Exodus 20:11
For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the LORD blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it.
Original Language Analysis
כִּ֣י
H3588
כִּ֣י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 26
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
שֵֽׁשֶׁת
For in six
H8337
שֵֽׁשֶׁת
For in six
Strong's:
H8337
Word #:
2 of 26
six (as an overplus beyond five or the fingers of the hand); as ordinal, sixth
י֥וֹם
day
H3117
י֥וֹם
day
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
3 of 26
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
עָשָׂ֨ה
made
H6213
עָשָׂ֨ה
made
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
4 of 26
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
יְהוָ֛ה
the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֛ה
the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
5 of 26
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
6 of 26
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַשָּׁמַ֣יִם
heaven
H8064
הַשָּׁמַ֣יִם
heaven
Strong's:
H8064
Word #:
7 of 26
the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies r
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
8 of 26
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
10 of 26
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַיָּם֙
the sea
H3220
הַיָּם֙
the sea
Strong's:
H3220
Word #:
11 of 26
a sea (as breaking in noisy surf) or large body of water; specifically (with the article), the mediterranean sea; sometimes a large river, or an artif
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
12 of 26
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
13 of 26
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
אֲשֶׁר
H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
14 of 26
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
וַיָּ֖נַח
and all that in them is and rested
H5117
וַיָּ֖נַח
and all that in them is and rested
Strong's:
H5117
Word #:
16 of 26
to rest, i.e., settle down; used in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, intransitive, transitive and causative (to dwell, stay, l
י֥וֹם
day
H3117
י֥וֹם
day
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
17 of 26
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
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
19 of 26
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
כֵּ֗ן
H3651
כֵּ֗ן
Strong's:
H3651
Word #:
20 of 26
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
בֵּרַ֧ךְ
blessed
H1288
בֵּרַ֧ךְ
blessed
Strong's:
H1288
Word #:
21 of 26
to kneel; by implication to bless god (as an act of adoration), and (vice-versa) man (as a benefit); also (by euphemism) to curse (god or the king, as
יְהוָ֛ה
the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֛ה
the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
22 of 26
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
23 of 26
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
י֥וֹם
day
H3117
י֥וֹם
day
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
24 of 26
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
Historical Context
Genesis 2:2-3 records God's primordial rest. The Sabbath command at Sinai takes creation pattern and makes it covenant requirement. Sabbath roots in Creation, not just Sinai, giving it universal significance.
Questions for Reflection
- How does grounding the Sabbath in Creation (not just Sinai) give it universal rather than merely Jewish significance?
- What does God's rest teach about the purpose and nature of work—why do we work?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the LORD blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it.
The Sabbath's foundation is Creation—God's pattern becomes humanity's rhythm. 'Made' (עָשָׂה, asah) recalls Genesis 1's 'created' (bara). 'Heaven and earth, sea, all' (שָׁמַיִם וְאֶת־הָאָרֶץ אֶת־הַיָּם, shamayim ve'et-ha'aretz et-hayam) comprehensively covers existence—all creation testifies to Creator. God 'rested' (וַיָּנַח, vayanach) not from exhaustion but completion—He ceased creative work because it was 'very good.' His rest invites ours. 'Blessed and hallowed' (בֵּרַךְ וַיְקַדֵּשׁ, berakh vayqaddesh) the Sabbath—God's blessing makes it beneficial; His hallowing makes it holy. Observing Sabbath aligns human rhythm with divine pattern, creation ordinance with covenant command.