Jeremiah 17:21

KJV

Thus saith the LORD; Take heed to yourselves, and bear no burden on the sabbath day, nor bring [it] in by the gates of Jerusalem;

KJV (with Strong's)

Thus saith {H559} the LORD {H3068}; Take heed {H8104} to yourselves {H5315}, and bear {H5375} no burden {H4853} on the sabbath {H7676} day {H3117}, nor bring {H935} it in by the gates {H8179} of Jerusalem {H3389};

Complete Jewish Bible

Here is what ADONAI says: "If you value your lives, don't carry anything on Shabbat or bring it in through the gates of Yerushalayim;

Berean Standard Bible

This is what the LORD says: Take heed for yourselves; do not carry a load or bring it through the gates of Jerusalem on the Sabbath day.

American Standard Version

Thus saith Jehovah, Take heed to yourselves, and bear no burden on the sabbath day, nor bring it in by the gates of Jerusalem;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 17:21 delivers a direct and urgent divine command from the LORD to the people of Judah, specifically prohibiting the carrying of burdens and engaging in commercial activity through the gates of Jerusalem on the Sabbath day. This instruction serves as a foundational call for the nation to honor God's covenant by observing the sanctity of the Sabbath, a day set apart for rest and worship, and underscores the critical importance of obedience to divine law in the face of impending judgment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of a larger prophetic discourse in [Jeremiah 17](/jeremiah/17 "Jeremiah 17 - Judah's Sin and Restoration"), specifically verses 19-27, where Jeremiah is commanded to stand in the gates of Jerusalem and proclaim God's message to the kings of Judah, all the people of Judah, and all the inhabitants of Jerusalem who enter by these gates. The immediate preceding verses (Jeremiah 17:19-20) establish the setting and the audience, emphasizing that the message is for *all* who pass through the city's entry points. The verses immediately following (Jeremiah 17:22-27) elaborate on the consequences of obedience and disobedience, promising national blessing and enduring prosperity for Sabbath observance, but threatening fire and destruction for its desecration. This places Jeremiah 17:21 as a pivotal command within a clear framework of covenant faithfulness and its resultant blessings or curses.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jeremiah prophesied during the late 7th and early 6th centuries BCE, a period of profound political instability and spiritual decline in the Kingdom of Judah, leading up to the Babylonian exile. The people had largely abandoned the covenant stipulations, engaging in widespread idolatry, social injustice, and a superficial religiosity. The Sabbath, instituted at creation and codified in the Mosaic Law ([Exodus 20:8-11](/exodus/20-8 "Exodus 20:8-11 - The Fourth Commandment") and [Deuteronomy 5:12-15](/deuteronomy/5-12 "Deuteronomy 5:12-15 - Remember the Sabbath Day")), was a foundational sign of the covenant between God and Israel ([Exodus 31:13](/exodus/31-13 "Exodus 31:13 - The Sabbath as a Sign")). The "gates of Jerusalem" were not merely entry points but bustling centers of commerce, legal proceedings, and public life. Bringing "burdens" through them on the Sabbath signified engaging in trade, labor, and economic activity, which directly violated the spirit and letter of the Sabbath command to cease from ordinary work and dedicate the day to God.
* **Key Themes:** The central theme underscored by this verse is the **Sanctity of the Sabbath**. God's command highlights that the Sabbath was not merely a day off, but a holy day, set apart for rest, worship, and remembrance of God's creative and redemptive work. It was a tangible expression of trust in God's provision and sovereignty. Linked to this is the theme of **Covenant Faithfulness and Obedience**. The Sabbath was a sign of Israel's covenant relationship with Yahweh; its observance demonstrated their allegiance, while its desecration signified rebellion and a breaking of that covenant. The phrase "Take heed to yourselves" introduces the theme of **Personal and Corporate Responsibility**, emphasizing that the command was not merely for religious leaders but for every individual within the community. Finally, the broader context of [Jeremiah 17](/jeremiah/17 "Jeremiah 17 - Judah's Sin and Restoration") introduces the theme of **Consequences of Disobedience**, where the nation's future prosperity or destruction is directly tied to their adherence to this fundamental command.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** From H3068, this is the personal, covenantal name of God, Jehovah, the self-Existent or Eternal One. Its use here emphasizes that this is not merely a human suggestion but a direct, authoritative declaration from the sovereign God who established the Sabbath and the covenant with Israel. It underscores the divine authority behind the command.
* **burden (Hebrew, _massâʼ'_):** From H4853, referring to a load, a burden, or specifically, merchandise or tribute. This term clearly indicates commercial goods or items requiring labor to transport, thus prohibiting trade, work, and economic transactions on the Sabbath. It signifies the cessation of ordinary, gainful labor.
* **Sabbath (Hebrew, _shabbâth'_):** From H7676, meaning "intermission" or "cessation." It refers to the seventh day, specifically set apart as a day of rest from labor, dedicated to God. Its inclusion highlights the specific nature of the day being protected from secular activities, distinguishing it as holy time.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thus saith the LORD;":** This opening phrase functions as a prophetic formula, immediately establishing the divine origin and absolute authority of the message that follows. It signifies that the words are not Jeremiah's own, but a direct revelation from YHWH, the covenant God of Israel.
* **"Take heed to yourselves,":** This is a strong imperative, a call for personal and collective vigilance and careful consideration. The Hebrew word implies guarding, watching, or preserving oneself, indicating that the observance of the Sabbath is a matter of profound personal responsibility and spiritual self-preservation. It is a warning to be mindful of their actions and their spiritual state.
* **"and bear no burden on the sabbath day,":** This is the core prohibition. "Bearing a burden" (Hebrew: _nâsâʼ massâʼ_) refers to carrying heavy loads, typically for work or commerce. This command explicitly forbids engaging in any form of labor or trade that would involve transporting goods on the Sabbath, thereby violating its sacred character as a day of rest from ordinary toil.
* **"nor bring [it] in by the gates of Jerusalem;":** This specifies the location of the prohibited activity. The gates were the primary entry and exit points for the city, bustling with commercial activity. By forbidding the bringing of burdens through these gates, God is directly addressing the public and commercial desecration of the Sabbath, emphasizing that the city itself, as the heart of the nation, must honor the holy day.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 17:21 employs several key literary devices. The most prominent is **Divine Imperative**, signaled by the opening "Thus saith the LORD" and followed by direct commands ("Take heed," "bear no burden," "nor bring it in"). This conveys the absolute authority and non-negotiable nature of God's word. There is also **Emphasis** through repetition and direct address, as the command is given to "yourselves" and specifically targets actions at the "gates of Jerusalem," highlighting the public and collective nature of the sin and the required repentance. The "burden" serves as a **Symbol** of worldly labor and commercial pursuits that distract from spiritual rest and devotion. The contrast between the sacred "Sabbath day" and the profane "burden" creates a clear **Antithesis**, underscoring the fundamental conflict between God's holy requirements and the people's materialistic inclinations.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 17:21 powerfully reiterates the enduring theological significance of the Sabbath, not merely as a legalistic observance, but as a foundational expression of covenant relationship and trust in God. It connects deeply with the creation narrative, where God Himself rested on the seventh day, establishing a pattern for humanity ([Genesis 2:2-3](/genesis/2-2 "Genesis 2:2-3 - God Rests on the Seventh Day")). For Israel, the Sabbath was a perpetual sign of God's covenant with them, a reminder of their deliverance from slavery in Egypt (where they had no rest) and a symbol of their unique identity as God's chosen people. Its desecration was thus an act of rebellion against their Deliverer and Creator, signaling a profound spiritual malaise that affected the entire nation. The command to cease from labor and commerce was an act of faith, trusting that God would provide even when they paused their efforts, countering the pervasive human tendency to find security in work and material gain rather than in divine provision.

