σάββατον

The Greek word *sabbaton* is a transliteration of the Hebrew *shabbat*, meaning ‘cessation’ or ‘rest’. It primarily refers to the seventh day of the week, observed from Friday evening to Saturday evening, as a day of solemn rest and worship, commemorating God’s rest after creation (Exodus 20:11) and Israel’s deliverance from Egyptian bondage (Deuteronomy 5:15). In the New Testament, this term is frequently found in contexts describing Jesus’ activities on the Sabbath, often highlighting controversies with Jewish leaders regarding its proper observance. Jesus frequently healed on the Sabbath, emphasizing that acts of mercy and relieving suffering were lawful and even commendable, illustrating that "the Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath" (Mark 2:27).

The Sabbath was a foundational institution in Judaism, a sign of the covenant between God and Israel (Ezekiel 20:12). It involved abstaining from work and engaging in spiritual activities like synagogue attendance. However, over time, various interpretations and traditions developed regarding what constituted "work" on the Sabbath, leading to a complex system of regulations. This is evident in the New Testament accounts where Jesus is challenged for actions like his disciples plucking grain or his own acts of healing.

Beyond referring to the specific day of the week, *sabbaton* can also describe the entire week, particularly in phrases like "first day of the week." This usage is seen in the accounts of the resurrection of Jesus, which occurred "the first day of the week" (Mark 16:2). In Acts, the term often appears in descriptions of early Christian and Jewish practices, such as Paul reasoning in the synagogue every Sabbath. While deeply rooted in Jewish tradition, the New Testament introduces a new theological dimension to the concept of rest, ultimately finding its fulfillment in Christ.