Keraia
Exodus 31

Exodus 31:16

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

Translations

Modern
The Israelites must keep the Sabbath, celebrating it as a permanent covenant for the generations to come.
Traditional
Wherefore the children of Israel shall keep the sabbath, to observe the sabbath throughout their generations, for a perpetual covenant.
Literal
And the sons of Israel shall keep the Sabbath, to do the Sabbath throughout their generations as an everlasting covenant.
Latin
Custodiant filii Israël sabbatum, et celebrent illud in generationibus suis. Pactum est sempiternum

Original

Hebrew
English
The Israelites must keep the Sabbath, celebrating it as a permanent covenant for the generations to come.

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

Covenant of the Sabbath Sabbath: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Sanitation: Rest Commanded The Sabbath: Observance of, to be Perpetual