Exodus 31:17

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

It is a sign {H226} between me and the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478} for ever {H5769}: for in six {H8337} days {H3117} the LORD {H3068} made {H6213} heaven {H8064} and earth {H776}, and on the seventh {H7637} day {H3117} he rested {H7673}, and was refreshed {H5314}.

Complete Jewish Bible

It is a sign between me and the people of Isra'el forever; for in six days ADONAI made heaven and earth, but on the seventh day he stopped working and rested.'"

Berean Standard Bible

It is a sign between Me and the Israelites forever; for in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, but on the seventh day He rested and was refreshed.’”

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 31:17 powerfully encapsulates the enduring significance of the Sabbath, reiterating its divine establishment as a perpetual sign between Yahweh and the children of Israel. This verse grounds the weekly observance in the foundational act of creation, where the LORD completed His work in six days and rested on the seventh, finding satisfaction and renewal. It underscores the Sabbath not merely as a commandment but as a profound theological emblem, marking Israel's unique covenant relationship with God and inviting humanity into a divinely ordained rhythm of rest and spiritual refreshment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Exodus 31:17 concludes a significant section (verses 12-17) where the LORD reiterates the profound importance of the Sabbath commandment to Moses. This divine instruction is strategically placed immediately after God has given an extensive and elaborate set of details for the construction of the Tabernacle and its sacred furnishings (Exodus 25-31). The interruption of the detailed instructions for sacred work by a forceful re-emphasis on the Sabbath highlights its supreme importance, indicating that even the most dedicated service to God must not overshadow the divine command for rest and worship. This passage serves as a solemn warning that observing the Sabbath is paramount, even above the most holy endeavors, and reinforces the earlier Sabbath command found within [the Ten Commandments](/exodus/20-8 "Exodus 20:8 - The Fourth Commandment").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** For ancient Israel, recently delivered from centuries of relentless toil and slavery in Egypt, the Sabbath represented a radical, counter-cultural rhythm. Unlike the surrounding pagan nations, who often worked ceaselessly, Israel was commanded to cease from their labor one day a week. This observance distinguished them as a people set apart, a visible marker of their unique covenant identity and their relationship with the Creator God. The Sabbath was not merely a day off; it was a tangible act of obedience and a public declaration of their reliance on Yahweh's provision rather than their own ceaseless labor. It served as a constant reminder of God's sovereignty over time, work, and their very existence, fostering trust and reinforcing their identity as God's redeemed people.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Sign (Hebrew, _ʾōth_):** This term denotes more than a mere symbol; it is a tangible, visible marker or token that points to an invisible reality or relationship. In Exodus 31:17, the Sabbath is identified as a perpetual _ʾōth_ between God and Israel, signifying their unique covenant relationship and distinguishing them from all other nations. It serves as a constant, enduring reminder of God's creative power, His redemptive act in delivering them from slavery, and His ongoing sanctifying presence among His chosen people. The Sabbath, as a sign, was meant to perpetually remind Israel of their identity and God's faithfulness.
* **Refreshed (Hebrew, _nāphaš_):** The verb _nāphaš_ literally means "to take breath," "to revive," or "to refresh oneself." When applied to God in this context, it does not imply weariness, exhaustion, or a need for recuperation on the part of the Almighty. Instead, it conveys a profound sense of satisfaction, completion, and delight in His perfect creation. God's "refreshment" signifies a purposeful cessation from creative activity, establishing a divine pattern for humanity to cease from their labors and find contentment, renewed vitality, and spiritual well-being in observing the Sabbath, mirroring God's own delight in His finished work.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"It [is] a sign between me and the children of Israel for ever":** This opening clause unequivocally establishes the Sabbath as an enduring, perpetual covenant sign. It is a distinguishing mark that identifies the "children of Israel" as God's chosen people, symbolizing their unique, exclusive relationship with Yahweh. The phrase "for ever" (Hebrew, _ʿôlām_) emphasizes its enduring nature, intended to span generations as a constant reminder of their identity and God's covenant faithfulness.
* **"for [in] six days the LORD made heaven and earth":** This clause provides the foundational rationale for the Sabbath, grounding its observance directly in the divine act of creation. It explicitly links the weekly rhythm of human rest to the cosmic pattern established by God Himself. By referencing God's six days of creative work, the verse underscores God's absolute sovereignty as the Creator of all existence, establishing a divine precedent that permeates the very fabric of time.
* **"and on the seventh day he rested, and was refreshed":** This concluding clause highlights God's purposeful cessation from His creative labors on the seventh day. His "resting" (Hebrew, _šāḇat_) signifies not fatigue, but the completion and perfection of His work, leading to a state of satisfaction. The subsequent "was refreshed" (Hebrew, _nāphaš_) further emphasizes His delight and contentment in His perfect creation, setting a divine example and inviting humanity to find similar renewal, contentment, and spiritual satisfaction in observing the Sabbath.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 31:17 employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound theological message. The most prominent is **Symbolism**, where the Sabbath itself functions as a powerful symbol. It is explicitly called a "sign," representing the unique covenant relationship between God and Israel, God's creative power, and His sanctifying presence among His people. It is a tangible, recurring marker of an invisible spiritual reality. Furthermore, there is a clear element of **Repetition** of foundational themes. The connection of the Sabbath to creation and its designation as a "sign" echo earlier passages, particularly the Sabbath commandment in [Exodus 20:8-11](/exodus/20-8 "Exodus 20:8-11 - The Fourth Commandment") and the creation narrative in [Genesis 2:2-3](/genesis/2-2 "Genesis 2:2-3 - God's Rest on the Seventh Day"). This repetition serves to underscore the critical importance and foundational nature of the Sabbath within God's law and redemptive plan. Finally, the phrase "he rested, and was refreshed" utilizes **Anthropomorphism**, attributing human-like actions and sensations (resting, being refreshed) to God. This device is employed not to suggest divine limitation or fatigue, but to help human readers comprehend divine actions in relatable terms, emphasizing God's purposeful cessation and profound satisfaction in His completed, perfect work.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The Sabbath, as presented in Exodus 31:17, transcends mere legalistic observance; it is a profound theological statement about the very nature of God as Creator and Sustainer, and humanity's inherent dependence on Him. It establishes a divine rhythm of grace, not just works, pointing to a trust in God's provision and a recognition of His sovereignty over all of life, including time and labor. The Sabbath foreshadows an ultimate rest, a cessation from striving, and a complete reliance on God's finished work. It is a weekly reminder that true identity and flourishing are found not in ceaseless toil, but in acknowledging God's completed creation and His ongoing work of sanctification.

