The Sabbath is a day of rest and worship set apart by God. The Bible offers guidance on how to honor it while balancing work and responsibilities. Today, let’s learn what Scripture says about keeping the Sabbath holy.
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What Does The Bible Say About Working On The Sabbath
Exodus 35:2
Six days shall work be done, but on the seventh day you shall have a Sabbath of solemn rest, holy to the Lord. Whoever does any work on it shall be put to death.
In this verse, God establishes the commandment to observe the Sabbath as a day of rest. It emphasizes the importance of setting aside a specific day dedicated to rest and worship, free from the burdens of work.
Working on the Sabbath is seen as a violation of God’s commandment and carries severe consequences. It serves as a reminder of God’s desire for His people to prioritize their spiritual well-being and trust in His provision.
Nehemiah 13:15
In those days I saw in Judah people treading winepresses on the Sabbath, and bringing in heaps of grain and loading them on donkeys, and also wine, grapes, figs, and all kinds of loads, which they brought into Jerusalem on the Sabbath day. And I warned them on the day when they sold food.
This passage describes Nehemiah’s observation of people disregarding the Sabbath by engaging in work and commerce. He confronts them about their actions and issues a warning regarding their disobedience.
It serves as a reminder that observing the Sabbath is not just a personal choice but a communal responsibility to honor God’s commandments. Working on the Sabbath disrupts the intended purpose of the day and shows a lack of reverence for God’s design.
Isaiah 58:13-14
“If you turn back your foot from the Sabbath, from doing your pleasure on my holy day, and call the Sabbath a delight and the holy day of the Lord honorable; if you honor it, not going your own ways, or seeking your own pleasure, or talking idly; then you shall take delight in the Lord, and I will make you ride on the heights of the earth; I will feed you with the heritage of Jacob your father, for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.”
In these verses, God calls His people to honor the Sabbath by refraining from pursuing their own desires and pleasures. He promises blessings and abundant provision to those who honor the Sabbath and find delight in observing it.
By dedicating the Sabbath to worship, rest, and engaging in activities that honor God, we position ourselves to receive His blessings and experience the fullness of His presence in our lives.
Mark 2:27
“And he said to them, ‘The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.'”
In this verse, Jesus clarifies the purpose of the Sabbath. It was established not as a burden or restriction but as a gift for humanity’s well-being and spiritual refreshment.
While the Sabbath is meant to be observed and respected, it should not become legalistic or rigid. Jesus reminds us that the Sabbath should serve us, helping us find rest, worship, and restore our souls.
Jeremiah 17:21-22
“Thus says the Lord: Take care for the sake of your lives, and do not bear a burden on the Sabbath day or bring it in by the gates of Jerusalem. And do not carry a burden out of your houses on the Sabbath or do any work, but keep the Sabbath day holy, as I commanded your fathers.”
God instructs His people to refrain from carrying burdens or engaging in work on the Sabbath day. He underscores the significance of keeping the Sabbath holy and aligning their actions with the commandments given to their ancestors.
By setting aside the Sabbath as a day of rest and worship, we demonstrate our obedience to God’s Word and prioritize our spiritual well-being over worldly concerns.
Exodus 31:15
Six days shall work be done, but the seventh day is a Sabbath of solemn rest, holy to the Lord. Whoever does any work on the Sabbath day shall be put to death.
Similar to Exodus 35:2, this verse reiterates God’s commandment for the Sabbath, emphasizing the severity of disregarding it. It serves as a warning against the consequences of violating God’s design for rest and worship.
By embracing the Sabbath and honoring it as a day of rest, we demonstrate our trust in God’s provision and acknowledge His authority over our lives.
Luke 13:14-15
But the ruler of the synagogue, indignant because Jesus had healed on the Sabbath, said to the people, “There are six days in which work ought to be done. Come on those days and be healed, and not on the Sabbath day.” Then the Lord answered him, “You hypocrites! Does not each of you on the Sabbath untie his ox or his donkey from the manger and lead it away to water it?”
In this passage, Jesus confronts the religious leaders for their hypocrisy in prioritizing their rules over compassion and healing. He challenges their legalistic mindset by highlighting the inconsistency in their actions regarding animal care on the Sabbath.
