Genesis 2:2

KJV

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 (with Strong's)

And on the seventh {H7637} day {H3117} God {H430} ended {H3615} his work {H4399} which he had made {H6213}; and he rested {H7673} on the seventh {H7637} day {H3117} from all his work {H4399} which he had made {H6213}.

Complete Jewish Bible

On the seventh day God was finished with his work which he had made, so he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made.

Berean Standard Bible

And by the seventh day God had finished the work He had been doing; so on that day He rested from all His work.

American Standard Version

And on the seventh day God finished his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 2:2 serves as the profound culmination of God's six-day creative activity, marking a deliberate transition from divine formation to the establishment of a sacred rhythm. This verse reveals not merely the cessation of labor but the perfect completion of creation, laying a foundational principle for the pattern of work and rest, a rhythm intended for all humanity. It underscores the omnipotence and meticulous design of the Creator, whose work is inherently good, complete, and worthy of divine satisfaction.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This pivotal verse immediately follows the majestic six-day creation narrative detailed in [Genesis 1](/genesis/1 "Genesis 1 - The Creation Account"), where God systematically brings forth all of existence by His powerful Word. Having declared His entire creation "very good" on the sixth day, as recorded in [Genesis 1:31](/genesis/1-31 "God saw all that he had made, and it was very good!"), the stage is meticulously set for the seventh day. This day is uniquely characterized by God's cessation from creative work, a distinct departure from the preceding days of active formation. Genesis 2:1-3 functions as a concluding summary to the creation week, emphasizing the completion and blessing of the seventh day, which then transitions into the more detailed account of humanity's creation and placement in the Garden of Eden in [Genesis 2:4-25](/genesis/2-4-25 "Genesis 2:4-25 - The Creation of Man and the Garden of Eden").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In contrast to the chaotic, polytheistic creation myths prevalent in the ancient Near East (such as the Enuma Elish, where gods are often depicted in continuous struggle or needing to rest due to weariness), the Genesis account presents a singular, transcendent God whose creative acts are orderly, purposeful, and definitively finished. This portrayal of God's rest is not indicative of exhaustion but of sovereign satisfaction and deliberate cessation, establishing a unique theological framework. The concept of a seven-day week, culminating in a day of rest, was revolutionary in a world driven by continuous labor, providing a divine model that would later be codified in the Sabbath law for Israel, as seen in [Exodus 20:8-11](/exodus/20-8-11 "Exodus 20:8-11 - The Commandment to Keep the Sabbath").
* **Key Themes:** Genesis 2:2 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. It highlights the **perfection and sufficiency of God's creation**, asserting that His initial work was complete and flawless, requiring no further additions. It establishes the **divine pattern for rest**, demonstrating that even the Creator, in His infinite power, set aside time from labor, thereby sanctifying the concept of cessation from work. This divine rest also underscores **God's sovereignty and satisfaction** in His handiwork, as He surveyed His creation and found it "very good" ([Genesis 1:31](/genesis/1-31 "God declares His creation very good in Genesis 1:31")). Furthermore, it introduces the foundational concept of the **Sabbath**, a principle that would become central to Israelite worship and a foreshadowing of ultimate eschatological rest, themes further developed in later biblical books like [Exodus](/exodus/20 "Exodus 20 - The Ten Commandments") and [Hebrews](/hebrews/4 "Hebrews 4 - God's Rest for His People").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **ended (Hebrew, _kâlâh'_):** From H3615, a primitive root meaning "to end, whether intransitive (to cease, be finished, perish) or transitived (to complete, prepare, consume)." In this context, it signifies a deliberate bringing to a consummate conclusion, implying perfection and finality rather than a sudden halt due to exhaustion. God's creative activity was not ongoing or incomplete; it reached a state of perfect wholeness, lacking nothing. This highlights the absolute sovereignty and meticulous design of the Creator, whose every act is purposeful and complete.
* **rested (Hebrew, _shâbath'_):** From H7673, a primitive root meaning "to repose, i.e. desist from exertion; used in many implied relations (causative, figurative or specific)." This is the root of the word "Sabbath." God's "rest" is not indicative of weariness or recuperation, for the infinite God does not tire ([Isaiah 40:28](/isaiah/40-28 "Isaiah 40:28 speaks of God's inexhaustible strength")). Rather, _shâbath_ signifies a cessation of activity, a deliberate desisting from creative labor. It is a posture of satisfaction, delight, and enjoyment in the completed work, establishing a divine precedent for humanity to follow.
* **work (Hebrew, _mᵉlâʼkâh'_):** From H4399, meaning "properly, deputyship, i.e. ministry; generally, employment (never servile) or work (abstractly or concretely); also property (as the result of labor)." This term refers to the entire scope of God's creative acts, encompassing everything He brought into existence. The repetition of "all his work which he had made" emphasizes the comprehensive nature of God's creative acts and the totality of His "rest," signifying His full satisfaction and the intrinsic goodness and perfection of His creation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made;":** This clause establishes the temporal setting, the "seventh day," which is distinct from the previous six days of active creation. The verb "ended" (Hebrew: _kâlâh_) carries the weight of completion and perfection. It signifies that God's creative activity was brought to a definitive, flawless conclusion. His work was not merely stopped but consummated, reflecting His omnipotence and the inherent goodness and completeness of His design. The phrase "which he had made" emphasizes the totality and intentionality of His creative acts.
* **"and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made.":** This second clause reiterates the temporal setting and introduces the concept of divine rest (Hebrew: _shâbath_). This rest is not born of exhaustion but of satisfaction and a deliberate cessation from the specific activity of creating new kinds of things. The repetition of "from all his work which he had made" underscores the comprehensive nature of God's finished creation and the complete satisfaction He found in it. This divine act of resting sets a foundational pattern, signifying that the creation was perfect and required no further additions or alterations.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Repetition** is prominent, with the phrase "on the seventh day" appearing twice and "all his work which he had made" also repeated. This repetition serves to emphasize the significance of the seventh day and the comprehensive nature of God's completed creation and His subsequent rest. **Anthropomorphism** is also evident in the description of God "ending" and "resting." While God is spirit and does not experience physical fatigue, these human-like actions are used to convey profound theological truths: His deliberate cessation from creative work and His satisfaction in its perfection. The entire passage functions as a **culmination**, providing a definitive conclusion to the grand narrative of creation in [Genesis 1](/genesis/1 "Genesis 1 - The Creation Account"), establishing a sense of order, purpose, and divine completion.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 2:2 is a foundational text for understanding God's nature, the perfection of creation, and the divine pattern for human life. It asserts the inherent goodness and completeness of everything God made, refuting any notion of an incomplete or flawed initial creation. God's "rest" is a deliberate act of satisfaction and enjoyment, establishing a precedent for humanity to cease from labor and reflect upon the goodness of God's provision and our own accomplishments. This verse lays the groundwork for the Sabbath command, integrating a rhythm of work and rest into the fabric of creation itself, not merely as a legalistic requirement but as a reflection of divine order and flourishing.

