Keep the sabbath day to sanctify it, as the LORD thy God hath commanded thee.

DEUTERONOMY 5:12KJV
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Deuteronomy 5:12 (KJV)

What does Deuteronomy 5:12 mean?

Deuteronomy 5:12 instructs the people to keep the Sabbath day set apart as special, just as God commanded them. This means treating the seventh day as different from the others, focusing on its purpose as directed by God.

In this verse, Moses is speaking to the Israelites as they prepare to enter the land promised to them. He is repeating and explaining the Ten Commandments, reminding them of God’s instructions at Mount Sinai. The command to "keep" the Sabbath emphasizes careful attention and respect for this day, highlighting its importance in Israel’s relationship with God.

The Hebrew behind Deuteronomy 5:12

  • "Keep" (שָׁמַר, shamar) means to guard, watch over, or pay careful attention. This word suggests more than just following a rule; it calls for active, intentional effort to observe the Sabbath.
  • "Sanctify" (קָדַשׁ, qadash) means to make something holy or set it apart for a special purpose. Here, it stresses that the Sabbath is not just a day off, but a day with a unique, God-given role.
  • "Sabbath" (שַׁבָּת, shabbat) refers specifically to the seventh day, a day of rest that is rooted in the creation story and God’s own rest.

Why Deuteronomy 5:12 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the Sabbath is not just a tradition but a direct command from God, meant to be observed with care and intention.
  • By using words like "keep" and "sanctify," the verse highlights both the responsibility and the special status of the Sabbath, not just as a day off but as a day set apart for God.
  • Deuteronomy 5:12 connects the Sabbath command to the larger context of covenant faithfulness, showing its ongoing role in shaping Israel’s identity and relationship with God.

Where else these words appear

“sabbath” Hebrew H7676 · used in 89 verses

  • Exodus 16:23 And he said unto them, This is that which the LORD hath said, To morrow is the rest of the holy sabbath unto the LORD: bake that which ye will bake to day, and seethe that ye will seethe; and that which remaineth over lay up for you to be kept until the morning.
  • Leviticus 26:35 As long as it lieth desolate it shall rest; because it did not rest in your sabbaths, when ye dwelt upon it.
  • Nehemiah 13:22 And I commanded the Levites that they should cleanse themselves, and that they should come and keep the gates, to sanctify the sabbath day. Remember me, O my God, concerning this also, and spare me according to the greatness of thy mercy.