Jesus’ response reminds us that the Sabbath is not meant to hinder acts of mercy and kindness. It encourages us to view the Sabbath as a day to demonstrate love, both to God and to others, through acts of compassion and service.
Matthew 12:11-12
He said to them, “Which one of you who has a sheep, if it falls into a pit on the Sabbath, will not take hold of it and lift it out? Of how much more value is a man than a sheep! So it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath.”
In this verse, Jesus argues that acts of kindness and mercy take precedence over strict observance of Sabbath regulations. He illustrates this by using the example of rescuing a sheep that has fallen into a pit on the Sabbath.
Jesus teaches us that doing good, even on the Sabbath, aligns with God’s heart. While observing the day of rest is important, it should not hinder us from extending compassion and meeting the needs of others.
Colossians 2:16-17
Therefore let no one pass judgment on you in questions of food and drink, or with regard to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath. These are a shadow of the things to come, but the substance belongs to Christ.
Paul addresses the Christians in Colossae, reminding them not to let others judge them regarding the observance of special days, including the Sabbath. He explains that these practices were symbolic and pointing to the greater reality found in Christ.
While the Sabbath still holds significance as a day of rest and worship, Paul emphasizes that our ultimate focus should be on Christ Himself and the freedom we have in Him rather than getting caught up in legalistic observance.
Romans 14:5-6
One person esteems one day as better than another, while another esteems all days alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind. The one who observes the day, observes it in honor of the Lord. The one who eats, eats in honor of the Lord, since he gives thanks to God, while the one who abstains, abstains in honor of the Lord and gives thanks to God.
Paul addresses the diversity in beliefs among believers regarding the observance of certain days, including the Sabbath. He encourages each individual to be fully convinced in their own minds and emphasizes that what matters is honoring God in their actions.
While the observance of specific days may vary, the underlying principle is to honor and give thanks to God in all that we do. Our focus should be on righteousness and relationship with the Lord, rather than rigid adherence to external practices.
Hebrews 4:9-10
So then, there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God, for whoever has entered God’s rest has also rested from his works as God did from his.
The author of Hebrews speaks of a Sabbath rest that still remains for God’s people. They highlight that just as God rested from His creation, believers also have the opportunity to enter into this rest through faith in Christ.
This rest is not limited to a specific day but is a daily posture of trusting in God’s finished work. It encompasses both physical and spiritual rest, symbolizing our dependence on Christ’s work on the cross for salvation.
Acts 13:42
As they went out, the people begged that these things might be told them the next Sabbath.
This verse portrays the eagerness of the people to hear the teachings of the apostles on the next Sabbath. It demonstrates their commitment to observing the regular gathering for worship and learning.
The example set by the early church encourages believers today to prioritize gathering together on the Sabbath or Sunday, depending on their tradition, for the purpose of communal worship, edification, and the sharing of God’s Word.
Isaiah 56:6-7
“And the foreigners who join themselves to the Lord, to minister to him, to love the name of the Lord, and to be his servants, everyone who keeps the Sabbath and does not profane it, and holds fast my covenant— these I will bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer; their burnt offerings and their sacrifices will be accepted on my altar; for my house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples.”
Isaiah speaks of the inclusion of all who choose to follow the Lord, including foreigners, into the blessings of observing the Sabbath. He highlights that those who honor the Sabbath and uphold God’s covenant will be welcomed into His presence and find joy in worship.
God desires for His house to be a place of prayer and worship for people from all nations, emphasizing the importance of observing the Sabbath as a unifying practice that transcends cultural and ethnic boundaries.
Luke 4:16
And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up. And as was his custom, he went to the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and he stood up to read.
This verse depicts Jesus’ regular practice of attending the synagogue on the Sabbath day, demonstrating His commitment to observing the Sabbath and participating in communal worship.
By following Jesus’ example, we are encouraged to prioritize gathering with other believers to worship and learn from God’s Word on the designated day of rest.
Exodus 20:8-11
Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days you shall labor, and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work, you, or your son, or your daughter, your male servant, or your female servant, or your livestock, or the sojourner who is within your gates. For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested on the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy.
These verses contain the fourth commandment given by God to Moses on Mount Sinai, emphasizing the significance of observing the Sabbath day as a time of rest and dedication to the Lord.
