Keeping the Sabbath holy means more than just taking a day off—it’s about setting aside intentional time to rest, worship, and reconnect with God. Biblically, the Sabbath was established by God Himself as a day of rest on the seventh day, meant to refresh both body and soul. It’s a commandment to stop working and focus on God, a rhythm built into creation for your benefit, not a burdensome rule. Jesus didn’t abolish the Sabbath; He clarified that it’s meant to bring blessing and freedom, not legalism.
Understanding and practicing Sabbath-keeping today involves pausing your daily grind, prioritizing spiritual rest, and delighting in God’s presence. Whether you observe it on Saturday or another day, the principle remains the same: rest in God’s provision and enjoy the peace that comes from trusting Him. Keep reading for a deeper dive into how to practically honor the Sabbath and experience its full blessing in your life.
If you’ve ever wondered what it actually means to “keep the Sabbath holy,” you’re not alone. A lot of people know the phrase, but few understand its depth, especially from a biblical perspective. Let’s clear that up.
What Is the Sabbath?
The Sabbath is a day of rest that God set apart at the beginning of creation. Genesis 2:2-3 says:
“By the seventh day God had finished the work He had been doing; so on the seventh day He rested from all His work. Then God blessed the seventh day and made it holy…”
That’s the foundation. God worked for six days and rested on the seventh—not because He was tired, but to set an example.
The word Sabbath comes from the Hebrew word Shabbat, which means “to cease” or “to rest.” It’s not just about physical rest—it’s a spiritual pause too.
Commanded by God
Fast forward to Exodus 20:8-11—the Ten Commandments. God says:
“Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God.”
Here, it’s not a suggestion. It’s the fourth commandment, and the longest one. God didn’t just say “rest,” He said to keep it holy.
So what does that mean?
What Does “Keeping It Holy” Actually Mean?
To keep something holy means to set it apart for a special purpose. The Sabbath is supposed to be different from every other day. It’s a time dedicated to God—not just downtime.
Here’s what keeping the Sabbath holy includes:
- Ceasing from work – That means no labor, business, or routine hustle (Exodus 20:10).
- Resting – Mentally, physically, spiritually.
- Worshiping God – It’s a day focused on your relationship with Him.
- Delighting in the Lord – Isaiah 58:13-14 says to “call the Sabbath a delight and the holy day of the Lord honorable.”
Sabbath in the Old Testament
In the Old Testament, Sabbath observance was taken very seriously. So seriously that breaking it could result in death (Exodus 31:14-15). It was a sign of the covenant between God and Israel (Exodus 31:16-17).
People weren’t even allowed to gather firewood on the Sabbath (Numbers 15:32-36). It wasn’t just about rules—it was about obedience and trust in God’s provision.
What About Jesus and the Sabbath?
Jesus didn’t get rid of the Sabbath. But He redefined what it had become.
In His time, religious leaders added burdensome rules to Sabbath-keeping—how far you could walk, what you could carry, and more. Jesus pushed back on that.
In Mark 2:27, He says:
“The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.”
He healed people on the Sabbath (Luke 13:10-17), plucked grain (Matthew 12:1-8), and showed that the Sabbath was meant to bless people, not burden them.
So He didn’t cancel the Sabbath—He reminded everyone of its original purpose: rest and relationship with God.
What Day Is the Sabbath?
Biblically, the Sabbath is the seventh day of the week—Saturday.
That’s clear from Genesis and the Jewish calendar. From sunset Friday to sunset Saturday, traditional Sabbath observance takes place.
Some Christians now worship on Sunday, the first day of the week, because that’s when Jesus rose from the dead (Mark 16:2). But biblically speaking, the Sabbath hasn’t changed.
Colossians 2:16 reminds us not to let others judge us about Sabbath observance, suggesting some flexibility. But the principle of Sabbath rest still stands.
Is Keeping the Sabbath Still Required Today?
That depends on your theology, but here’s a balanced biblical view:
- The Sabbath isn’t a requirement for salvation (Ephesians 2:8-9).
- It’s a spiritual rhythm built into creation.
