Jeremiah 17:21-23
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
The phrase "take heed to yourselves" is a profound call to guard not just your actions, but the very core of your being – your "souls." This isn't about outward compliance, but a deep, internal commitment, recognizing that how you honor the Sabbath directly impacts the spiritual well-being and ultimate fate of your inner life.
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. Yet they did not listen or incline their ear, but stiffened their neck, that they might not hear and receive instruction.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jeremiah has been sent to the city gates, a place of public discourse and royal passage, to deliver a stern message. Following his critique of Judah's deep-seated idolatry and misplaced trust in human strength, he now directly confronts the people, starting with their kings, about their blatant disregard for God's commands. This specific instruction about the Sabbath comes as a stark example of their widespread contempt for divine law, revealing a profound spiritual sickness that affects their very souls and ultimately invites divine judgment.
The command isn't just about what you do on the Sabbath, but what you carry within. What does it mean to truly guard your soul on this holy day?
Jeremiah is told to tell the people to 'take heed to yourselves' (or 'in your souls'). This isn't just about avoiding physical labor. The commentators highlight that this phrase points to a deeper, internal commitment. It means guarding your heart and mind from the distractions and burdens of worldly cares that would prevent you from fully engaging with God. The Sabbath is meant to be a day where your soul is refreshed and focused on the divine, not weighed down by business or anxious thoughts. This internal guarding is the foundation for external obedience.
Why was carrying a burden through the city gates on the Sabbath such a big deal? It wasn't just a rule; it was a sign of deeper rebellion.
The command to 'not bear a burden on the Sabbath day or bring it in by the gates of Jerusalem' was a direct indictment of their behavior. Commentators explain that this wasn't merely about physical labor, but about carrying on commerce and business as usual. By openly trading and working through the city gates – the very heart of public life – they were publicly disregarding God's law and His covenant. This blatant contempt for the Sabbath was seen as a symptom and a catalyst for their overall spiritual decay, leading to a neglect of worship and morality, and ultimately, inviting God's judgment.
Understand the original words
Ask a follow-up
YHWH · Hebrew Proper Noun
The personal covenant name of the Creator God, revealed to Moses, emphasizing His faithfulness and eternal nature as the Redeemer of Israel.
shabbath · Hebrew Noun
A day set apart by God for rest and worship, commemorating His creation and His deliverance of Israel, serving as a sign of the covenant relationship.
massa' · Hebrew Noun
A load, weight, or task; metaphorically used for labor, responsibility, or heavy burdens that disrupt the holy rest mandated by God.
sha'ar · Hebrew Noun
The primary points of entry and defensive structures for an ancient city, serving as the center for commerce, judicial proceedings, and public life.
qadash · Hebrew Verb
To make something set apart or consecrated for God’s exclusive use, separated from common or profane activity.
shama' · Hebrew Verb
To obey or give heed; involving not just hearing audio, but responding with obedience, faith, and submission to God's word.
tsavvar qashah · Hebrew Idiom (Noun + Adjective)
A metaphorical description of stubbornness, pride, and refusal to submit to God's authority or direction, often resulting from a hardened heart.
musar · Hebrew Noun
Correction, discipline, or education aimed at training and molding one's character in accordance with God's law and will.
The command to honor the Sabbath was not just about resting; it was a vital sign of whether the people were truly listening to God's voice or continuing down the path of disobedience that would lead to their destruction.
Late 8th century BC
Assyrian Deportations
The Assyrian Empire deports large populations from the northern Kingdom of Israel. This event, though preceding Jeremiah, sets a precedent for divine judgment involving exile due to disobedience.
626 BC
Jeremiah's Call
Jeremiah is called by God to prophesy to Judah during a time of moral and spiritual decline, shortly before the Babylonian threat intensifies.
605 BC
First Babylonian Deportation
Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon captures Jerusalem and deports many prominent citizens, including Daniel, to Babylon. This marks the beginning of Judah's Babylonian captivity.
