It is a sign between me and the children of Israel for ever: for in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, and on the seventh day he rested, and was refreshed.

EXODUS 31:17KJV
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Exodus 31:17 (KJV)

What does Exodus 31:17 mean?

Exodus 31:17 says that the Sabbath is a lasting sign between God and the people of Israel, reminding them that God created everything in six days and rested on the seventh, being refreshed. This verse connects the Sabbath directly to God’s own pattern of work and rest in creation, making it a unique marker of Israel’s relationship with God.

In this verse, God is speaking to Moses on Mount Sinai, giving instructions about the Sabbath as part of the covenant with Israel. The verse emphasizes that the Sabbath is not just a rule but a sign (a visible reminder) of the special bond between God and Israel. The mention of God being “refreshed” after resting highlights the completeness and satisfaction of His creative work, setting an example for Israel to follow.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 31:17

  • The word “sign” (אוֹת, ’ot) means a visible marker or symbol. Here, it shows that the Sabbath is meant to be a public, ongoing reminder of the covenant between God and Israel.
  • “Rested” (שָׁבַת, shavat) means to cease or stop working. This word is the root of “Sabbath” and points to the idea of stopping regular work, not just physical rest.
  • “Refreshed” (וַיִּנָּפַשׁ, vayinnafash) comes from a word meaning to breathe or be revived. This adds a sense of renewal or restoration, showing that the Sabbath is meant for refreshment, not just inactivity.
  • “For ever” (לְעוֹלָם, le‘olam) means for a long duration or perpetually. This underlines that the Sabbath is intended as a permanent sign, not a temporary one.

Why Exodus 31:17 matters

  • Exodus 31:17 clarifies that the Sabbath is more than a day off; it is a sign of Israel’s unique relationship with God, rooted in creation itself.
  • The verse connects the Sabbath command to God’s own actions, showing that rest is built into the fabric of creation, not just a human need.
  • By describing God as being “refreshed,” Exodus 31:17 emphasizes that the Sabbath is meant for renewal, helping to correct the idea that it is only about restrictions or legalism.

Where else these words appear

“refreshed” Hebrew H5314 · used in 3 verses

  • 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 rest, and the son of thy handmaid, and the stranger, may be refreshed.
  • 2 Samuel 16:14 And the king, and all the people that were with him, came weary, and refreshed themselves there.

“rested” Hebrew H7673 · used in 67 verses

  • Genesis 2:2 And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made.
  • Nehemiah 4:11 And our adversaries said, They shall not know, neither see, till we come in the midst among them, and slay them, and cause the work to cease.
  • Jeremiah 48:35 Moreover I will cause to cease in Moab, saith the LORD, him that offereth in the high places, and him that burneth incense to his gods.

“sign” Hebrew H226 · used in 77 verses

  • Genesis 1:14 And God said, Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days, and years:
  • Deuteronomy 4:34 Or hath God assayed to go and take him a nation from the midst of another nation, by temptations, by signs, and by wonders, and by war, and by a mighty hand, and by a stretched out arm, and by great terrors, according to all that the LORD your God did for you in Egypt before your eyes?
  • Psalms 65:8 They also that dwell in the uttermost parts are afraid at thy tokens: thou makest the outgoings of the morning and evening to rejoice.

“seventh” Hebrew H7637 · used in 94 verses

  • Genesis 2:2 And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made.
  • Leviticus 23:24 Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, In the seventh month, in the first day of the month, shall ye have a sabbath, a memorial of blowing of trumpets, an holy convocation.
  • 1 Kings 18:44 And it came to pass at the seventh time, that he said, Behold, there ariseth a little cloud out of the sea, like a man's hand. And he said, Go up, say unto Ahab, Prepare thy chariot, and get thee down, that the rain stop thee not.