* [Exodus 20:8-11](/exodus/20-8-11 "The Commandment to Keep the Sabbath")
* [Hebrews 4:1-11](/hebrews/4-1-11 "The Promise of Rest for God's People")
* [Isaiah 40:28](/isaiah/40-28 "God's Inexhaustible Strength")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 2:2 invites us to live in harmony with the divine rhythm of work and rest. In a world that often glorifies ceaseless activity and productivity, this verse reminds us that even the Creator, in His infinite power, set a boundary for His work and entered into rest. This is not a call to idleness but to a purposeful cessation that allows for reflection, enjoyment, and renewal. For us, this means finding satisfaction in our completed tasks, acknowledging that our labors, when done unto the Lord, are part of His good design. It challenges us to trust in God's provision, recognizing that our ultimate security and fulfillment do not come from our endless striving but from His sovereign care. More profoundly, it encourages us to find our true rest not in our own efforts but in the finished work of God in creation and, ultimately, in redemption through Christ, allowing His perfect plan to govern our lives and bring us peace.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God's "rest" in Genesis 2:2 change your perspective on your own need for rest and cessation from work?**
* **In what ways do you find yourself striving rather than trusting in God's finished work, both in creation and redemption?**
* **How can you intentionally incorporate a pattern of meaningful rest and reflection into your weekly rhythm, mirroring God's example?**