- Jesus fulfilled the law (Matthew 5:17), but He didn’t abolish rest, worship, or the principle of Sabbath.
If God Himself took a Sabbath, and Jesus honored it, why wouldn’t we?
Hebrews 4:9-10 says:
“There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; for anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from their works, just as God did from His.”
That means Sabbath isn’t just a law—it’s an invitation.
What Sabbath-Keeping Looks Like Today
So how do you keep the Sabbath holy today, practically speaking?
Here’s a simple guide:
1. Pick a Day
- Traditionally, it’s Saturday. But if your schedule’s different, choose any consistent day for rest and worship.
2. Stop Working
- No job stuff. No house chores. Turn off email. Take a break from productivity.
3. Rest Your Body and Mind
- Sleep in. Go for a walk. Reflect. Let your mind recharge.
4. Focus on God
- Read the Bible. Pray. Worship. Go to church or have a home devotion.
5. Do What Refreshes Your Soul
- Spend time with loved ones. Enjoy nature. Journal. Sabbath isn’t lazy time—it’s soul care.
Sabbath Isn’t Legalism. It’s Freedom.
Here’s the truth: the Sabbath isn’t about rules—it’s about rhythm.
It’s not about proving your devotion to God—it’s about accepting His gift of rest.
Jesus said in Matthew 11:28:
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
That’s the heart of the Sabbath. You don’t have to earn it. You just receive it.
Final Thoughts: The Sabbath Is Still Relevant
To keep the Sabbath holy means more than taking a nap or skipping work. It means setting aside time to reconnect with God, to rest from your work, and to remind yourself that life doesn’t depend on constant hustle.
Here’s a recap:
- God created the Sabbath for your benefit
- Keeping it holy means setting it apart for rest and worship
- Jesus affirmed the Sabbath, not canceled it
- The Sabbath reminds you that God is in control, not your calendar
So give yourself permission to stop. Rest. Worship. Be still. That’s how you keep the Sabbath holy.
“Be still, and know that I am God.” — Psalm 46:10
That’s Sabbath in a sentence.
FAQs: Keeping the Sabbath Holy: What That Really Means Biblically
- What does keeping the Sabbath holy really mean biblically?
Keeping the Sabbath holy means setting the seventh day apart for rest and worship, ceasing from work, and focusing on your relationship with God, just as commanded in the Bible. - Why did God create the Sabbath?
God created the Sabbath to provide a regular time for rest and spiritual renewal, modeled after His own rest on the seventh day of creation (Genesis 2:2-3). - Is keeping the Sabbath still required today?
While the Sabbath isn’t a requirement for salvation, it remains a valuable spiritual practice and rhythm for rest and worship that God invites all believers to observe (Hebrews 4:9-10). - Which day is the biblical Sabbath?
The biblical Sabbath is the seventh day of the week, Saturday, from sunset Friday to sunset Saturday, according to the Old Testament and Jewish tradition. - Did Jesus keep the Sabbath?
Yes, Jesus observed the Sabbath and emphasized its original purpose—to bless and rest people—while correcting legalistic abuses of the law (Mark 2:27). - Can I keep the Sabbath on a day other than Saturday?
While the traditional Sabbath is Saturday, many Christians observe a day of rest and worship on Sunday or another day that fits their life, focusing on the principle rather than the exact day. - What activities are allowed on the Sabbath?
The Bible encourages ceasing from work, resting physically and spiritually, worshiping God, and enjoying activities that refresh your soul and deepen your faith. - Is Sabbath-keeping legalistic?
No. Keeping the Sabbath isn’t about legalism; it’s about accepting God’s gift of rest and setting time apart for renewal and worship. - How can I practically keep the Sabbath holy today?
You can keep the Sabbath holy by stopping work, resting your body and mind, focusing on prayer and worship, and spending quality time with God and loved ones. - What is the spiritual benefit of keeping the Sabbath holy?
Keeping the Sabbath holy helps you trust God’s provision, reduces stress, renews your spirit, and strengthens your relationship with Him, reflecting the rest God Himself took.
