Exodus 20:8
What does Exodus 20:8 mean?
A plain-English look at Exodus 20:8 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Exodus 20:8 means
This commandment calls for the remembrance and consecration of the Sabbath day as holy to God. It requires a deliberate act of recall, ensuring that the rhythm of rest and worship remains a central practice for the Israelites. To keep it holy means to set it apart for God's purposes, distinguishing it from the other six days of labor. This command establishes a vital principle of rest and reminds God's people of their unique relationship with Him as their sanctifier and provider.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Keep in memory the Sabbath and let it be a holy day.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862`Remember the Sabbath-day to sanctify it;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Remember that thou keep holy the sabbath day.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Remember the sabbath day to hallow it.
Context
Following the commands concerning God's name, this verse introduces the fourth commandment, which shifts to the practice of worship and time. It marks the transition to the vertical relationship between God and His people in terms of their weekly rhythm. This command establishes a pattern of life that reflects God's own creative work, providing a regular opportunity for the Israelites to honor Him and reflect on His provision, before moving to commands related to human relationships.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Genesis 2:3
And God blessed the seventh day, and hallowed it; because that in it he rested from all his work which God had created and made.
- Leviticus 23:3
Six days shall work be done: but on the seventh day is a sabbath of solemn rest, a holy convocation; ye shall do no manner of work: it is a sabbath unto Jehovah in all your dwellings.
- Exodus 16:23
And he said unto them, This is that which Jehovah hath spoken, To-morrow is a solemn rest, a holy sabbath unto Jehovah: bake that which ye will bake, and boil that which ye will boil; and all that remaineth over lay up for you to be kept until the morning.
- Leviticus 19:30
Ye shall keep my sabbaths, and reverence my sanctuary: I am Jehovah.
- Leviticus 19:3
Ye shall fear every man his mother, and his father; and ye shall keep my sabbaths: I am Jehovah your God.
- Exodus 23:12
Six days thou shalt do thy work, and on the seventh day thou shalt rest; that thine ox and thine ass may have rest, and the son of thy handmaid, and the sojourner, may be refreshed.
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