Devine Scripture

Genesis 2:3

What does Genesis 2:3 mean?

A plain-English look at Genesis 2:3 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Genesis 2:3 means

God's blessing and hallowing of the seventh day elevate it above the other days, marking it as sacred and distinct. This act establishes the principle of a specific time set apart for rest and communion with God, rooted in His own example. It's not merely a cessation of work, but a divine endorsement of a rhythm of life that includes both labor and sacred leisure. This divine pronouncement infuses the seventh day with spiritual significance, making it a perpetual reminder of God's finished work and His provision for His creation.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And God gave his blessing to the seventh day and made it holy: because on that day he took his rest from all the work which he had made and done.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And God blesseth the seventh day, and sanctifieth it, for in it He hath ceased from all His work which God had prepared for making.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And he blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

AndGod blessed the seventh day, and hallowed it, because that on it he rested from all his work whichGod had created in making it.

Context

Building on God's rest in verse 2, this verse specifies the theological importance of the seventh day. It transitions from merely stating God rested to explaining the divine sanctification of that day, linking it directly to the completion of creation. This explanation is essential for grasping the foundational purpose of the Sabbath, foreshadowing its later institution as a commandment for humanity.

v.2And on the seventh day God finished his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made.

v.3This passage

v.4These are the generations of the heavens and of the earth when they were created, in the day that Jehovah God made earth and heaven.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Hebrews 4:4

    For he hath said somewhere of the seventh day on this wise, And God rested on the seventh day from all his works;

  • Exodus 34:21

    Six days thou shalt work, but on the seventh day thou shalt rest: in plowing time and in harvest thou shalt rest.

  • Proverbs 10:22

    The blessing of Jehovah, it maketh rich; And he addeth no sorrow therewith.

  • Exodus 16:22

    And it came to pass, that on the sixth day they gathered twice as much bread, two omers for each one: and all the rulers of the congregation came and told Moses.

  • Exodus 35:2

    Six days shall work be done; but on the seventh day there shall be to you a holy day, a sabbath of solemn rest to Jehovah: whosoever doeth any work therein shall be put to death.

  • Ezekiel 20:12

    Moreover also I gave them my sabbaths, to be a sign between me and them, that they might know that I am Jehovah that sanctifieth them.

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