σάββατον (sabbaton)
sabbaton
Sabbath
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 62 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The word sabbaton refers to the seventh day of the week, a time set apart for rest and worship in Jewish tradition. It enters Greek from Aramaic, where the plural form was originally used. Greek speakers misinterpreted this plural as a singular noun, creating the form we see in the New Testament. This linguistic shift highlights how the concept moved from its Hebrew roots into the broader Greco-Roman world.
In Scripture, sabbaton carries two distinct meanings depending on context. Most often, it denotes the specific day of rest itself, as when Jesus heals a man with a withered hand on the Sabbath (Mark 3:1-5). However, it can also mean "a week" or a seven-day period. This secondary meaning appears in phrases like "the first day of the week," marking the time of the resurrection (Matthew 28:1) and the early church’s gathering for breaking bread (Acts 20:7).
The theological weight of this word centers on authority and mercy. Jesus declares Himself Lord of the Sabbath, redefining its purpose not as a burden but as a gift for human benefit (Mark 2:27-28). The Gospels frequently highlight conflicts over Sabbath observance, revealing a tension between strict legal interpretation and the deeper intent of compassion and life that the day was meant to foster.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word sabbaton points to a rhythm of rest that God designed for human well-being. In the New Testament, Jesus redefines this day not as a heavy list of restrictions, but as a gift intended for life and mercy. When He heals on the Sabbath or allows His disciples to eat grain, He shows that compassion takes priority over rigid legalism. This reminds us that faith is meant to bring relief, not burden.
For believers today, this concept invites a pause in our busy lives. It encourages us to set aside time for worship and restoration, trusting that God provides the strength we need. Whether viewed as a literal day of rest or a spiritual principle of trust, the Sabbath calls us to remember who is ultimately in control. We find peace when we align our pace with His grace.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 62 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Sabbath25×
- Sabbaths13×
- week4×
- Sabbath.4×
- of [the] week2×
- Sabbaths.2×
- Sabbath?2×
- Sabbath,2×
- Sabbath —2×
- week,1×
- on a Sabbath.1×
- on a Sabbath1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- σαββάτῳ11×
- σάββατον10×
- σάββασιν10×
- σαββάτων10×
- σαββάτου7×
- σάββατον,2×
- σάββασιν.2×
- σαββάτῳ.¶2×
- σαββάτου.¶2×
- σαββάτου,2×
- σάββατόν1×
- σάββατον.1×
Key Verses
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Mark 2:27
He said to them, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.
Jesus states that the Sabbath exists to serve human need, reversing the idea that people exist merely to serve religious rules.
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Matthew 12:8
For the Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath.”
This declaration establishes Jesus' authority over the day, confirming His role as the Lord of the Sabbath.
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Mark 3:4
He said to them, “Is it lawful on the Sabbath day to do good or to do harm? To save a life or to kill?” But they were silent.
Jesus uses this question to highlight that doing good and saving life are consistent with the true purpose of the day.
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Matthew 28:1
Now after the Sabbath, as it began to dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the tomb.
The phrase marks the first day of the week, linking the Sabbath cycle directly to the timing of the resurrection.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does sabbaton mean in the New Testament?
How is sabbaton different from other words for time?
Why do some verses mention the Sabbath in relation to Jesus' death?
Every Occurrence (62 verses across 7 books)
Matthew 9 verses
At that time, Jesus went on the Sabbath day through the grain fields. His disciples were hungry and began to pluck…
Matthew 12:2But the Pharisees, when they saw it, said to him, “Behold, your disciples do what is not lawful to do on the Sabbath.”
Matthew 12:5Or have you not read in the law that on the Sabbath day the priests in the temple profane the Sabbath and are guiltless?
Matthew 12:8For the Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath.”
Matthew 12:10And behold, there was a man with a withered hand. They asked him, “Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath day?” so that…
Matthew 12:11He said to them, “What man is there among you who has one sheep, and if this one falls into a pit on the Sabbath day,…
Matthew 12:12Of how much more value then is a man than a sheep! Therefore it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath day.”
Matthew 24:20Pray that your flight will not be in the winter nor on a Sabbath,
Matthew 28:1Now after the Sabbath, as it began to dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see…