“Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The command to "Remember the Sabbath day" isn't just about recalling an obligation; it's a reminder that this day was already established by God from the very beginning of creation, even before the Law was given at Sinai. This ancient institution was meant to signify rest and holiness, pointing toward a deeper, eternal rest.
“Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This commandment is part of the Ten Commandments, God's foundational laws for His people, given shortly after their miraculous exodus from Egypt. It's not introducing a brand new idea, but reminding them of a principle established at creation itself and recently reinforced through their experience with manna. The context emphasizes that this day is for rest and worship, distinguishing God's people from nations serving idols and pointing towards a future rest in God.
Why does God start the fourth commandment with 'Remember'?
The word 'remember' at the beginning of this commandment is significant. It implies that the Sabbath wasn't a brand new rule being introduced here at Mount Sinai. It suggests it was already known and established.
A Law from the Beginning
Think back to creation. Genesis tells us God worked for six days, and on the seventh, He rested. He then blessed and set apart that seventh day. This wasn't just a historical event; it was God establishing a sacred rhythm for all of humanity, even before sin entered the world.
Echoes in the Wilderness
We also see hints of this rhythm even in the Israelites' journey through the wilderness. God provided manna, and interestingly, it rained six days a week, but not on the seventh. This was a practical lesson, preparing them for the commandment to come.
What does it truly mean to 'keep it holy'?
The commandment isn't just about stopping work; it's about dedicating the day to God.
More Than Just a Day Off
'Keeping it holy' means setting it apart. It's not merely a day of inactivity, but a day of positive devotion and spiritual focus. While the command prohibits ordinary work, its true purpose is to enable us to engage in spiritual activities.
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A Reflective Pause
This holy rest is an invitation to pause from our daily grind and intentionally connect with our Creator. It’s a time to reflect on His character, His works, and His mercies. In a world that constantly pushes us to do more, the Sabbath calls us to be more – more present with God and more aware of His presence.
Understand the original words
zakar · Hebrew Verb
To call to mind, keep in awareness, or take action based on remembrance; it implies not just passive thought but active obedience or observance.
shabbat · Hebrew Noun
The seventh day of the week, set apart by God for rest and worship, commemorating His completion of creation and His deliverance of His people.
qadash · Hebrew Adjective
Dedicated to God; set apart for a specific, sacred purpose; manifesting the character of God, who is inherently separate from the common or profane.
This passage establishes the concept of God resting on the seventh day after creation, laying the groundwork for the Sabbath as a divinely appointed day of rest and holiness.
Exodus 16:23This earlier mention of the Sabbath in relation to the manna demonstrates that the commandment was not entirely new but a reminder and reinforcement of a previously established practice.
Deuteronomy 5:12-15This parallel commandment in Deuteronomy reiterates the Sabbath observance, but adds the motivation of remembering Israel's liberation from slavery, highlighting its redemptive and rest-oriented aspects.
Isaiah 58:13-14This prophetic passage emphasizes that true Sabbath observance is not just about refraining from work, but about delighting in the Lord and honoring Him, showing the spiritual depth of the command.
Hebrews 4:3-10The New Testament author connects the Sabbath rest to a deeper spiritual rest found in Christ, suggesting that the earthly Sabbath was a sign pointing to a future, eternal rest for believers.
bensonExodus 20:8: "Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy."
Exodus 20:8-11 . The fourth commandment concerns the time of worship; God is to be served and honoured daily; but one day in seven is to be particularly dedicated to his honour, and spent in his service. Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy; in it thou shalt do no manner of work — It is taken for granted, that the sabbath was instituted before. We read of God’s blessing and sanctifying a seventh day from the beginning, ( Genesis 2:3…
calvinExodus 20:8-11: "Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy."
But the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates:
Dies autem septimus Sabbathum Jehovae Dei tui est. Non facies ullum opus, tu, et filius tuus, et filia tua, servus tuus, et ancilla tua, et inquilinus tuus qui est in portis tuis:
For in six days the L…
The command to "Remember the Sabbath day" isn't just about recalling an obligation; it's a reminder that this day was already established by God from the very beginning of creation, even before the Law was given at Sinai. This ancient institution was meant to signify rest and holiness, pointing toward a deeper, eternal rest.
This commandment is part of the Ten Commandments, God's foundational laws for His people, given shortly after their miraculous exodus from Egypt. It's not introducing a brand new idea, but reminding them of a principle established at creation itself and recently reinforced through their experience with manna. The context emphasizes that this day is for rest and worship, distinguishing God's people from nations serving idols and pointing towards a future rest in God.
This commandment is part of the Ten Commandments, God's foundational laws for His people, given shortly after their miraculous exodus from Egypt. It's not introducing a brand new idea, but reminding them of a principle established at creation itself and recently reinforced through their experience with manna. The context emphasizes that this day is for rest and worship, distinguishing God's people from nations serving idols and pointing towards a future rest in God.
"“Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy." — The command to "Remember the Sabbath day" isn't just about recalling an obligation; it's a reminder that this day was already established by God from the very beginning of creation, even before the L…
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Last reviewed October 2026