Exodus 31:13
Speak thou also unto the children of Israel, saying, Verily my sabbaths ye shall keep: for it is a sign between me and you throughout your generations; that ye may know that I am the LORD that doth sanctify you.
Original Language Analysis
דַּבֵּ֨ר
Speak
H1696
דַּבֵּ֨ר
Speak
Strong's:
H1696
Word #:
2 of 21
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
בְּנֵ֤י
thou also unto the children
H1121
בְּנֵ֤י
thou also unto the children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
4 of 21
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
יִשְׂרָאֵל֙
of Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵל֙
of Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
5 of 21
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
אַ֥ךְ
Verily
H389
אַ֥ךְ
Verily
Strong's:
H389
Word #:
7 of 21
a particle of affirmation, surely; hence (by limitation) only
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
8 of 21
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
שַׁבְּתֹתַ֖י
my sabbaths
H7676
שַׁבְּתֹתַ֖י
my sabbaths
Strong's:
H7676
Word #:
9 of 21
intermission, i.e (specifically) the sabbath
תִּשְׁמֹ֑רוּ
ye shall keep
H8104
תִּשְׁמֹ֑רוּ
ye shall keep
Strong's:
H8104
Word #:
10 of 21
properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc
כִּי֩
H3588
כִּי֩
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
11 of 21
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
א֨וֹת
for it is a sign
H226
א֨וֹת
for it is a sign
Strong's:
H226
Word #:
12 of 21
a signal (literally or figuratively), as a flag, beacon, monument, omen, prodigy, evidence, etc
הִ֜וא
H1931
הִ֜וא
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
13 of 21
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
בֵּינִ֤י
H996
בֵּינִ֤י
Strong's:
H996
Word #:
14 of 21
between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or
וּבֵֽינֵיכֶם֙
H996
וּבֵֽינֵיכֶם֙
Strong's:
H996
Word #:
15 of 21
between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or
לְדֹרֹ֣תֵיכֶ֔ם
between me and you throughout your generations
H1755
לְדֹרֹ֣תֵיכֶ֔ם
between me and you throughout your generations
Strong's:
H1755
Word #:
16 of 21
properly, a revolution of time, i.e., an age or generation; also a dwelling
לָדַ֕עַת
that ye may know
H3045
לָדַ֕עַת
that ye may know
Strong's:
H3045
Word #:
17 of 21
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
כִּ֛י
H3588
כִּ֛י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
18 of 21
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
Cross References
Ezekiel 20:12Moreover also I gave them my sabbaths, to be a sign between me and them, that they might know that I am the LORD that sanctify them.Ezekiel 20:20And hallow my sabbaths; and they shall be a sign between me and you, that ye may know that I am the LORD your God.1 Thessalonians 5:23And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.Leviticus 19:30Ye shall keep my sabbaths, and reverence my sanctuary: I am the LORD.Exodus 31:17It is a sign between me and the children of Israel for ever: for in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, and on the seventh day he rested, and was refreshed.Leviticus 20:8And ye shall keep my statutes, and do them: I am the LORD which sanctify you.John 17:17Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.Ezekiel 44:24And in controversy they shall stand in judgment; and they shall judge it according to my judgments: and they shall keep my laws and my statutes in all mine assemblies; and they shall hallow my sabbaths.Leviticus 19:3Ye shall fear every man his mother, and his father, and keep my sabbaths: I am the LORD your God.Nehemiah 9:14And madest known unto them thy holy sabbath, and commandedst them precepts, statutes, and laws, by the hand of Moses thy servant:
Historical Context
The Sabbath command's placement after tabernacle instructions (before construction began) emphasized that even sacred work must pause for sacred rest. God's people rest in His timing, not working constantly even for holy purposes.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Sabbath rest prefigure ceasing from self-effort and resting in Christ's finished work?
- What does the severity of Sabbath violation teach about rejecting God's rest?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The Sabbath is a sign between God and Israel forever, reminding them that the LORD sanctifies them. Sabbath-keeping testified to creation (God rested on the seventh day) and sanctification (God sets apart His people). Sabbath rest prefigures the spiritual rest believers find in Christ—ceasing from self-effort, trusting His finished work (Hebrews 4:9-10). Violating the Sabbath incurred death, showing that rejecting God's rest is spiritual death.