Jeremiah 17:22

KJV

Neither carry forth a burden out of your houses on the sabbath day, neither do ye any work, but hallow ye the sabbath day, as I commanded your fathers.

KJV (with Strong's)

Neither carry forth {H3318} a burden {H4853} out of your houses {H1004} on the sabbath {H7676} day {H3117}, neither do {H6213} ye any work {H4399}, but hallow {H6942} ye the sabbath {H7676} day {H3117}, as I commanded {H6680} your fathers {H1}.

Complete Jewish Bible

don't carry anything out of your houses on Shabbat; and don't do any work. Instead, make Shabbat a holy day. I ordered your ancestors to do this,

Berean Standard Bible

You must not carry a load out of your houses or do any work on the Sabbath day, but you must keep the Sabbath day holy, just as I commanded your forefathers.

American Standard Version

neither carry forth a burden out of your houses on the sabbath day, neither do ye any work: but hallow ye the sabbath day, as I commanded your fathers.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 17:22 delivers a profound divine injunction to the people of Judah, emphatically reiterating the timeless command to observe the Sabbath day as a sacred time of rest and consecration. This prophetic warning strictly forbids engaging in any form of labor or transporting commercial goods from their homes on the Sabbath, underscoring that this was not a novel decree but a foundational covenant requirement established with their ancestors. The verse highlights God's unwavering expectation for His people to honor the Sabbath, directly linking their obedience to the nation's spiritual vitality and continued well-being in the promised land.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 17:22 is situated within a powerful prophetic indictment where Jeremiah confronts Judah with their deep-seated idolatry, spiritual rebellion, and pervasive unfaithfulness to God's covenant. Chapters 16-17 specifically detail the inevitable judgment of Babylonian exile as a consequence of their sin, contrasting the futility of human trust with the blessedness of absolute reliance on the Lord. This particular command regarding Sabbath observance follows a direct call to repentance and a stark warning concerning the deceitfulness of the human heart (as seen in [Jeremiah 17:9-10](/jeremiah/17-9-10 "Jeremiah 17:9-10 - The Deceitful Heart")). The immediate preceding verses ([Jeremiah 17:19-21](/jeremiah/17-19-21 "Jeremiah 17:19-21 - Jeremiah's Prophecy at the Gates")) depict Jeremiah standing at the gates of Jerusalem, publicly delivering this very message to the kings, princes, and all the inhabitants, thereby emphasizing the public, urgent, and all-encompassing nature of the divine instruction. The subsequent verses ([Jeremiah 17:23-27](/jeremiah/17-23-27 "Jeremiah 17:23-27 - Consequences of Sabbath Observance")) explicitly delineate the blessings contingent upon obedience and the severe judgment of fire and destruction that awaits Jerusalem if the Sabbath continues to be profaned.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jeremiah's prophetic ministry unfolded during the volatile late 7th and early 6th centuries BCE, a period marked by the decline of the Neo-Assyrian Empire, the ascendance of Babylon as the dominant regional power, and the final, tumultuous decades of the Kingdom of Judah before its collapse and the Babylonian exile. Despite their unique covenant relationship with Yahweh, the people of Judah had largely adopted the pagan practices of surrounding nations and had significantly neglected core tenets of the Mosaic Law, including the crucial observance of the Sabbath. The carrying of "burdens" (מַשָּׂא, _massâʼ_) and engaging in "work" (מְלָאכָה, _mᵉlâʼkâh_) on the Sabbath were widespread violations, indicative of a pervasive commercialism and a profound disregard for the sacred rhythm God had established. The Sabbath was far more than simply a day off; it was a fundamental sign of the covenant between God and Israel (as clearly stated in [Exodus 31:13](/exodus/31-13 "Exodus 31:13 - The Sabbath as a Sign")) and a perpetual remembrance of God's creation and His mighty act of deliverance from slavery in Egypt ([Deuteronomy 5:15](/deuteronomy/5-15 "Deuteronomy 5:15 - The Sabbath as a Memorial of Deliverance from Slavery")). Their consistent failure to observe it thus demonstrated a profound spiritual apathy, a lack of trust in God's provision, and a rejection of their unique identity as God's chosen people.

* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 17:22 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Jeremiah and the broader Old Testament narrative. Firstly, it underscores the **Sanctity of the Sabbath**, emphasizing its divine origin and its foundational purpose as a day set apart exclusively for God. This theme is central to the covenant relationship, as articulated in the Decalogue ([Exodus 20:8-11](/exodus/20-8-11 "Exodus 20:8-11 - The Fourth Commandment")) and reiterated in the Levitical laws ([Leviticus 23:3](/leviticus/23-3 "Leviticus 23:3 - The Sabbath as a Holy Convocation")). Secondly, the verse highlights the critical theme of **Obedience and Consequences**, demonstrating unequivocally that national well-being, prosperity, and continued habitation in the promised land were directly contingent upon the nation's fidelity to God's commands. Jeremiah consistently warns that persistent disobedience will inevitably lead to severe divine judgment, a message echoed throughout the prophetic books and foundational to the Deuteronomic covenant ([Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses")). Finally, this command powerfully reinforces the theme of **Covenant Fidelity**. The Sabbath served as a tangible, weekly expression of Israel's commitment to their covenant with Yahweh, and its widespread neglect signified a deeper spiritual adultery and a rejection of God's sovereign authority over their lives, their time, and their very existence.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **hallow (Hebrew, _qâdash'_):** From H6942, a primitive root meaning "to be (causatively, make, pronounce or observe as) clean ( ceremonially or morally); appoint, bid, consecrate, dedicate, defile, hallow, (be, keep) holy(-er, place), keep, prepare, proclaim, purify, sanctify(-ied one, self), [idiom] wholly." In this context, "hallow" transcends mere cessation of activity; it denotes the active process of setting the Sabbath apart as holy, treating it as distinct, sacred, and dedicated exclusively to God's purposes. It implies a recognition of God's ownership over time and a deliberate shift from the mundane to the divine.
* **burden (Hebrew, _massâʼ'_):** From H4853, meaning "a burden; specifically, tribute, or (abstractly) porterage; figuratively, an utterance, chiefly adoom, especially singing; mental, desire; burden, carry away, prophecy, [idiom] they set, song, tribute." Here, "burden" refers specifically to a physical load, typically associated with commercial goods, trade, or the implements of daily labor. The prohibition against carrying a "burden" on the Sabbath directly targets economic activity and the common, work-related tasks that would profane the sanctity of the day of rest, disrupting its intended purpose of spiritual focus and physical rejuvenation.
* **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); business, [phrase] cattle, [phrase] industrious, occupation, ([phrase] -pied), [phrase] officer, thing (made), use, (manner of) work((-man), -manship)." This term encompasses any form of ordinary, gainful, or productive labor, extending beyond mere physical carrying. The command to "neither do ye any work" reinforces the comprehensive nature of the Sabbath rest, demanding a complete cessation of all typical occupational activities to ensure the day is truly distinct and devoted to God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Neither carry forth a burden out of your houses on the sabbath day,"** This initial clause issues a precise and direct prohibition against engaging in commercial or laborious activities that involve the transportation of goods. "Burdens" here would encompass items intended for sale, raw materials, or any heavy load associated with one's profession or routine household chores that would fundamentally violate the spirit of rest. The phrase "out of your houses" suggests the common practice of moving goods to markets or conducting trade directly from one's dwelling. The emphasis is on refraining from economic enterprise and the physical exertion inherently linked to it on the sacred day.
* **"neither do ye any work,"** This broader prohibition serves as a comprehensive complement to the specific ban on carrying burdens, extending the command to encompass all forms of ordinary labor and occupational activity. It signifies a complete cessation from the daily grind and the pursuit of personal gain, ensuring that the Sabbath is truly a day distinct from the other six days of the week, dedicated not to mundane tasks or material accumulation, but to rest, spiritual focus, and communion with God.
* **"but hallow ye the sabbath day,"** This is the crucial positive command, providing the spiritual counterpoint to the preceding prohibitions. To "hallow" the Sabbath means to treat it as holy, to set it apart as sacred, and to dedicate it explicitly to God. This involves a deliberate shift in focus from worldly pursuits to spiritual reflection, corporate worship, and intimate communion with the divine. It implies an active, intentional observance that honors God's design for rest, remembrance, and renewal.
* **"as I commanded your fathers."** This concluding phrase powerfully underscores the antiquity, immutability, and unwavering nature of the Sabbath commandment. It was not a novel or arbitrary rule introduced by Jeremiah but a foundational law given to Israel at the very inception of their covenant relationship, most notably at Mount Sinai as part of the Decalogue ([Exodus 20:8-11](/exodus/20-8-11 "Exodus 20:8-11 - The Ten Commandments - Sabbath")). By reminding them of their "fathers," God highlights their historical obligation and the continuity of His divine expectations across generations, thereby intensifying their current culpability for persistent disobedience.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 17:22 masterfully employs several potent literary devices to convey its urgent and authoritative message. **Anaphora** is prominently featured in the repeated "Neither... neither..." structure, creating a strong, emphatic prohibition that leaves no room for ambiguity regarding the types of activities forbidden. This insistent repetition underscores the comprehensive nature of the Sabbath command and the seriousness of its violation. The verse also utilizes effective **Contrast**, setting the negative commands ("Neither carry forth... neither do ye any work") against the singular, crucial positive injunction ("but hallow ye the sabbath day"). This highlights that true Sabbath observance is not merely about abstaining from certain actions, but actively dedicating the day to holiness and God's purposes. Furthermore, the phrase "as I commanded your fathers" serves as a powerful **Appeal to Authority and Tradition**, grounding the current command in the immutable, historical covenant established by God Himself. This rhetorical strategy reminds the audience that the Sabbath law is not a new burden but an ancient, foundational requirement, thereby intensifying the gravity of their current disobedience. The entire verse functions as a profound **Covenant Reminder**, recalling Israel's foundational relationship with God and the sacred terms of that divine agreement.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 17:22 powerfully reasserts the enduring theological significance of the Sabbath, portraying it not merely as a legalistic observance, but as a profound expression of trust in God's sovereignty and His unfailing provision. The command to "hallow" the day emphasizes that true rest is not simply inactivity but a sacred pause, a deliberate act of consecration that acknowledges God as the ultimate source of all life, sustenance, and blessing. Israel's pervasive failure to observe the Sabbath was symptomatic of a deeper spiritual malaise—a fundamental lack of faith that God would provide, leading them to rely instead on their own ceaseless labor and commercial pursuits, even on His holy day. This verse directly connects the nation's spiritual health and their very presence in the land to their obedience to this foundational commandment, illustrating that covenant faithfulness is holistic, encompassing both profound spiritual devotion and meticulous practical living.

