation, inviting humanity to participate in His divine rhythm.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 20:8 employs several significant literary devices that amplify its meaning and impact. The most prominent is the **Imperative Mood**, "Remember," which underscores the command's non-negotiable nature and divine authority. This direct address demands immediate and sustained obedience from the Israelite community. There is also a powerful sense of **Echo and Allusion**, as the commandment clearly harks back to the creation narrative in [Genesis 2:2-3](/genesis/2-2-3 "Genesis 2:2-3 - God Rests on the Seventh Day"), where God Himself rests on the seventh day and blesses it, thereby establishing a divine precedent for human rest. The Sabbath itself functions as rich **Symbolism**, representing God's sovereignty over time, His covenant relationship with Israel, a foretaste of the ultimate rest and peace found in Him, and a sign of their unique identity as His redeemed people. Furthermore, the command creates a stark **Contrast** with the relentless, dehumanizing labor experienced by the Israelites in Egyptian slavery, highlighting God's liberating power and His profound concern for the well-being and flourishing of His people.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The Sabbath commandment weaves together profound theological themes: it grounds human rest in God's creative order, linking the weekly rhythm to the very fabric of creation and God's own pattern of work and rest. It serves as a perpetual memorial of God's redemptive power, reminding Israel of their miraculous liberation from bondage and their unique identity as a covenant people. The Sabbath is thus a sign of God's ongoing relationship with His people, a weekly act of trust in His provision, and a tangible expression of their allegiance to Him. It underscores that true rest and flourishing are found not in ceaseless striving, but in acknowledging God's dominion, delighting in His presence, and trusting in His sustaining grace. It is a divine invitation to cease from self-reliance and enter into God's rhythm.

* [Genesis 2:2-3](/genesis/2-2-3 "God Rests After Creation")
* [Deuteronomy 5:15](/deuteronomy/5-15 "Sabbath as Remembrance of Deliverance from Egypt")
* [Exodus 31:13](/exodus/31-13 "Sabbath as a Sign of the Covenant")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In a world that often glorifies constant productivity, busyness, and the relentless pursuit of achievement, the Sabbath command remains a profound and counter-cultural invitation to embrace a rhythm of rest, remembrance, and spiritual renewal. It challenges us to step off the treadmill of endless doing and to intentionally create space for being—being with God, being with family and community, and simply being still in His presence. This principle reminds us that our worth is not defined by our output or our accomplishments, but by our identity as beloved creations of God, made in His image. Practicing a form of Sabbath rest, whether on a specific day or through intentional periods of cessation, allows us to acknowledge God's sovereignty over our time and resources, to trust in His provision, and to cultivate a deeper spiritual life through worship, reflection, and spiritual nourishment. It is an act of faith that God is sufficient, that He sustains us, and that we do not need to strive endlessly to secure our own future or worth. Embracing this rhythm fosters peace, reduces anxiety, and reorients our lives around what truly matters.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does remembering God's creative and redemptive work inform your personal need for rest and spiritual renewal in your life today?**
* **In what practical ways can you intentionally "set apart" time each week for God, distinguishing it from your ordinary pursuits and prioritizing spiritual nourishment?**
* **What specific steps can you take to embrace a rhythm of rest and worship, trusting God's provision over your own ceaseless efforts, anxieties, and the cultural pressure to always be productive?**

### FAQ
**Is the Sabbath still binding on Christians today?**

Answer: While the specific legalistic requirements of the Mosaic Sabbath (e.g., prohibitions on certain types of work) are not directly imposed on New Testament believers, the underlying *principles* of the Sabbath remain profoundly relevant. Jesus declared Himself "Lord of the Sabbath" ([Mark 2:28](/mark/2-28 "Mark 2:28 - Jesus is Lord of the Sabbath")), indicating His authority over it and its ultimate fulfillment in Him. The New Testament emphasizes that believers enter into a spiritual "Sabbath rest" through faith in Christ's finished work ([Hebrews 4:9](/hebrews/4-9 "Hebrews 4:9 - The Sabbath Rest for the People of God")), ceasing from their own efforts to earn salvation. While Christians are not bound to a specific day or a legalistic observance, the wisdom of regular rest, worship, and dedication of time to God's purposes is a timeless principle for human flourishing and spiritual health, reflecting trust in God's provision.

