The Sabbath, rooted in the Ten Commandments, is a day of rest and worship originally observed on the seventh day—Saturday. The Bible outlines clear principles: no work, keep it holy, rest, and gather for worship. These commands weren’t just rules—they were gifts from God, modeled after His own rest during creation and meant to refresh the body and soul. Jesus reinforced the Sabbath’s value, reminding us it was made for our benefit, not as a burden.
While modern Christians debate whether the Sabbath is still required, the core idea remains powerful: regularly pausing to rest, worship, and trust God is essential for spiritual and emotional health. Whether you observe it on Saturday, Sunday, or another day, the goal is the same—honor God and recharge. Keep reading for a deeper dive into what Scripture says, how Jesus approached the Sabbath, and how you can apply it meaningfully today.
If you’ve ever wondered what the Bible really says about the Sabbath, you’re not alone. It’s one of the Ten Commandments, but many people aren’t exactly sure what’s expected—or whether it still applies today. Let’s break it down clearly, using Scripture and practical examples.
What Is the Sabbath?
The word “Sabbath” comes from the Hebrew word Shabbat, which means to cease or rest.
It refers to a day of rest—specifically the seventh day of the week, which in the Jewish calendar is Saturday.
The Commandment
The Sabbath command is found in Exodus 20:8–11:
“Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work…” (ESV)
This isn’t a casual suggestion. It’s the fourth commandment, and it has more explanation than any of the other nine.
Why the Sabbath Matters
God Himself rested on the seventh day after creating the world:
“By the seventh day God had finished the work He had been doing; so on the seventh day He rested from all His work.” – Genesis 2:2
God didn’t rest because He was tired. He rested to set a pattern for us.
Keeping the Sabbath was also a sign of the covenant between God and Israel (Exodus 31:13). It marked them as His people.
The Core Sabbath Rules in the Bible
There are several specific rules and principles for the Sabbath laid out in Scripture. Here’s a breakdown of the major ones.
1. No Work
This is the most repeated rule. You’re to cease all regular work and labor.
- Exodus 20:10 – “On it you shall not do any work.”
- Leviticus 23:3 – “It is a day of Sabbath rest, a day of sacred assembly. You are not to do any work.”
This applied to everyone in the household, including servants, animals, and guests.
What counts as “work”? In the Old Testament, this meant:
- Gathering food (Exodus 16:26)
- Lighting a fire (Exodus 35:3)
- Carrying loads (Jeremiah 17:21)
- Farming and trading (Nehemiah 10:31)
Some Jews later expanded this into 39 categories of “work” (Melachot), like tying knots, writing, or using tools.
2. Rest and Refreshment
The Sabbath wasn’t just about not working—it was about resting.
- Exodus 23:12 – “…so that your ox and your donkey may rest, and the slave born in your household… may be refreshed.”
It’s a day to step back from busyness, relax, and reset.
3. Keep It Holy
The Sabbath is described as “holy”—set apart for God.
- Exodus 20:8 – “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.”
That means it’s not just a day off. It’s a time to focus on God—through worship, prayer, Scripture, or simply quiet reflection.
4. Gather for Worship
Sabbath is a day of sacred assembly.
- Leviticus 23:3 – “…a day of sacred assembly.”
The early Israelites gathered in synagogues. Today, many churches meet on Sunday instead, but the idea of gathering to honor God remains.
Examples from the Bible
Manna in the Wilderness
In Exodus 16, God provided manna for the Israelites. They were told to collect double on the sixth day so they wouldn’t have to gather food on the Sabbath.
The lesson? Plan ahead. Trust God to provide.
Nehemiah Shuts the Gates
In Nehemiah 13:15-22, people were trading goods on the Sabbath. Nehemiah responded by shutting the city gates to protect the day.
He wasn’t being legalistic. He was defending the holiness of something God commanded.
What About Jesus and the Sabbath?
Some people say Jesus abolished the Sabbath. That’s not accurate.
Jesus kept the Sabbath—but He pushed back against legalism.
In Matthew 12:1-12, His disciples picked grain on the Sabbath. The Pharisees complained. Jesus responded:
“The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.” – Mark 2:27
He healed on the Sabbath. He allowed His disciples to eat. His point? The Sabbath isn’t a burden—it’s a gift.
Do Christians Still Need to Keep the Sabbath?
This is a debated topic.
Arguments for Keeping It:
- It’s one of the Ten Commandments.
- God never officially canceled it.
- Hebrews 4 says there “remains a Sabbath-rest for the people of God.”
