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.

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}.

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.

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

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

Genesis 2:2 marks a pivotal moment in the biblical creation narrative, describing the conclusion of God's six days of creative activity and His subsequent rest. This verse transitions from the grand acts of forming the heavens and the earth to the establishment of a divine pattern for work and rest, laying foundational principles for humanity.

Context

This verse immediately follows the detailed account of creation in Genesis 1, where God systematically brings forth light, sky, land, vegetation, celestial bodies, living creatures, and finally, humanity. The completion of creation on the sixth day (Genesis 1:31) sets the stage for the seventh day, which is uniquely characterized by God's cessation from work. This narrative contrasts sharply with ancient Near Eastern creation myths, which often depicted deities in continuous struggle or activity; here, God's work is presented as orderly, purposeful, and definitively finished.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Completion and Perfection: The phrase "God ended his work which he had made" signifies that creation was not an ongoing process but a finished, perfect, and good work. God's creative activity was complete, leaving nothing wanting.
  • The Principle of Rest: God's act of "resting" on the seventh day is not indicative of weariness or exhaustion, but rather a deliberate cessation from creative labor. It establishes a divine precedent and rhythm for life, modeling the importance of pausing from work to appreciate and enjoy what has been accomplished. This divine cessation from creative work sets the stage for God blessing and sanctifying the seventh day, setting it apart.
  • Foundation for the Sabbath: This verse, along with Genesis 2:3, provides the theological and historical basis for the Sabbath, a day of rest commanded later in the Law of Moses. It sets the foundation for the Sabbath commandment given to Israel, where humanity is called to imitate God's pattern of work and rest.

Linguistic Insights

  • The Hebrew word translated "ended" is kalah (כלה), which means to complete, finish, or bring to a conclusion. It emphasizes the absolute perfection and finality of God's creative work.
  • The word "rested" comes from the Hebrew shabat (שבת), which is the root of the word "Sabbath." It means to cease, stop, or desist from labor. It implies a cessation of activity rather than recuperation from fatigue, signifying God's satisfaction with His completed creation.

Practical Application

Genesis 2:2 offers profound lessons for human life:

  • Embracing Rest: Just as God rested, humanity is called to incorporate regular periods of rest into their lives. This is not merely about physical recuperation but also about spiritual and mental renewal, acknowledging God's sovereignty and the completeness of His work.
  • Valuing Completion: The verse reminds us of the importance of completing tasks and finding satisfaction in a job well done, mirroring God's satisfaction with His creation.
  • Observing the Sabbath Principle: While specific Sabbath practices vary, the underlying principle of dedicating time to cease from ordinary labor and focus on God, worship, and spiritual reflection remains vital. This concept of rest is further developed in the New Testament, particularly in the book of Hebrews concerning a spiritual rest for God's people.
  • Trust in God's Provision: God rested because His work was perfect and sufficient. This encourages believers to trust in God's providential care and the completeness of His plan, rather than relying solely on their own ceaseless efforts.
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Cross-References

  • Hebrews 4:4 (20 votes)

    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 (14 votes)

    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 (11 votes)

    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 (9 votes)

    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 (8 votes)

    Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy.

  • Exodus 20:11 (8 votes)

    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 (6 votes)

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