**What does it mean to "keep it holy" in a practical sense for believers today?**

Answer: For believers today, "keeping it holy" means intentionally setting aside time—a day or significant portion of a day—to cease from ordinary labor and to consecrate that time to God. Practically, this can involve prioritizing corporate worship with other believers, engaging in personal prayer and Bible study, spending quality time with family, serving others, reflecting on God's goodness and creation, and enjoying activities that refresh the soul without being driven by productivity. It's about shifting focus from worldly concerns and the demands of work to spiritual nourishment, relational connection, and joyful communion with God, allowing our souls to be refreshed and reoriented around His purposes.

**How does the Christian observance of Sunday (the Lord's Day) relate to the Old Testament Sabbath?**

Answer: The Christian observance of Sunday, often called "the Lord's Day," is distinct from the Old Testament Sabbath, though it incorporates many of its principles. The early church began meeting on the first day of the week to commemorate Christ's resurrection ([John 20:1](/john/20-1 "John 20:1 - Christ's Resurrection") and [Acts 20:7](/acts/20-7 "Acts 20:7 - Disciples Meet on the First Day of the Week")), which marked the dawn of a new creation and the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. While not a direct continuation of the Mosaic Sabbath, Sunday embodies the Sabbath principles of rest, worship, and spiritual focus. It is a day for communal worship, celebrating the new covenant in Christ, and experiencing the spiritual rest He provides, rather than a legalistic adherence to the fourth commandment. It's a celebration of Christ's victory and the new life found in Him.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 20:8, the command to "remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy," finds its profound and ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The Old Testament Sabbath, with its rhythm of cessation from labor and dedication to God, was a shadow pointing to the reality found in Him. Jesus Himself declared, "The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. So the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath" ([Mark 2:27](/mark/2-27 "Mark 2:27 - Sabbath Made for Man") and [Mark 2:28](/mark/2-28 "Mark 2:28 - Jesus Lord of the Sabbath")). He did not abolish the Sabbath but perfectly fulfilled its deepest meaning, demonstrating that true rest is found not in a day or in human effort, but in a person. He invites all who are weary and burdened by the weight of sin and self-striving to come to Him, promising, "I will give you rest" ([Matthew 11:28](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28 - Come to Me, All Who Are Weary")). The Sabbath's promise of rest from toil foreshadows the ultimate spiritual rest believers find in Christ's finished work on the cross, where we cease from our own striving for righteousness and trust completely in His perfect sacrifice as the sole basis for our acceptance before God. The author of Hebrews speaks of a "Sabbath-rest for the people of God" that remains, a rest we enter by faith, ceasing from our works as God ceased from His ([Hebrews 4:9](/hebrews/4-9 "Hebrews 4:9 - The Sabbath Rest for the People of God") and [Hebrews 4:10](/hebrews/4-10 "Hebrews 4:10 - Rest from Our Works")). Thus, the Sabbath commandment ultimately directs our gaze to Christ, the one who provides true and lasting rest for our souls, perfectly consecrates us to God through His life, death, and resurrection, and is the Lord of all time and creation.

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

Leviticus 26:2

Ye shall keep my sabbaths, and reverence my sanctuary: I [am] the LORD.

Leviticus 19:3

Ye shall fear every man his mother, and his father, and keep my sabbaths: I [am] the LORD your God.

Exodus 31:13

Speak thou also unto the children of Israel, saying, Verily my sabbaths ye shall keep: for it [is] a sign between me and you throughout your generations; that [ye] may know that I [am] the LORD that doth sanctify you.

Exodus 31:16

Wherefore the children of Israel shall keep the sabbath, to observe the sabbath throughout their generations, [for] a perpetual covenant.

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.

Leviticus 23:3

Six days shall work be done: but the seventh day [is] the sabbath of rest, an holy convocation; ye shall do no work [therein]: it [is] the sabbath of the LORD in all your dwellings.

Leviticus 19:30

¶ Ye shall keep my sabbaths, and reverence my sanctuary: I [am] the LORD.