597 BC
Second Babylonian Deportation
Another deportation occurs when Jerusalem rebels. King Jehoiachin and many more skilled workers are taken to Babylon, further weakening the kingdom.
586 BC
Destruction of Jerusalem
Babylon destroys Jerusalem and its Temple, exiling most of the remaining population. This is the culmination of the judgments Jeremiah prophesied.
c. 550 BC
Post-Exilic Reforms
After the exile, Jewish leaders like Nehemiah would later enforce strict Sabbath observance as a way to re-establish identity and obedience to God's law.
Early 6th century BC— this verse
Jeremiah's Warning Against Sabbath Profanation
Jeremiah delivers this prophecy, commanding the people of Jerusalem to cease their commercial activities and burdensome labor on the Sabbath day, linking its observance to their well-being and the prevention of further judgment.
This passage shows the people of Judah engaging in commerce on the Sabbath, selling goods and bringing them into Jerusalem, directly paralleling Jeremiah's warning against bearing burdens and bringing them through the gates.
Exodus 20:8-10This is the foundational commandment for the Sabbath, explicitly stating that no work should be done. Jeremiah's message emphasizes the severe consequences of violating this divine command, especially regarding the carrying of burdens.
Isaiah 58:13-14This passage offers a promise of delight and restoration for those who honor the Sabbath by refraining from their own ways and business, providing a stark contrast to the judgment Jeremiah pronounces on those who profaned it.
Matthew 12:1-2Jesus' interaction with the Pharisees regarding the disciples plucking grain on the Sabbath highlights the ongoing debate and interpretation of Sabbath laws, showing that the principle of not engaging in 'servile work' was a significant concern.
clarkeJeremiah 17:21: "Thus saith the LORD; Take heed to yourselves, and bear no burden on the sabbath day, nor bring it in by the gates of Jerusalem;"
Take heed to yourselves and bear no burden - From this and the following verses we find the ruin of the Jews attributed to the breach of the Sabbath; as this led to a neglect of sacrifice, the ordinances of religion, and all public worship, so it necessarily brought with it all immorality. This breach of the Sabbath was that which let in upon them all…
calvinJeremiah 17:19-21: "Thus said the LORD unto me; Go and stand in the gate of the children of the people, whereby the kings of Judah come in, and by the which they go out, and in all the gates of Jerusalem;"
Sic dixit mihi Jehova, Vade et sta in porta filiorum populi; per quam ingrediuntur reges Jehudah, et per quam egrediuntur, (ad verbum, e qua egrediuntur in ipsa; sed vv est supervacuum,) et onmibus portis Jerusalem:
And say unto them, Hear ye the word of the LORD, ye kings of Judah,…
The phrase "take heed to yourselves" is a profound call to guard not just your actions, but the very core of your being – your "souls." This isn't about outward compliance, but a deep, internal commitment, recognizing that how you honor the Sabbath directly impacts the spiritual well-being and ultimate fate of your inner life.
Jeremiah has been sent to the city gates, a place of public discourse and royal passage, to deliver a stern message. Following his critique of Judah's deep-seated idolatry and misplaced trust in human strength, he now directly confronts the people, starting with their kings, about their blatant disregard for God's commands. This specific instruction about the Sabbath comes as a stark example of their widespread contempt for divine law, revealing a profound spiritual sickness that affects their very souls and ultimately invites divine judgment.
Jeremiah has been sent to the city gates, a place of public discourse and royal passage, to deliver a stern message. Following his critique of Judah's deep-seated idolatry and misplaced trust in human strength, he now directly confronts the people, starting with their kings, about their blatant disregard for God's commands. This specific instruction about the Sabbath comes as a stark example of their widespread contempt for divine law, revealing a profound spiritual sickness that affects their very souls and ultimately invites divine judgment.
"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 Sabbat…" — The phrase "take heed to yourselves" is a profound call to guard not just your actions, but the very core of your being – your "souls." This isn't about outward compliance, but a deep, internal commi…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026