Arguments Against:
- The New Testament doesn’t command Sabbath-keeping for Christians.
- Paul says we’re not judged by which days we observe (Colossians 2:16).
- The early church met on Sunday to celebrate the resurrection (Acts 20:7).
So, what’s the takeaway?
You’re not under the Law—but the principle of Sabbath rest still matters. You may not follow all the Old Testament rules, but taking regular time to rest, worship, and focus on God is wise and healthy.
How to Apply Sabbath Principles Today
Even if you’re not Jewish, you can honor the Sabbath in spirit. Here’s how:
1. Set Aside One Day a Week
It doesn’t have to be Saturday. Many Christians use Sunday. The goal is a rhythm of rest.
2. Stop Working
That means putting down your phone, closing the laptop, and stepping away from errands or side hustles.
3. Worship and Reflect
Go to church. Read the Bible. Pray. Meditate. Journal. Whatever helps you focus on God.
4. Spend Time With Family and Community
The Sabbath isn’t meant to be lonely. Share meals. Talk. Enjoy each other.
5. Don’t Be Legalistic
Jesus wasn’t. Don’t turn a gift into a rulebook. Rest in God’s grace.
Quick Summary: Biblical Sabbath Rules
| Rule | Description |
| No Work | Rest from labor, commerce, and daily tasks |
| Keep It Holy | Make the day spiritually meaningful |
| Rest & Refresh | Mental, physical, and emotional reset |
| Worship | Sacred assembly and focus on God |
| Trust God | Let go of control and trust in His provision |
Final Thoughts
The Sabbath is about more than rules. It’s a rhythm, a gift, and a reminder that you’re not defined by what you produce. God invites you to rest—not just physically, but spiritually.
You don’t need to follow every Old Testament detail, but honoring the heart of the Sabbath—rest, worship, and trust—is something everyone can benefit from.
So ask yourself: When was the last time you truly rested in God?
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About the Biblical Rules of the Sabbath
1. What are the biblical rules of the Sabbath according to the Ten Commandments?
The biblical rules of the Sabbath, found in Exodus 20:8–11, include resting on the seventh day, doing no work, keeping the day holy, and remembering God’s creation and deliverance. It’s a commandment, not a suggestion.
2. What kind of work is forbidden by the biblical rules of the Sabbath?
According to biblical rules of the Sabbath, work includes tasks like gathering food (Exodus 16), kindling fire (Exodus 35:3), trading (Nehemiah 10:31), and carrying loads (Jeremiah 17:21). The principle is to stop everyday labor and rest.
3. Do the biblical rules of the Sabbath still apply to Christians today?
The biblical rules of the Sabbath are part of the Old Covenant, but the principle of Sabbath rest remains important. While Christians aren’t required to follow Old Testament laws legalistically, resting and worshiping regularly is still valuable.
4. What day should the Sabbath be observed according to the Bible?
The biblical rules of the Sabbath designate the seventh day—Saturday—as the Sabbath. However, many Christians observe Sunday in honor of Christ’s resurrection, applying the principle rather than the exact day.
5. Did Jesus follow the biblical rules of the Sabbath?
Yes, Jesus observed the Sabbath but challenged rigid traditions that missed its purpose. According to the biblical rules of the Sabbath, rest is important, but Jesus clarified that the Sabbath was made for man’s benefit (Mark 2:27).
6. Can I cook or clean on the Sabbath based on the biblical rules?
In Old Testament times, food was prepared in advance (Exodus 16:23). The biblical rules of the Sabbath encouraged planning ahead and avoiding typical work—even household chores—to focus on rest and God.
7. Why is the Sabbath considered holy in the Bible?
The biblical rules of the Sabbath emphasize holiness because God Himself rested and set the day apart (Genesis 2:2–3, Exodus 20:8). It’s not just a break—it’s time dedicated to spiritual renewal and honoring God.
8. What does it mean to “keep the Sabbath holy”?
To keep the Sabbath holy, according to biblical rules, means setting it apart for spiritual purposes. That includes worship, Scripture, rest, and intentionally stepping back from normal routines to focus on God.
9. How do I apply the biblical rules of the Sabbath in modern life?
You can apply the biblical rules of the Sabbath by setting aside a day each week to rest, disconnect from work, spend time with God, attend worship, and recharge. It’s more about the principle than strict rule-following.
10. What’s the main purpose of the biblical rules of the Sabbath?
The purpose of the Sabbath, according to the Bible, is rest, worship, and trust in God. The biblical rules of the Sabbath invite you to pause, reflect, and remember that life is not all about productivity.
