Keraia
Exodus 31

Exodus 31:13

The Sign of the Sabbath · Exodus 31:12–17
Read Exodus 31

Translations

Modern
“Tell the Israelites, ‘Surely you must keep My Sabbaths, for this will be a sign between Me and you for the generations to come, so that you may know that I am the LORD who sanctifies you.
Traditional
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.
Literal
“And You, speak to the sons of Israel, saying, ‘Truly My Sabbaths you shall keep, for it is a sign between Me and between you throughout your generations, that you may know that I am YHWH who sanctifies you.
Latin
Loquere filiis Israël, et dices ad eos: Videte ut sabbatum meum custodiatis: quia signum est inter me et vos in generationibus vestris: ut sciatis quia ego Dominus, qui sanctifico vos.

Original

Hebrew
English
“Tell the Israelites, ‘Surely you must keep My Sabbaths, for this will be a sign between Me and you for the generations to come, so that you may know that I am the LORD who sanctifies you.

Notes

Exodus 31:12–18

The Sabbath was understood to be the unique sign of the covenant (31:13, 16, 17; see also 20:8–11; Isaiah 58:13–14; Jeremiah 17:21–27; Nehemiah 13:15–22). The Sabbath also played an important role in God’s plan to make his people holy. Holy refers to being set apart for God’s special use and sharing his character (Exodus 31:13, 14, 15).

By resting on the Sabbath, the people showed that they belonged to him. They stopped their own work on that day (31:15, 17).

This rest was also a practical way to show trust in God. It showed that they depended on him to provide what they needed (see 20:8–11 and study notes).

Events

Parallels

Numbers 15:32–36

People

Israel: Patriarch, son of Isaac, father of twelve tribes Sabbath: The seventh day of the week, set apart for rest and worship

Glossary

Biblical Concept of Law Book of Exodus Deuteronomy, Book of History of Israel Tabernacle

Topics

Art: Artisans, Skillful: Bezaleel and Aholiab Blessing: Spiritual, from God Celebrating Pagan Holidays Church of Israel was Relatively Holy Sabbath: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Sanctification: The Lord is the Sanctifier Sanctification: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Sanitation: Rest Commanded The Sabbath: A Sign of the Covenant Token: The Sabbath Day