שַׁבָּתוֹן (shab.ba.ton)
shab.ba.ton
sabbath observance
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 10 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The noun shabbaton refers to a day of complete rest or cessation, extending the concept of the weekly Sabbath to other sacred times in Israel’s calendar. It is not limited to the seventh day but applies whenever the law requires a holy pause from labor. The sources indicate it appears ten times in the Hebrew Bible, primarily within the legal codes of Exodus and Leviticus.
This term carries a broad range of specific applications. It designates the weekly Sabbath, but also the solemn rest of the Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16:31), the sabbatical year when the land itself rests (Leviticus 25:4), and the special convocations of the Feast of Trumpets and the first and last days of Tabernacles. In each case, shabbaton marks a time set apart for holy stillness.
Etymologically, it derives from the root shavat, meaning to cease or desist. The word emphasizes the state of rest itself rather than just the action of stopping. Translators often render it simply as "Sabbath" or "rest," but the Hebrew carries the weight of a commanded pause that sanctifies time, reminding Israel that their security comes from God, not from constant toil.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word shabbaton points to more than just taking a day off; it describes a commanded pause that sanctifies time. In the Hebrew Bible, this term marks moments when work ceases entirely, whether on the weekly seventh day or during specific festivals like the Day of Atonement. It reminds us that our security does not come from constant toil, but from trusting in God’s provision.
When we encounter this concept in Scripture, we see a pattern of holy stillness. Exodus 16:23 illustrates this with the gathering of manna, where preparation was completed so that rest could be kept. This rhythm invites us to step away from our daily labors and remember that God is the source of our sustenance. It is an invitation to trust rather than strive.
Ultimately, shabbaton teaches us that rest is a gift, not a reward for productivity. By observing these pauses, we acknowledge that life belongs to God. This practice helps us find peace in His presence, freeing us from the pressure to control every outcome through our own efforts.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 10 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- sabbath observance7×
- a sabbath observance4×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- שַׁבָּתוֹן֙2×
- שַׁבָּת֥וֹן2×
- שַׁבָּת֖וֹן2×
- שַׁבָּת֔וֹן2×
- שַׁבָּתֽוֹן\׃1×
- שַׁבָּת֧וֹן1×
- שַׁבָּת֛וֹן1×
Key Verses
-
Exodus 16:23
He said to them, “This is that which Yahweh has spoken, ‘Tomorrow is a solemn rest, a holy Sabbath to Yahweh. Bake that which you want to bake, and boil that which you want to boil; and all that remains over lay up for yourselves to be kept until the morning.’”
This verse shows the practical application of shabbaton before the Law was given at Sinai, demonstrating that holy rest was understood as a divine command to cease work and trust in God's daily provision.
-
Leviticus 16:31
It is a Sabbath of solemn rest to you, and you shall afflict your souls. It is a statute forever.
Here shabbaton is linked with afflicting one's soul, indicating that this solemn rest on the Day of Atonement involved both physical cessation and spiritual humility before God.
-
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.
The term extends beyond human rest to include the land itself, showing that shabbaton is a comprehensive pause where even agricultural work ceases to honor Yahweh's ownership of the earth.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does shabbaton mean in the Bible?
Is shabbaton only about the weekly Sabbath?
How is shabbaton different from regular rest?
Every Occurrence (10 verses across 2 books)
Exodus 3 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 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 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…