of Hebrew origin (שַׁבָּת); the Sabbath (i.e. Shabbath), or day of weekly repose from secular avocations (also the observance or institution itself); by extension, a se'nnight, i.e. the interval between two Sabbaths; likewise the plural in all the above applications:--sabbath (day), week.
Transliteration:sábbaton
Pronunciation:sab'-bat-on
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun σάββατον (sábbaton, `{{G4521}}`) is a transliteration of the Hebrew שַׁבָּת (shabbat, `{{H7676}}`), which itself derives from the verb שָׁבַת (shabat, `{{H7673}}`), meaning "to cease, desist from labor, or rest." Its primary and most common meaning is "the Sabbath day," referring to the seventh day of the week, observed as a day of weekly repose from secular work. The term also encompasses the institution or observance of the Sabbath itself. By extension, σάββατον can refer to a "se'nnight," or a week, signifying the interval between two Sabbaths. In its plural form, σάββατα, it can likewise refer to multiple Sabbath days, multiple weeks, or even the general concept of Sabbath observance.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term σάββατον appears frequently in the New Testament, particularly in the Gospels and the book of Acts.
In the Gospels, much of its usage revolves around Jesus' interactions concerning the Sabbath, often highlighting the tension between His compassionate actions and the rigid interpretations of the Jewish religious leaders. Examples include:
* Jesus' disciples plucking grain on the Sabbath ([[Matthew 12:1-8]], [[Mark 2:23-28]], [[Luke 6:1-5]]), leading to Jesus' declaration, "The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. So the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath" ([[Mark 2:27-28]]). This asserts His authority over the Mosaic Law and emphasizes the Sabbath's humanitarian purpose.
* Numerous instances of Jesus healing on the Sabbath ([[Matthew 12:9-14]], [[Luke 13:10-17]], [[Luke 14:1-6]], [[John 5:1-18]], [[John 9:1-16]]). These acts of mercy and restoration often provoked controversy but underscored that doing good was permissible and even commanded on the Sabbath.
In the book of Acts, σάββατον frequently describes the day on which Paul and other apostles would preach in Jewish synagogues, indicating their continued engagement with Jewish communities and customs ([[Acts 13:14]], [[Acts 16:13]], [[Acts 17:2]], [[Acts 18:4]]).
Notably, the phrase "first day of the week" in the Greek New Testament is often rendered literally as "one of the Sabbaths" or "first of the Sabbaths" (μία τῶν σαββάτων), referring to the day after the Sabbath ([[Matthew 28:1]], [[Mark 16:2]], [[Luke 24:1]], [[John 20:1]], [[Acts 20:7]], [[1 Corinthians 16:2]]). This usage is significant as it points to the early Christian practice of gathering on Sunday, commemorating Christ's resurrection. The Epistle to the Colossians also addresses the Sabbath, warning against allowing others to judge believers "in regard to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath day" ([[Colossians 2:16]]), implying a fulfillment or transcendence of the ceremonial law in Christ.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most direct linguistic connection for σάββατον is its Hebrew root, שַׁבָּת (`{{H7676}}`), from the verb שָׁבַת (`{{H7673}}`), fundamentally meaning "to cease" or "to rest." This underscores the core concept of cessation from labor.
Other related Greek words and concepts include:
* **Rest:** The concept of rest is central, found in words like ἀνάπαυσις (anapausis, meaning "rest" or "refreshment") and κατάπαυσις (katapausis, meaning "resting place" or "rest"), which is used in Hebrews to speak of God's rest and the eschatological rest for believers.
* **Law (Νόμος - Nomos):** The Sabbath is a foundational component of the Mosaic Law, given at Sinai as part of God's covenant with Israel.
* **Covenant:** The Sabbath was a perpetual sign of the covenant between God and His people Israel ([[Exodus 31:13-17]]), a reminder of His sanctifying power and their deliverance from slavery.
* **Creation:** The pattern for the Sabbath is established in the creation narrative, where God Himself rested on the seventh day after His work of creation ([[Genesis 2:2-3]]).
* **Lord's Day:** While not directly synonymous, the "Lord's Day" (κυριακὴ ἡμέρα) in [[Revelation 1:10]] is understood by Christians as Sunday, the day of Christ's resurrection, which became the primary day of worship for the early church, often seen as a new creation rest in Christ.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of σάββατον is profound and multifaceted:
* **Divine Pattern and Creation Ordinance:** The Sabbath principle originates with God's own rest after creation, establishing a divine rhythm of work and rest for humanity. It reminds humanity that rest is not merely an absence of work but a sacred time for spiritual renewal and communion with the Creator.
* **Covenant Sign and Deliverance:** For Israel, the Sabbath was a unique sign of their covenant relationship with Yahweh, distinguishing them from other nations. It also served as a perpetual reminder of their liberation from Egyptian bondage, a rest from slavery and forced labor ([[Deuteronomy 5:15]]).
* **Humanitarian Purpose:** Jesus' teachings radically reoriented the understanding of the Sabbath, emphasizing its design for human benefit and welfare rather than as a burdensome legalistic obligation. His acts of healing demonstrated that the Sabbath was an appropriate day for mercy, compassion, and doing good, fulfilling its true intent. "The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath" ([[Mark 2:27]]).
* **Fulfillment in Christ:** The New Testament presents Christ as the "Lord of the Sabbath" ([[Matthew 12:8]]), asserting His authority to interpret and fulfill its true meaning. Believers are called to enter into God's spiritual rest through faith in Christ, ceasing from their own works to save themselves ([[Hebrews 4:1-11]]). The ceremonial aspects of the Sabbath, like other Old Covenant shadows, find their substance and ultimate reality in Christ ([[Colossians 2:16-17]]).
* **Anticipation of Eschatological Rest:** The Sabbath also serves as a foretaste and promise of the eternal rest that awaits God's people in the new heaven and new earth, a perfect and unending state of peace, joy, and fellowship with God.
### Summary
The Greek term σάββατον (`{{G4521}}`), derived from the Hebrew `{{H7676}}`, fundamentally signifies the Sabbath day—a weekly day of rest from labor, an institution, and by extension, a week. In the New Testament, its usage is dominated by narratives of Jesus' interactions with the Sabbath, where He asserts His authority as "Lord of the Sabbath" and redefines its purpose from a legalistic burden to a day intended for human flourishing, mercy, and good deeds. Early Christian practice included preaching in synagogues on the Sabbath, and the term also appears in references to "the first day of the week," the day of Christ's resurrection, which became central to Christian worship. Theologically, σάββατον points to the divine pattern of rest established at creation, serves as a sign of God's covenant with Israel and their deliverance, emphasizes a humanitarian purpose, finds its ultimate fulfillment in the spiritual rest offered by Christ, and anticipates the eternal rest of God's people.
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