Deuteronomy 5:12
Keep the sabbath day to sanctify it, as the LORD thy God hath commanded thee.
Original Language Analysis
שָׁמ֣֛וֹר
Keep
H8104
שָׁמ֣֛וֹר
Keep
Strong's:
H8104
Word #:
1 of 9
properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
2 of 9
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
י֥וֹם֩
day
H3117
י֥וֹם֩
day
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
3 of 9
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
הַשַּׁבָּ֖֨ת
the sabbath
H7676
הַשַּׁבָּ֖֨ת
the sabbath
Strong's:
H7676
Word #:
4 of 9
intermission, i.e (specifically) the sabbath
לְקַדְּשׁ֑֜וֹ
to sanctify
H6942
לְקַדְּשׁ֑֜וֹ
to sanctify
Strong's:
H6942
Word #:
5 of 9
to be (causatively, make, pronounce or observe as) clean (ceremonially or morally)
כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֥ר
H834
כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֥ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
6 of 9
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
Cross References
Isaiah 58:13If 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:Isaiah 56:6Also 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;
Historical Context
Israel's Sabbath was Saturday (seventh day), beginning Friday sunset. No work was permitted—gathering manna (Exodus 16:22-30), kindling fire (Exodus 35:3), carrying burdens (Jeremiah 17:21), buying/selling (Nehemiah 13:15-22). Sabbath violation merited death (Exodus 31:14-15, Numbers 15:32-36). The early church shifted to Sunday (first day) commemorating Christ's resurrection (Acts 20:7, 1 Corinthians 16:2, Revelation 1:10). The principle—one day in seven for worship and rest—continues.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Sabbath observance demonstrate trust that God provides, freeing believers from anxious self-reliance?
- What does the shift from Saturday to Sunday Sabbath teach about how Christ fulfills Old Testament ceremonial law while maintaining moral principles?
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Analysis & Commentary
The fourth commandment 'Keep the sabbath day to sanctify it' establishes weekly rest as covenant obligation. The Hebrew 'qadash' (sanctify/make holy) indicates setting apart time for sacred purposes. God commanded Sabbath observance, grounding it in creation (Exodus 20:11) and redemption (Deuteronomy 5:15). The Reformed tradition sees Sabbath as moral law continuing under the New Covenant, fulfilled on the Lord's Day (Sunday). Sabbath rest typifies the eternal rest believers enter through Christ (Hebrews 4:9-10). The day teaches trust in God's providence—ceasing work demonstrates that God sustains, not human effort.