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Exodus 31:13

Speak thou also unto the children of Israel, saying, Verily my sabbaths ye shall keep: for it is a sign between me and you throughout your generations; that ye may know that I am the LORD that doth sanctify you.

Exodus 31:13 · King James Version

Meaning

In this verse, God instructs Moses to tell the children of Israel to observe the Sabbath as a sign of their covenant with Him. The Sabbath, a day of rest and worship, was set aside by God as a special time for His people to remember and honor Him. By keeping the Sabbath, the Israelites were acknowledging God as the one who sanctifies them, setting them apart as His chosen people. This commandment was meant to be a perpetual reminder throughout generations of the unique relationship that the Israelites had with the Lord. By observing the Sabbath, the Israelites were demonstrating their obedience and faithfulness to God, recognizing Him as the ultimate authority in their lives. Through the Sabbath, God's people were able to experience His sanctification and draw closer to Him in worship. Thus, the Sabbath served as a visible symbol of the covenant between God and the children of Israel, a reminder of their identity as His chosen people.

Theological Overview

In this verse from Exodus, God instructs Moses to tell the children of Israel to keep the Sabbath as a sign between Him and them throughout their generations. The word 'sabbath' is derived from the Hebrew word 'shabbat,' which means to cease or rest. The theological interpretation of this verse emphasizes the importance of honoring the Sabbath as a day of rest and reflection on God's sanctifying work. By observing the Sabbath, the Israelites would not only demonstrate their obedience to God's commandments but also acknowledge His role as the one who sanctifies and sets them apart. The Sabbath serves as a reminder of God's holiness and power to transform His people. Through word studies and theological reflection, we can gain a deeper understanding of the significance of the Sabbath in the context of God's covenant with His people, highlighting the importance of rest, worship, and spiritual renewal in our relationship with God.

Exodus 31:13 in other translations

American Standard Version

Speak thou also unto the children of Israel, saying, Verily ye shall keep my sabbaths: for it is a sign between me and you throughout your generations; that ye may know that I am Jehovah who sanctifieth you.

World English Bible

“Speak also to the children of Israel, saying, ‘Most certainly you shall keep my Sabbaths: for it is a sign between me and you throughout your generations; that you may know that I am Yahweh who sanctifies you.

Douay-Rheims

Speak to the children of Israel, and thou shalt say to them: See that you keep my sabbath; because it is a sign between me and you in your generations that you may know that I am the Lord, who sanctify you.

Geneva Bible (1599)

Speake thou also vnto the children of Israel, and say, Notwithstanding keepe yee my Sabbaths: for it is a signe betweene me and you in your generations, that ye may know that I the Lord do sanctifie you.