שַׁבָּת (shab.bat)
shab.bat
Sabbath
H:N-FQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 69 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-F
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun shabbat denotes a period of rest or intermission, specifically referring to the seventh day of the week set apart for cessation from labor. Its root conveys the idea of ceasing, and in Scripture it appears most frequently in Exodus and Leviticus as the weekly rhythm established by God at creation and reaffirmed in the Decalogue (Exodus 20:8-11). It is not merely a pause but a holy interruption of the normal work cycle, marking time as belonging to the divine.
While primarily the seventh day, the word also extends to other cycles of rest. It designates the Day of Atonement in Leviticus 23:32 as a "sabbath of solemn rest," and it refers to the sabbatical year in Leviticus 25:4, when the land itself was commanded to observe a yearly sabbath by lying fallow. This broader usage highlights that the concept applies to both human schedules and agricultural cycles.
Translators consistently render shabbat as "Sabbath," preserving its proper noun status in English to signal its unique theological weight. The term carries significant covenantal importance, appearing in phrases like "my Sabbaths" (Exodus 31:13) to emphasize the relationship between God and Israel. Its repetition in prophetic texts, such as Isaiah 56:2, underscores its role as a sign of fidelity to the covenant.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word shabbat points to a rhythm where work pauses and God’s presence takes center stage. It is not simply a break from labor, but a holy interruption that reminds us time belongs to Him. In Exodus 20:11, we see this rooted in creation itself: God rested on the seventh day, blessing it and making it holy. This pattern invites us to trust that our worth is not defined by what we produce, but by whose we are.
Observing this rest can feel challenging in a culture that values constant productivity. Yet, stepping back offers a chance to realign our hearts with divine priorities. Whether viewed as a weekly day of cessation or a sabbatical year for the land, the concept emphasizes renewal and dependence on God’s provision. It is an invitation to experience peace rather than striving.
For many believers, this rhythm fosters a deeper sense of community and spiritual refreshment. By setting aside time for rest, we acknowledge that life is a gift sustained by grace. This practice helps us remember that God cares for our well-being, offering a space where we can simply be in His presence without the pressure to perform.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 69 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- the/ sabbath35×
- sabbaths/ my5×
- a sabbath of5×
- sabbaths/ its4×
- a sabbath4×
- [is] a sabbath4×
- <of> the/ sabbath4×
- sabbath3×
- on the/ sabbath3×
- for the/ sabbaths3×
- [the] sabbath3×
- and/ sabbath2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- הַ/שַּׁבָּ֔ת12×
- הַ/שַּׁבָּ֑ת9×
- שַׁבָּ֖ת4×
- שַׁבַּ֨ת3×
- שַׁבַּ֥ת3×
- שַׁבְּתֹ֣ת3×
- הַ/שַּׁבָּֽת\׃3×
- הַ/שַּׁבָּ֗ת3×
- שַׁבָּת֙2×
- שַׁבָּ֥ת2×
- שַׁבָּ֖֣ת\׀2×
- שַׁבַּ֤ת2×
Key Verses
-
Exodus 20:11
for in six days Yahweh made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested the seventh day; therefore Yahweh blessed the Sabbath day, and made it holy.
This verse grounds the Sabbath in creation history, showing that rest is part of God's original design for humanity.
-
Exodus 31:13
“Speak also to the children of Israel, saying, ‘Most certainly you shall keep my Sabbaths; for it is a sign between me and you throughout your generations, that you may know that I am Yahweh who sanctifies you.
Here the Sabbath is described as a sign between God and Israel, highlighting its role in defining their covenant relationship.
-
Leviticus 25:4
but in the seventh year there shall be a Sabbath of solemn rest for the land, a Sabbath to Yahweh. You shall not sow your field or prune your vineyard.
This application extends the concept of rest to the land itself, demonstrating that creation also participates in God's rhythm of renewal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Hebrew word shabbat mean?
Is the Sabbath only for humans?
Why is the Sabbath called a sign?
Every Occurrence (69 verses across 12 books)
Exodus 13 verses
He said to them, “This is that which Yahweh has spoken, ‘Tomorrow is a solemn rest, a holy Sabbath to Yahweh. Bake that…
Exodus 16:25Moses said, “Eat that today, for today is a Sabbath to Yahweh. Today you shall not find it in the field.
Exodus 16:26Six days you shall gather it, but on the seventh day is the Sabbath. In it there shall be none.”
Exodus 16:29Behold, because Yahweh has given you the Sabbath, therefore he gives you on the sixth day the bread of two days.…
Exodus 20:8“Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.
Exodus 20:10but the seventh day is a Sabbath to Yahweh your God. You shall not do any work in it, you, nor your son, nor your…
Exodus 20:11for in six days Yahweh made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested the seventh day; therefore…
Exodus 31:13“Speak also to the children of Israel, saying, ‘Most certainly you shall keep my Sabbaths; for it is a sign between me…
Exodus 31:14You shall keep the Sabbath therefore, for it is holy to you. Everyone who profanes it shall surely be put to death; for…
Exodus 31:15Six days shall work be done, but on the seventh day is a Sabbath of solemn rest, holy to Yahweh. Whoever does any work…
Exodus 31:16Therefore the children of Israel shall keep the Sabbath, to observe the Sabbath throughout their generations, for a…
Exodus 35:2‘Six days shall work be done, but on the seventh day there shall be a holy day for you, a Sabbath of solemn rest to…
Exodus 35:3You shall kindle no fire throughout your habitations on the Sabbath day.’”