* [Genesis 2:2-3](/genesis/2-2 "Genesis 2:2-3 - God's Rest on the Seventh Day")
* [Deuteronomy 5:12-15](/deuteronomy/5-12 "Deuteronomy 5:12-15 - The Sabbath Commandment in Deuteronomy")
* [Hebrews 4:9-10](/hebrews/4-9 "Hebrews 4:9-10 - The Sabbath Rest for the People of God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In a world that often glorifies ceaseless activity and measures worth by productivity, the principle embedded in Exodus 31:17 offers a radical counter-cultural call. The Sabbath, as a divine rhythm, invites us to intentional cessation, a deliberate pause from our labors to acknowledge God's sovereignty over our time, resources, and very lives. It is an act of profound faith to trust that God will provide even when we cease from our efforts, and that true flourishing is found in aligning ourselves with His divine order. This verse reminds us that rest is not merely an absence of activity, but a divinely ordained space for spiritual refreshment, worship, and a deeper communion with our Creator. It challenges us to find our identity not in what we produce, but in whose we are, and to discover true renewal in His presence.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does embracing a rhythm of rest, patterned after God's own creation rest, challenge our modern culture's relentless pursuit of productivity and self-sufficiency?**
* **In what practical ways can we observe the spirit of the Sabbath today, finding spiritual refreshment and deeper communion with God, even if the specific day of observance differs?**
* **How does trusting God with our time and resources, by setting aside periods for rest and worship, deepen our faith and reliance on Him in all areas of our lives?**

### FAQ
**Why is the Sabbath called an "eternal sign" if Christians often observe Sunday or no specific day?**

Answer: The term "eternal sign" (Hebrew, _ʿôlām_) in the Old Testament often denotes a perpetual, enduring covenant or ordinance for Israel, not necessarily an endless, unchanging legalistic requirement for all humanity across all dispensations. For Israel, the Sabbath was an everlasting sign of their unique covenant relationship with Yahweh and His sanctifying power. In the New Covenant, the *principle* of rest, worship, and reliance on God's completed work remains, but its *form* is transformed. Christians recognize Jesus Christ as the fulfillment of the Sabbath rest, entering into His completed work of salvation (as seen in [Hebrews 4:9-10](/hebrews/4-9 "Hebrews 4:9-10 - The Sabbath Rest for the People of God")). While the specific day of observance may vary or be seen as fulfilled in Christ, the underlying theological truths of God's sovereignty, our inherent need for rest, and the imperative for worship remain eternally valid.

**Did God literally need to "rest" and be "refreshed" after creation?**

Answer: No, the biblical text does not imply that God was weary or exhausted from His creative work. The Hebrew words for "rested" (_šāḇat_) and "was refreshed" (_nāphaš_) convey a sense of cessation from activity, completion, satisfaction, and profound delight in His perfect creation. This is an example of **anthropomorphism**, a literary device where divine actions are described in human terms to help us understand God's nature and actions in a relatable way. God's "rest" signifies the completion of His creative work and His contentment with it, establishing a divine pattern for humanity to cease from their labors and find renewal and satisfaction in Him, rather than implying any divine limitation or need for recuperation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The Sabbath, as presented in Exodus 31:17, serves as a profound foreshadowing of the ultimate rest found in Jesus Christ. While it was an "eternal sign" for Israel, pointing to God's completed work in creation and His covenant relationship, its deepest meaning is fulfilled in the person and work of Christ. Jesus, as the "Lord of the Sabbath" ([Matthew 12:8](/matthew/12-8 "Matthew 12:8 - Jesus, Lord of the Sabbath")), demonstrated His authority over its legalistic interpretations, revealing its true purpose to bring life, healing, and freedom. Through His finished work on the cross, Christ provides the ultimate cessation from the burdensome toil of trying to earn righteousness by works, inviting all who are weary and burdened to find rest in Him ([Matthew 11:28-30](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28-30 - Come to Me, All Who Are Weary")). Believers now enter into a spiritual "Sabbath rest" by faith in Him, a rest from striving and a reliance on His perfect righteousness and completed redemption ([Hebrews 4:3](/hebrews/4-3 "Hebrews 4:3 - Entering God's Rest")). The Sabbath, therefore, ultimately points to the new creation in Christ, where believers are continually refreshed and renewed by the Holy Spirit, anticipating the eternal rest and perfect communion in God's presence, where there will be no more sorrow or pain ([Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No More Tears or Pain")).

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

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.

Genesis 1:31

¶ And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, [it was] very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day.

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.

Ezekiel 20:12

Moreover also I gave them my sabbaths, to be a sign between me and them, that they might know that I [am] the LORD that sanctify them.

Hebrews 4:10

For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God [did] from his.

Ezekiel 20:20

And hallow my sabbaths; and they shall be a sign between me and you, that ye may know that I [am] the LORD your God.