* [Exodus 31:13](/exodus/31-13 "Exodus 31:13 - The Sabbath as a Sign of the Covenant") - "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."
* [Nehemiah 13:15-22](/nehemiah/13-15-22 "Nehemiah 13:15-22 - Nehemiah's Reform of Sabbath Observance") - "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."
* [Isaiah 58:13-14](/isaiah/58-13-14 "Isaiah 58:13-14 - Blessings of Honoring the Sabbath") - "If thou turn away thy foot from the sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on my holy day; and call the sabbath a delight, the holy of the Lord, honourable; and shalt honour him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking thine own words: Then shalt thou delight thyself in the Lord; and I will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth, and feed thee with the heritage of Jacob thy father: for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the specific legalistic requirements of the Old Testament Sabbath are understood with new covenant freedom and perspective for believers today, the underlying principles of Jeremiah 17:22 remain profoundly relevant and spiritually nourishing. The divine call to "hallow" a day of rest serves as a powerful counter-cultural challenge to our modern tendency towards relentless productivity, incessant activity, and pervasive consumerism. It invites us to intentionally and deliberately set aside time not for personal gain, endless tasks, or self-serving entertainment, but for genuine spiritual renewal, corporate worship, and intimate communion with God. This sacred practice fosters a deeper trust in God's sovereign provision, reminding us that our ultimate security, well-being, and identity do not depend solely on our ceaseless labor or accomplishments. It encourages a healthy, God-ordained rhythm of work and rest, preventing burnout, cultivating spiritual resilience, and nurturing a more profound relationship with our Creator. Ultimately, honoring a designated day of rest is an act of humble submission to God's divine design, a tangible way to prioritize His presence, His purposes, and His peace above all else in our busy lives.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific ways do I personally struggle to truly "rest" from my work, worldly anxieties, and self-reliance?**
* **How can I more intentionally and practically set aside time to "hallow" God's presence and purposes within my weekly rhythm?**
* **What "burdens" (whether physical, mental, emotional, or spiritual) do I need to consciously lay down in order to truly experience God's commanded rest and peace?**
* **How does my current approach to rest and work reflect my trust in God's faithful provision versus my reliance on my own efforts and control?**