By setting aside one day each week as holy and abstaining from work, we acknowledge God’s creative power, follow His example, and allow ourselves the opportunity to find physical and spiritual refreshment.
Leviticus 23:3
Six days shall work be done, but on the seventh day is a Sabbath of solemn rest, a holy convocation. You shall do no work. It is a Sabbath to the Lord in all your dwelling places.
In this verse, the Sabbath is described as a solemn rest and a holy convocation. It emphasizes that the observance of the Sabbath is not limited to a particular location but should be practiced in all places where God’s people reside.
The Sabbath serves as an opportunity to intentionally gather together, rest, and dedicate time to worship and fellowship with God and fellow believers.
Deuteronomy 5:13-14
Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work, you or your son or your daughter or your male servant or your female servant, or your ox or your donkey or any of your livestock, or the sojourner who is within your gates, that your male servant and your female servant may rest as well as you.
Similar to Exodus 20:8-11, these verses reiterate the commandment to observe the Sabbath day and extend its application to all members of society, including servants and animals.
By extending rest to those under our care or authority, we reflect God’s concern for the well-being of all His creation and demonstrate His character through our actions of compassion and justice.
James 2:10-11
For whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one point has become guilty of all of it. For he who said, “Do not commit adultery,” also said, “Do not murder.” If you do not commit adultery but do murder, you have become a transgressor of the law.
James makes the point that the law is a unified whole, and failure to observe even one aspect of it makes one guilty of breaking the entire law. This applies to the commandments, including the observance of the Sabbath.
By understanding the interconnectedness of God’s commandments, we recognize the importance of wholeheartedly seeking to honor and obey Him in every aspect of our lives, including the observance of the Sabbath.
Matthew 24:20
Pray that your flight may not be in winter or on a Sabbath.
In this verse, Jesus speaks prophetically about the coming tribulation and the importance of considering the Sabbath even in times of trouble. He urges His followers to pray for circumstances that would avoid the need to flee on the Sabbath.
This verse highlights that the observance of the Sabbath remains significant, even in times of trial and difficulty. It encourages us to prioritize our commitment to God’s commandments, seeking His guidance and provision in all circumstances.
Exodus 16:23
He said to them, “This is what the Lord has commanded: ‘Tomorrow is a day of solemn rest, a holy Sabbath to the Lord; bake what you will bake and boil what you will boil, and all that is left over lay aside to be kept till the morning.'”
God instructs the Israelites regarding the gathering of manna in the wilderness and establishes the Sabbath as a day of rest. He encourages them to gather and prepare their food on the day before the Sabbath to ensure ample rest on the designated day.
This passage serves as a practical reminder that planning and preparation are essential in honoring and fully embracing the rest and worship intended for the Sabbath.
Ezekiel 20:12
Moreover, I gave them my Sabbaths, as a sign between me and them, that they might know that I am the Lord who sanctifies them.
Ezekiel reminds the Israelites of God’s gift of the Sabbath as a sign of their covenant relationship with Him. By observing the Sabbath, they acknowledge God’s role as their sanctifier and their dependence on His guidance and provision.
The Sabbath stands as a reminder of our ongoing need for God’s sanctification in our lives and our reliance on Him as our source of holiness and transformation.
Acts 17:2
And Paul went in, as was his custom, and on three Sabbath days he reasoned with them from the Scriptures.
This verse illustrates Paul’s customary practice of attending the synagogue on the Sabbath and engaging in dialogue and teaching based on the Scriptures.
As followers of Christ, our commitment to observing the Sabbath includes opportunities for worship, learning, and sharing God’s Word with others. It is a day to reflect on and grow in our understanding of the truth.
The Sabbath holds deep significance in the Bible, and these verses give insight into God’s intention for His people to observe a day of rest, worship, and dedication to Him. The commandments regarding the Sabbath serve as a reminder of our need for physical and spiritual rejuvenation and provide an opportunity to prioritize our relationship with God and our well-being. While the observance of the Sabbath may differ in application among believers, the underlying principles remain constant: honoring God’s commandments, finding delight in worship and communal gathering, demonstrating compassion and mercy, and trusting in God’s provision. The Sabbath is a time to realign our hearts and minds with God’s purposes, allowing Him to fill us with His peace and strength.