* [Exodus 20:8-11](/exodus/20-8 "Exodus 20:8-11 - The Fourth Commandment")
* [Exodus 31:12-17](/exodus/31-12 "Exodus 31:12-17 - The Sabbath as a Sign of the Covenant")
* [Nehemiah 13:15-22](/nehemiah/13-15 "Nehemiah 13:15-22 - Nehemiah's Reform of Sabbath Observance")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 17:21, though delivered to ancient Judah, offers profound principles for contemporary believers. It challenges us to examine how we "take heed to yourselves" in guarding sacred time and space for God in a world that constantly demands our attention and labor. In a culture driven by relentless productivity and consumerism, the call to "bear no burden" on a designated day of rest reminds us of the vital need for intentional cessation from work, not out of idleness, but as an act of worship and trust. This involves prioritizing spiritual nourishment, communal worship, and restful activities that refresh the soul and deepen our relationship with God, rather than allowing commercial pursuits or the anxieties of daily life to dominate every moment. It's a call to find our ultimate security and satisfaction not in our own efforts or possessions, but in the sustaining grace of our Creator.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways do I "bear burdens" or engage in excessive labor that prevents me from truly resting and focusing on God?**
* **How can I more intentionally set apart time each week for spiritual renewal, worship, and connection with God, free from the demands of work and commerce?**
* **What does my attitude towards rest and work reveal about where I place my ultimate trust and security?**
* **How does my observance of a "day of rest" reflect my faith in God's provision over my own efforts?**

