Exodus 31:16
Wherefore the children of Israel shall keep the sabbath, to observe the sabbath throughout their generations, for a perpetual covenant.
Original Language Analysis
וְשָֽׁמְר֥וּ
shall keep
H8104
וְשָֽׁמְר֥וּ
shall keep
Strong's:
H8104
Word #:
1 of 11
properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc
בְנֵֽי
Wherefore the children
H1121
בְנֵֽי
Wherefore the children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
2 of 11
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל
of Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל
of Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
3 of 11
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
4 of 11
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַשַּׁבָּ֛ת
the sabbath
H7676
הַשַּׁבָּ֛ת
the sabbath
Strong's:
H7676
Word #:
5 of 11
intermission, i.e (specifically) the sabbath
לַֽעֲשׂ֧וֹת
to observe
H6213
לַֽעֲשׂ֧וֹת
to observe
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
6 of 11
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
7 of 11
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַשַּׁבָּ֛ת
the sabbath
H7676
הַשַּׁבָּ֛ת
the sabbath
Strong's:
H7676
Word #:
8 of 11
intermission, i.e (specifically) the sabbath
לְדֹֽרֹתָ֖ם
throughout their generations
H1755
לְדֹֽרֹתָ֖ם
throughout their generations
Strong's:
H1755
Word #:
9 of 11
properly, a revolution of time, i.e., an age or generation; also a dwelling
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.