Exodus 20:11
For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the LORD blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it.
Exodus 20:11 · King James Version
Meaning
This verse from Exodus 20:11 highlights the significance of the Sabbath day in the Judeo-Christian tradition. It serves as a reminder of the creation story in Genesis, where God created the world in six days and rested on the seventh. By blessing and hallowing the Sabbath, God set it apart as a holy day for rest and worship. Observing the Sabbath is a way for believers to commemorate God's creation, honor His sovereignty, and dedicate time to spiritual reflection and renewal. It is a day to set aside worldly concerns and focus on the sacred relationship between humanity and the divine. The Sabbath serves as a symbol of God's goodness and provision, as well as a reminder of the importance of rest and rejuvenation. By following this commandment, believers can align themselves with the rhythm of creation and find peace in the presence of the Lord.
Theological Overview
This verse from Genesis 2:3 emphasizes the importance of the Sabbath day in the Judeo-Christian tradition. The theological interpretation of the text highlights the significance of the Sabbath as a day of rest that is blessed and set apart by the Lord. The phrase "For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is" reinforces the idea of the Sabbath as a day of reflection on God's creative work. Additionally, the mention of the Lord resting on the seventh day serves as a model for humans to follow, emphasizing the importance of rest and worship. The word study of "hallowed" in this verse brings attention to the sanctification and sacredness of the Sabbath day. It signifies that the Sabbath is consecrated and set apart from the other days of the week for spiritual purposes. Overall, this verse serves as a reminder of the divine origin and special significance of the Sabbath day in the biblical narrative.
Exodus 20:11 in other translations
American Standard Version
for in six days Jehovah made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore Jehovah blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it.
World English Bible
for in six days Yahweh made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested the seventh day; therefore Yahweh blessed the Sabbath day, and made it holy.
Douay-Rheims
For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, and the sea, and all things that are in them, and rested on the seventh day: therefore the Lord blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it.
Geneva Bible (1599)
For in sixe dayes the Lord made the heauen and the earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seuenth day: therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day, and hallowed it.