### FAQ
**What was the significance of the Sabbath day for ancient Israel?**

Answer: The Sabbath was profoundly significant for ancient Israel, serving multiple purposes. It was a memorial of creation, reminding them that God rested on the seventh day ([Genesis 2:2-3](/genesis/2-2 "Genesis 2:2-3 - God Rests on the Seventh Day")) and that He is the sovereign Creator. It was also a sign of the Mosaic Covenant, distinguishing Israel as God's chosen people ([Exodus 31:13](/exodus/31-13 "Exodus 31:13 - The Sabbath as a Sign")). Furthermore, it was a reminder of their deliverance from slavery in Egypt, where they had no rest, emphasizing God's provision and their freedom ([Deuteronomy 5:15](/deuteronomy/5-15 "Deuteronomy 5:15 - Remember that you were slaves in Egypt")). Observing the Sabbath was an act of trust in God's ability to sustain them even when they ceased from labor, and a communal expression of worship and devotion.

**Why was carrying burdens through the gates of Jerusalem specifically prohibited?**

Answer: Carrying burdens (Hebrew: _massâʼ_, referring to merchandise or heavy loads) through the gates of Jerusalem represented engaging in commercial activity, trade, and ordinary labor. The city gates were bustling centers of economic life, where goods were bought and sold, and business was conducted. By prohibiting such activity on the Sabbath, God was directly commanding the cessation of all secular work and commerce. This was not merely about physical labor but about dedicating the entire day to God, free from the pursuit of material gain or the demands of the marketplace. It was a public and tangible demonstration of honoring the sanctity of the Sabbath within the very heart of the nation's capital.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 17:21, with its emphasis on Sabbath rest and freedom from burdens, finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While the Old Covenant Sabbath was a shadow, Christ is the substance ([Colossians 2:16-17](/colossians/2-16 "Colossians 2:16-17 - Christ is the Substance")). Jesus declared Himself "Lord of the Sabbath" ([Matthew 12:8](/matthew/12-8 "Matthew 12:8 - Jesus is Lord of the Sabbath")), not to abolish it, but to reveal its true meaning and purpose. He offers the ultimate rest that the Sabbath foreshadowed, inviting all who are weary and burdened to come to Him and find rest for their souls ([Matthew 11:28-30](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28-30 - Come to Me, All Who Are Weary")). The "burdens" that Jeremiah's audience was commanded not to carry on the Sabbath can be seen as a type of the spiritual burdens of sin, legalism, and striving under the law, from which Christ liberates us. Through His atoning sacrifice, Jesus has accomplished the perfect work, providing eternal rest from the futile efforts to earn salvation ([Hebrews 4:9-10](/hebrews/4-9 "Hebrews 4:9-10 - A Sabbath Rest Remains for the People of God")). Thus, the call to "take heed to yourselves" and cease from carrying earthly burdens on the Sabbath points forward to the new covenant reality where believers are called to rest in Christ's finished work, finding spiritual renewal and true freedom from the weight of sin and performance-based religion.

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

Numbers 15:32

And while the children of Israel were in the wilderness, they found a man that gathered sticks upon the sabbath day.

Numbers 15:36

And all the congregation brought him without the camp, and stoned him with stones, and he died; as the LORD commanded Moses.

Nehemiah 13:15

¶ In those days saw I in Judah [some] treading wine presses on the sabbath, and bringing in sheaves, and lading asses; as also wine, grapes, and figs, and all [manner of] burdens, which they brought into Jerusalem on the sabbath day: and I testified [against them] in the day wherein they sold victuals.

Nehemiah 13:21

Then I testified against them, and said unto them, Why lodge ye about the wall? if ye do [so] again, I will lay hands on you. From that time forth came they no [more] on the sabbath.

John 5:9

And immediately the man was made whole, and took up his bed, and walked: and on the same day was the sabbath.

John 5:12

Then asked they him, What man is that which said unto thee, Take up thy bed, and walk?

Deuteronomy 4:15

Take ye therefore good heed unto yourselves; for ye saw no manner of similitude on the day [that] the LORD spake unto you in Horeb out of the midst of the fire: