The Sabbath, according to the Bible, is a day set apart for rest and spiritual focus. Scripture clearly outlines several activities that are prohibited, including working for profit, buying or selling, cooking, gathering food, and carrying loads. These restrictions are meant to help you step away from the busyness of everyday life and intentionally rest, just as God did after creation. The goal isn’t to burden you with rules but to free you from constant labor and give space for reflection, worship, and connection with God.
Understanding what the Bible actually says about Sabbath-keeping can help you honor the day with clarity and purpose. Whether you’re new to observing the Sabbath or looking to realign your practice with Scripture, it’s worth exploring what’s allowed, what’s not, and—most importantly—why it all matters. Keep reading for a deeper dive into the key verses, examples, and timeless principles behind true Sabbath rest.
If you’ve ever wondered what the Bible actually says you can’t do on the Sabbath, you’re not alone. There’s a lot of confusion about Sabbath rules—what’s allowed, what’s not, and where the line is drawn. This article breaks it all down clearly and simply, using the Bible as the main source.
Whether you observe the Sabbath as a Christian or are just curious about biblical laws, you’ll get a full, straightforward explanation here.
What Is the Sabbath?
Let’s start with the basics. The Sabbath is the seventh day of the week, established by God as a day of rest.
- Genesis 2:2–3 – “By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested… Then God blessed the seventh day and made it holy.”
- Exodus 20:8–10 – “Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy… On it you shall not do any work.”
So the Sabbath is about rest—both spiritual and physical. But what exactly counts as work? That’s where it gets interesting.
What Activities Are Prohibited on the Sabbath?
1. Working for Profit or Labor (Any Occupational Work)
The most repeated prohibition is this: don’t work. But the word “work” doesn’t mean just being busy—it refers to labor tied to your job, income, or productivity.
- Exodus 20:10 – “On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter… nor any foreigner residing in your towns.”
- Jeremiah 17:21–22 – “Do not bring a load out of your houses or do any work on the Sabbath…”
This includes:
- Working at your job
- Running a business
- Farming or physical labor
- Selling goods or services
Bottom line: If it’s something you normally do to earn a living or turn a profit, it’s off-limits on the Sabbath.
2. Carrying or Transporting Loads
One specific kind of “work” mentioned is carrying burdens or loads, especially for business or trade.
- Jeremiah 17:22 – “Do not bring a load out of your houses or do any work, but keep the Sabbath day holy.”
In other words:
- Don’t move your merchandise
- Don’t haul goods to market
- Don’t carry tools or equipment for labor
This wasn’t just about physical effort—it was about resisting the urge to treat the Sabbath like any other day.
3. Buying and Selling
Commercial activity is also prohibited on the Sabbath. This includes buying, selling, and anything tied to exchange or business.
- Nehemiah 10:31 – “When the neighboring peoples bring merchandise or grain to sell on the Sabbath, we will not buy from them on the Sabbath or on any holy day.”
- Nehemiah 13:15–21 – Nehemiah rebukes merchants for selling food and goods on the Sabbath, even threatening to shut the city gates to stop it.
So:
- No shopping
- No online orders
- No selling anything—period
This goes hand-in-hand with the idea of resting from economic activities.
4. Kindling Fire for Cooking or Work
Here’s one that surprises many people: don’t kindle a fire.
- Exodus 35:3 – “Do not light a fire in any of your dwellings on the Sabbath day.”
At the time, lighting a fire was hard work—gathering wood, sparking a flame, maintaining it. Today, it raises questions about:
- Cooking on the Sabbath
- Starting a fire for warmth
- Using appliances (if they generate heat)
Note: While some interpret this literally, others see it as tied to labor-intensive activities. Interpretations vary among Jewish and Christian groups.
5. Gathering Food or Resources
Another clear command: don’t gather food or supplies.
- Exodus 16:26–27 – God instructed the Israelites to gather double the manna on the sixth day, because none would fall on the seventh. When some tried anyway, they were rebuked.
What this means:
- No harvesting
- No foraging
- No preparing meals from scratch
The idea is to prepare in advance so that the Sabbath is free from labor—even domestic chores like cooking or food gathering.
6. Traveling Long Distances
While the Bible doesn’t outright ban travel on the Sabbath, there are restrictions suggested by tradition and implied in Scripture.
- Exodus 16:29 – “Let no one go out of his place on the seventh day.”
- Acts 1:12 – Mentions a “Sabbath day’s journey,” which was about 2,000 cubits (~0.6 miles or 1 km).
Takeaway:
- Avoid long trips or journeys
- Stay close to home or place of worship
This isn’t about being immobile—it’s about resting from life’s usual hustle.
What Is Allowed on the Sabbath?
It’s not all about restriction. Jesus clarified the Sabbath isn’t just about rules—it’s about restoration.
- Mark 2:27 – “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.”
You can:
- Do good – Jesus healed on the Sabbath (Luke 13:10–17), showing that acts of mercy and compassion are allowed.
- Rest and worship – Gathering with others to read Scripture, pray, and reflect is fully in line with Sabbath purpose.
- Spend time with family and God – The Sabbath is ideal for reconnecting spiritually and relationally.
Why Does This Matter Today?
Even if you’re not under Old Testament law, the Sabbath principle still holds value:
- Rest matters – Physically, emotionally, and spiritually, you need a break.
- God modeled it – If God rested after creating the world, shouldn’t we?
- It creates space for worship – Without the noise of everyday tasks, you can truly refocus.
Quick Summary: What’s Prohibited?
| Activity | Prohibited? | Reference |
| Working a job or business | ✅ Yes | Exodus 20:10 |
| Buying or selling | ✅ Yes | Nehemiah 10:31 |
| Carrying loads for work | ✅ Yes | Jeremiah 17:21 |
| Cooking or lighting fires | ✅ Yes | Exodus 35:3 |
| Gathering food/resources | ✅ Yes | Exodus 16:26 |
| Long-distance travel | ⚠️ Limited | Exodus 16:29, Acts 1:12 |
| Doing good/helping others | ❌ No | Luke 13:10 |
Final Thoughts
The Sabbath isn’t just about avoiding work—it’s about embracing rest. God gave it as a gift, not a burden. If you’re trying to honor it, focus less on the rules and more on the reason. Let go of what ties you to busyness, and lean into worship, peace, and simplicity.
Remember: “If you call the Sabbath a delight… then you will find your joy in the Lord.” (Isaiah 58:13–14)
That’s what the Sabbath is really about.
10 FAQs: What Activities Are Prohibited on the Sabbath According to the Bible?
- What does the Bible mean by “work” on the Sabbath?
Work refers to labor tied to earning a living, such as running a business, farming, or performing any job-related tasks. It also includes activities like carrying loads, preparing food from scratch, or gathering supplies (Exodus 20:10; Jeremiah 17:21). - Is cooking allowed on the Sabbath according to the Bible?
No, cooking is not allowed. Exodus 35:3 forbids kindling a fire, which was traditionally needed for cooking. The Israelites were told to prepare meals in advance (Exodus 16:23). - Can I buy or sell things on the Sabbath?
No. Nehemiah 10:31 clearly states that buying or selling on the Sabbath is prohibited. The Sabbath is a day to pause from commercial activities. - Am I allowed to clean my house or do chores on the Sabbath?
Routine chores like cleaning, organizing, or laundry fall under the category of work and are best avoided. The Sabbath is meant for rest and spiritual renewal. - Can I travel on the Sabbath?
Long-distance travel is discouraged. In Exodus 16:29, people were told to stay in their place. A “Sabbath day’s journey” (about 0.6 miles) is referenced in Acts 1:12 as a traditional limit. - Is helping someone in need allowed on the Sabbath?
Yes. Jesus showed that acts of mercy, healing, and doing good are permitted on the Sabbath (Luke 13:10–17). These align with the spirit of the day. - Are we still required to keep the Sabbath today?
While Christians debate this, many believe the Sabbath principle still applies: God designed it for human benefit (Mark 2:27). The specific rules may differ, but rest and worship remain important. - Can I watch TV or use electronics on the Sabbath?
The Bible doesn’t mention modern technology, but if it distracts from rest, worship, or spiritual focus, it may not align with the purpose of the Sabbath. - Can children play or do activities on the Sabbath?
Resting doesn’t mean inactivity. Children can play, but families are encouraged to focus the day on peaceful, God-centered activities. - What’s the main reason God prohibits these activities on the Sabbath?
God wants us to stop working, reflect, and reconnect with Him. The Sabbath is a gift of rest, not a list of burdensome rules (Isaiah 58:13–14).
