intensive from שָׁבַת; intermission, i.e (specifically) the Sabbath; ([phrase] every) sabbath.
Transliteration:shabbâth
Pronunciation:shab-bawth'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term שַׁבָּת (shabbâth - `{{H7676}}`) is derived from the verbal root שָׁבַת (shâbath - `{{H7673}}`), meaning "to cease, desist, rest, stop." As an intensive nominal form, שַׁבָּת signifies a definite and complete cessation from activity, particularly from labor. Its primary and most prominent meaning is "intermission" or "cessation," which specifically refers to the "Sabbath day." This designates the seventh day of the week, a day divinely ordained for rest and holiness. The semantic range of שַׁבָּת thus encompasses not only the weekly observance but also extends to other periods of solemn rest, such as the Sabbath of the land (sabbatical year) and various festival days designated as "sabbaths" of rest. It embodies the concept of a sacred pause, a hallowed cessation from the ordinary rhythm of work.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The concept of שַׁבָּת (shabbâth - `{{H7676}}`) is foundational to biblical thought, appearing over 100 times in the Old Testament. Its first mention establishes its divine origin: God Himself rested on the seventh day after creation, hallowing it ([[Genesis 2:2-3]]). This act sets a divine pattern for humanity.
In the Mosaic Law, the Sabbath commandment is central to the Decalogue. [[Exodus 20:8-11]] commands Israel to "remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy," basing the command on God's creative rest. [[Deuteronomy 5:12-15]] reiterates this, adding a redemptive dimension: Israel's liberation from Egyptian bondage, emphasizing that the Sabbath is for all, including servants and animals, as a testament to God's deliverance.
Throughout the Pentateuch, specific laws govern Sabbath observance, including prohibitions against kindling fire, gathering manna, or carrying burdens ([[Exodus 16:23-30]], [[Exodus 35:3]], [[Numbers 15:32-36]]). Violation carried severe penalties, underscoring its sanctity. שַׁבָּת also refers to special days of rest within the annual festival calendar, such as the Day of Atonement or the first and last days of certain feasts, which were to be observed as "sabbaths of solemn rest" ([[Leviticus 23:3-39]]).
The prophetic literature frequently addresses the desecration of the שַׁבָּת as a sign of Israel's covenant unfaithfulness. Isaiah condemns those who "do their pleasure" on the Sabbath, promising blessing for those who delight in it and call it a "delight, the holy day of the Lord, honorable" ([[Isaiah 58:13-14]]). Jeremiah warns of divine judgment if the Sabbath is profaned ([[Jeremiah 17:21-27]]), while Ezekiel highlights the Sabbath as a "sign" between God and Israel, signifying God's sanctifying power ([[Ezekiel 20:12-24]]). Post-exilic narratives, like Nehemiah, depict efforts to restore proper Sabbath observance as part of national renewal ([[Nehemiah 13:15-22]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary lexical relationship for שַׁבָּת (shabbâth - `{{H7676}}`) is its direct derivation from the verb שָׁבַת (shâbath - `{{H7673}}`), "to cease, rest, stop." This root emphasizes the essential nature of the Sabbath as a cessation from labor.
Other related concepts and terms include:
* מְנוּחָה (menûḥâ - `{{H4496}}`): This noun signifies "rest," "resting place," or "tranquility." While שַׁבָּת refers to the specific day or period of rest, מְנוּחָה denotes the state or condition of rest itself, often with broader connotations of security and peace.
* נוּחַ (nûaḥ - `{{H5117}}`): The verb "to rest," "to settle down," or "to be quiet." It describes the action or state of taking rest.
* שֶׁבַע (sheva - `{{H7651}}`): "Seven." The numerical association is intrinsic, as the Sabbath is the seventh day, reflecting the divine pattern of creation.
Theologically, שַׁבָּת is intertwined with concepts of:
* **Covenant:** It serves as a perpetual sign of the covenant between Yahweh and Israel.
* **Creation:** It commemorates God's rest after creation, establishing a universal principle.
* **Redemption:** It reminds Israel of their liberation from slavery, a rest from bondage.
* **Holiness:** It is a sanctified time, set apart by God.
* **Anticipation:** It foreshadows an ultimate, eschatological rest.
### Theological Significance
The שַׁבָּת (shabbâth - `{{H7676}}`) holds profound theological significance, serving multiple purposes within the biblical narrative:
1. **Divine Pattern and Imitation:** The Sabbath originates in God's own rest after creation ([[Genesis 2:2-3]]). By observing the Sabbath, humanity participates in and imitates a divine pattern, acknowledging God's sovereignty over time and creation. It reminds humanity that rest is not merely an absence of work, but a divinely ordained rhythm essential for well-being.
2. **Covenant Sign and Sanctification:** For Israel, the Sabbath was a unique and perpetual sign of the covenant with Yahweh ([[Exodus 31:13]], [[Ezekiel 20:12]]). Its observance distinguished Israel from other nations and signified God's power to sanctify His people, setting them apart for Himself. It was a tangible reminder of their unique relationship with the Creator and Redeemer.
3. **Remembrance of Creation and Redemption:** The Sabbath commands Israel to remember both God as Creator ([[Exodus 20:11]]) and God as Redeemer who delivered them from slavery in Egypt ([[Deuteronomy 5:15]]). This dual remembrance grounds the Sabbath in both universal divine action and particular redemptive history, linking God's work in creation to His work in salvation.
4. **Humanity's Welfare and Justice:** The Sabbath is a gift for humanity's physical, mental, and spiritual renewal. It provides necessary cessation from toil, preventing burnout and exploitation. Its extension to servants, sojourners, and even animals ([[Exodus 20:10]], [[Deuteronomy 5:14]]) underscores its social justice dimension, promoting equality and ensuring rest for all, regardless of status.
5. **Anticipation of Eschatological Rest:** Beyond its weekly observance, the שַׁבָּת points forward to a greater, ultimate rest. This eschatological dimension is hinted at in the Prophets and developed in the New Testament, where the Sabbath rest becomes a type of the eternal rest found in God's presence, often associated with the Messianic age and the new creation ([[Hebrews 4:1-11]]).
### Summary
The Hebrew word שַׁבָּת (shabbâth - `{{H7676}}`), derived from שָׁבַת (shâbath - `{{H7673}}`) meaning "to cease" or "rest," denotes a sacred intermission, specifically the divinely ordained seventh day of rest. Its significance is deeply rooted in the biblical narrative, beginning with God's own rest after creation ([[Genesis 2:2-3]]) and becoming a foundational commandment within the Mosaic Covenant ([[Exodus 20:8-11]]). As a perpetual sign between God and Israel ([[Ezekiel 20:12]]), the שַׁבָּת served as a remembrance of both God's creative power and His redemptive act in delivering Israel from bondage ([[Deuteronomy 5:15]]). Beyond its ritual observance, the שַׁבָּת embodies profound theological principles: it reflects a divine pattern, ensures human welfare and social justice, and anticipates an ultimate, eternal rest in God's presence. Thus, שַׁבָּת is far more than a mere day off; it is a hallowed time, a theological cornerstone signifying God's sovereignty, provision, and the profound gift of rest for His creation.
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