Ezekiel 20:20
And hallow my sabbaths; and they shall be a sign between me and you, that ye may know that I am the LORD your God.
Original Language Analysis
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
1 of 12
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
שַׁבְּתוֹתַ֖י
my sabbaths
H7676
שַׁבְּתוֹתַ֖י
my sabbaths
Strong's:
H7676
Word #:
2 of 12
intermission, i.e (specifically) the sabbath
קַדֵּ֑שׁוּ
And hallow
H6942
קַדֵּ֑שׁוּ
And hallow
Strong's:
H6942
Word #:
3 of 12
to be (causatively, make, pronounce or observe as) clean (ceremonially or morally)
וְהָי֤וּ
H1961
וְהָי֤וּ
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
4 of 12
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
לְאוֹת֙
and they shall be a sign
H226
לְאוֹת֙
and they shall be a sign
Strong's:
H226
Word #:
5 of 12
a signal (literally or figuratively), as a flag, beacon, monument, omen, prodigy, evidence, etc
בֵּינִ֣י
H996
בֵּינִ֣י
Strong's:
H996
Word #:
6 of 12
between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or
וּבֵֽינֵיכֶ֔ם
H996
וּבֵֽינֵיכֶ֔ם
Strong's:
H996
Word #:
7 of 12
between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or
לָדַ֕עַת
between me and you that ye may know
H3045
לָדַ֕עַת
between me and you that ye may know
Strong's:
H3045
Word #:
8 of 12
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 #:
9 of 12
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
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:Jeremiah 17:22Neither carry forth a burden out of your houses on the sabbath day, neither do ye any work, but hallow ye the sabbath day, as I commanded your fathers.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 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.
Historical Context
Sabbath became increasingly important in post-exilic Judaism as a covenant identity marker. When dispersed among nations, Sabbath observance visibly distinguished Jews. The principle of consecrated time for worship and rest reflects creation order (Genesis 2:2-3) and anticipates eschatological rest (Hebrews 4).
Questions for Reflection
- How do we practice the principle of Sabbath rest in a Christian context?
- What does Sabbath observance teach about priorities, trust, and worship?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
'And hallow my sabbaths; and they shall be a sign between me and you, that ye may know that I am the LORD your God.' Sabbath observance repeated (cf. verse 12) for the new generation. 'Hallow' (qadash—make holy, set apart) requires treating the Sabbath as sacred. The Sabbath as 'sign' distinguishes God's people and acknowledges Him as LORD. Sabbath observance demonstrates trust in God's provision and submission to His authority.