Exodus 20:8 - Printer Friendly

What does Exodus 20:8 mean?

ESV: "Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.

NIV: "Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.

NASB: Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.

CSB: Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy:

NLT: Remember to observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.

KJV: Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy.

NKJV: “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.

Verse Commentary:

The first three commandments (Exodus 19:5–6; 20:1) prohibited Israel from worshipping other gods (Exodus 20:2–3), creating idols (Exodus 20:4–6), and disrespecting the name of the Lord (Exodus 20:7). The fourth commandment is probably the most misunderstood and misapplied of the initial ten. God instructs Israel to observe a one-day period of rest every seven days (Exodus 20:9–11) on the last day of the week. This is called a sabbāt or "Sabbath" day. On that day, the Israelites are to refrain from all non-necessary work. This general idea was introduced when God provided the people with manna (Exodus 16:14–16, 22–23).

One misinterpretation of this rule mistakes God's intent. His goal was not to enforce strict boundaries on physical actions for their own sake. Nor did He mean that common sense priorities (Matthew 12:11–12) or emergencies were less important than avoiding work. The Lord certainly never meant His rules to be applied blindly without good judgment (Matthew 12:3–5; John 7:24). The rest is for man's benefit (Mark 2:27), not punishment. Jesus' earthly critics took an intensely literal, harsh view of this commandment. Many of Jesus' conflicts with religious leaders were tied to their inaccurate view of the Sabbath (Matthew 12:2; Mark 2:24; John 5:10; Colossians 2:16).

Another common mistake is the belief that Christ moved the Sabbath from the seventh day to the first day: from Saturday to Sunday. While Christians traditionally worship on the first day of the week (John 20:1; Acts 20:7; 1 Corinthians 16:2), this is not the Sabbath rest given to Israel. The biblical Sabbath begins Friday at sundown and ends Saturday at sundown. This corresponds to the Lord creating over a period of six "days" (Genesis 2:1–3) and refraining from work on the seventh (Exodus 20:9–11).

Nor was Sabbath-keeping intended to be an instruction for the entire world. The old covenant was fulfilled by Christ (Galatians 4:4–5; Hebrews 8:8–13). That includes the Ten Commandments and other requirements in the law of Moses. These laws were only meant to apply to the nation of Israel. Modern-day believers are not under the old covenant. Nine of the Ten Commandments are repeated in Jesus' teachings; those ideas apply even if their original written form is no longer in effect. The only commandment Jesus does not repeat is the observation of the Sabbath.

Those who teach that Christians are obligated to worship on Saturdays are in error. So are those who insist that all forms of work on a Sabbath—or on a Sunday—are sinful. The concept of rest is still important, but believers are not obligated to keep the Sabbath in any sense (Romans 14:5–6; Colossians 2:16–17).

Sabbath-keeping will feature in an infamous incident about an ancient Israelite gathering sticks (Numbers 15:32–36). The death penalty was warranted in his case because he broke the law with a deliberate intent to defy God's authority (Numbers 15:30–31).

Exodus 20:1–17 contains the Ten Commandments: the foundational laws of the ancient nation of Israel. These provide a basis for every other Mosaic law (2 Chronicles 5:10). The laws prohibit worship of other gods, idolatry, blasphemy, perjury, theft, murder, adultery, and covetousness. They command Israelites to honor parents and observe a weekly Sabbath rest. Like the rest of the old covenant, these commandments will be "fulfilled" and no longer applicable after Christ's completed work (Galatians 4:4–5; Hebrews 8:8–13). However, all these rules, other than the command to observe the Sabbath, are repeated in Christ's teachings.

Chapter Summary:

At Mount Sinai, God begins declaring the laws of His covenant with Israel. The first of these are the Ten Commandments. These establish core principles intended to guide the Lord's chosen people (Deuteronomy 7:6). Further details will come in other chapters and books. This chapter ends with specifics about altars and idols. The following chapters will address various social and civil issues (Exodus 21—23)

Chapter Context:

Centuries after being enslaved in Egypt (Exodus 1), Israel has been freed (Exodus 12). God leads the people across the Red Sea (Exodus 14) and into the wilderness of Sinai (Exodus 17—19). Here, He will give them laws which distinguish them from other nations. The first of these are the renowned Ten Commandments. The Lord will continue to provide details and statutes (Exodus 21—23) before confirming the covenant (Exodus 24) and establishing regulations for the tabernacle and priests (Exodus 25—31).

The book of Exodus establishes God's covenant relationship with the full-fledged nation of Israel. The descendants of Abraham prosper after settling in Egypt, only to be enslaved by a fearful, hateful Egyptian Pharaoh. God appoints Moses to lead the people out of this bondage. Moses serves as God's spokesman, as the Lord brings plagues and judgments on Egypt, leading to the release of Israel.

Accessed 5/17/2025 11:09:00 AM