Exodus 20:8
Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy.
Original Language Analysis
זָכ֛וֹר֩
Remember
H2142
זָכ֛וֹר֩
Remember
Strong's:
H2142
Word #:
1 of 5
properly, to mark (so as to be recognized), i.e., to remember; by implication, to mention; to be male
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
2 of 5
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
י֥֨וֹם
day
H3117
י֥֨וֹם
day
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
3 of 5
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
Cross References
Leviticus 26:2Ye shall keep my sabbaths, and reverence my sanctuary: I am the LORD.Leviticus 19:3Ye shall fear every man his mother, and his father, and keep my sabbaths: I am the LORD your God.Genesis 2:3And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made.Leviticus 19:30Ye shall keep my sabbaths, and reverence my sanctuary: I am the LORD.Leviticus 23:3Six days shall work be done: but the seventh day is the sabbath of rest, an holy convocation; ye shall do no work therein: it is the sabbath of the LORD in all your dwellings.Exodus 23:12Six 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.
Historical Context
Sabbath observance distinguished Israel from surrounding nations. No ancient Near Eastern culture practiced weekly rest from labor—Israel's Sabbath was countercultural witness to a Creator who rests and grants rest.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Sabbath-keeping combat both workaholism and laziness?
- In what ways is Christ the fulfillment of Sabbath rest (Hebrews 4:9-10)?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy.
'Remember' (זָכוֹר, zakhor) implies forgetting's danger—sabbath-keeping requires intentional memory. The Sabbath principle predates Sinai (Genesis 2:2-3), but here becomes covenant requirement. 'Keep it holy' (לְקַדְּשׁוֹ, leqadesho) means set apart, sanctified—one day different from six. The Sabbath testifies to Creation (God rested) and redemption (Deuteronomy 5:15). It's God's gift of rest to weary workers, slave-drivers not exempted (v. 10). Jesus declares Himself 'Lord of the Sabbath' (Mark 2:28) and fulfills it—He is our rest (Matthew 11:28). The New Covenant shifts Sabbath from law to principle: we rest in Christ's finished work, not our efforts.