### FAQ
**If God is omnipotent, why did He need to "rest"?**

Answer: God's "rest" (Hebrew: _shâbath_) in [Genesis 2:2](/genesis/2-2 "Genesis 2:2 - God Rests on the Seventh Day") does not imply weariness or exhaustion, as an infinite God does not tire, as affirmed in [Isaiah 40:28](/isaiah/40-28 "Isaiah 40:28 speaks of God's inexhaustible strength"). Rather, it signifies a deliberate cessation from the specific activity of creating new kinds of things. It is a posture of satisfaction, delight, and enjoyment in His perfectly completed work. God's rest establishes a divine pattern for humanity, demonstrating the importance of ceasing from labor to appreciate and reflect on accomplishments, laying the groundwork for the Sabbath principle.

**Does God's "rest" imply He ceased all activity after creation?**

Answer: No, God's rest in [Genesis 2:2](/genesis/2-2 "Genesis 2:2 - God Rests on the Seventh Day") refers specifically to His ceasing from the work of creating new kinds of things, establishing the initial cosmos. It does not mean He became inactive or disengaged from His creation. The Bible clearly teaches that God continues to sustain, govern, and interact with His world through His providence. Jesus Himself stated, "[My Father is working until now, and I am working](/john/5-17 "John 5:17 - Jesus' ongoing work")" ([John 5:17](/john/5-17 "John 5:17 - Jesus' ongoing work")), indicating God's continuous involvement in upholding and guiding His creation. This "rest" marks the completion of the initial creative acts, not the end of His providential care or redemptive work.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Genesis 2:2, with its depiction of God's perfect completion of creation and subsequent rest, profoundly foreshadows the finished work of Christ. Just as God declared His creation "very good" and entered into rest, so too did Jesus declare, "[It is finished](/john/19-30 "John 19:30 - Jesus' final words on the cross")" ([John 19:30](/john/19-30 "John 19:30 - Jesus' final words on the cross")) on the cross, signifying the perfect and complete work of redemption. The rest God entered into after creation points to the ultimate, eternal rest that believers find in Christ, who is our true Sabbath and the source of our spiritual cessation from striving and toil. The author of Hebrews eloquently explains that "[there remains therefore a rest for the people of God](/hebrews/4-9 "Hebrews 4:9 - The promise of rest for God's people")" ([Hebrews 4:9](/hebrews/4-9 "Hebrews 4:9 - The promise of rest for God's people")), a rest entered into by trusting in Christ's finished work, just as God rested from His. His completed work on the cross provides the perfect foundation for our salvation, mirroring the perfection of God's initial creation and inviting us into His eternal rest.

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

Hebrews 4:4

For he spake in a certain place of the seventh [day] on this wise, And God did rest the seventh day from all his works.

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.

Deuteronomy 5:14

But the seventh day [is] the sabbath of the LORD thy God: [in it] thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, nor thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thine ox, nor thine ass, nor any of thy cattle, nor thy stranger that [is] within thy gates; that thy manservant and thy maidservant may rest as well as thou.

Exodus 23:12

Six days thou shalt do thy work, and on the seventh day thou shalt rest: that thine ox and thine ass may rest, and the son of thy handmaid, and the stranger, may be refreshed.

Exodus 20:8

Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy.

Exodus 20:11

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.

John 5:17

¶ But Jesus answered them, My Father worketh hitherto, and I work.