### FAQ

**What was the significance of carrying "burdens" on the Sabbath?**

Answer: Carrying "burdens" (Hebrew: _massâʼ_) on the Sabbath was a specific and significant violation of the Sabbath commandment because it typically involved commercial activity, trade, or the transport of goods for labor. It represented engaging in the very kind of ordinary, gainful work and economic pursuit that God had explicitly forbidden on His holy day. The prohibition aimed to ensure a complete cessation of all economic and physical labor, allowing the day to be set apart exclusively for rest, worship, and focused attention on God, rather than on worldly gain. The seriousness of this violation is underscored in passages like [Nehemiah 13:15-22](/nehemiah/13-15-22 "Nehemiah 13:15-22 - Nehemiah's Enforcement of Sabbath Law"), where Nehemiah took drastic measures to stop such practices in post-exilic Jerusalem.

**How does "hallowing" the Sabbath differ from merely not working?**

Answer: "Hallowing" (Hebrew: _qâdash_) the Sabbath goes far beyond a mere cessation of labor; it signifies actively treating the day as holy, consecrated, and set apart for God's divine purposes. While refraining from work is a necessary component of Sabbath observance, hallowing implies a positive and intentional dedication of the day to spiritual activities, corporate worship, personal reflection, and communion with God. It involves a deliberate shift in focus from worldly concerns and personal gain to divine matters, recognizing God's sovereignty over time and life itself. It's about consecrating the day, making it distinct and sacred, as opposed to simply taking a day off for leisure. This concept is deeply rooted in God's own act of resting and blessing the seventh day after creation in [Genesis 2:3](/genesis/2-3 "Genesis 2:3 - God Rests and Blesses the Seventh Day").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah's impassioned command to "hallow the Sabbath" finds its ultimate fulfillment and profound spiritual depth in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the Old Covenant Sabbath was a shadow, a prophetic pointer to a greater reality, Christ Himself is the very substance and embodiment of that reality (as profoundly articulated in [Colossians 2:16-17](/colossians/2-16-17 "Colossians 2:16-17 - Christ is the Substance")). Jesus boldly declared Himself "Lord even of the Sabbath day" ([Matthew 12:8](/matthew/12-8 "Matthew 12:8 - Jesus, Lord of the Sabbath")), demonstrating His sovereign authority over its interpretation and revealing that true Sabbath rest is found not in legalistic adherence to external regulations, but in a living relationship with Him. He consistently performed acts of healing and mercy on the Sabbath, revealing that the day was made for humanity's good and flourishing, not humanity for the day's rigid observance ([Mark 2:27](/mark/2-27 "Mark 2:27 - The Sabbath Was Made for Man")). Through His finished work on the cross, Christ provides the ultimate, eternal rest from the crushing burden of sin, the futility of self-effort, and the relentless demands of the law ([Matthew 11:28-30](/matthew/11-28-30 "Matthew 11:28-30 - Come to Me, All Who Are Weary")). The "Sabbath rest" that remains for the people of God ([Hebrews 4:9-10](/hebrews/4-9-10 "Hebrews 4:9-10 - The Sabbath Rest for God's People")) is a glorious spiritual reality, a continuous state of trusting in Christ's completed redemption and ceasing from our own works to earn salvation or righteousness. Thus, Jeremiah's ancient call to hallow a specific day points forward to the spiritual hallowing of our entire lives, consecrated to God through unwavering faith in the One who is our perfect and everlasting 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

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.

Exodus 20:8

Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy.

Exodus 20:10

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, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that [is] within thy gates:

Isaiah 56:2

Blessed [is] the man [that] doeth this, and the son of man [that] layeth hold on it; that keepeth the sabbath from polluting it, and keepeth his hand from doing any evil.

Isaiah 56:6

Also the sons of the stranger, that join themselves to the LORD, to serve him, and to love the name of the LORD, to be his servants, every one that keepeth the sabbath from polluting it, and taketh hold of my covenant;

Isaiah 58:13

¶ If thou turn away thy foot from the sabbath, [from] doing thy pleasure on my holy day; and call the sabbath a delight, the holy of the LORD, honourable; and shalt honour him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking [thine own] words:

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.