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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Exodus 31:16 The Israelites must keep the Sabbath, celebrating it as a permanent covenant for the generations to come.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/exodus/31-16.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/8/02_Exo_31_16.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Exodus 31:16 - The Sign of the Sabbath" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="The Israelites must keep the Sabbath, celebrating it as a permanent covenant for the generations to come." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script> <script src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/biblehub.js' type='text/javascript'></script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/exodus/31-16.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/exodus/31-16.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/exodus/">Exodus</a> > <a href="/exodus/31.htm">Chapter 31</a> > Verse 16</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad1.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/exodus/31-15.htm" title="Exodus 31:15">◄</a> Exodus 31:16 <a href="/exodus/31-17.htm" title="Exodus 31:17">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Study Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Crossref </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Hebrew </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/exodus/31.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/exodus/31.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />The Israelites are to observe the Sabbath, celebrating it for the generations to come as a lasting covenant.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/exodus/31.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />The people of Israel must keep the Sabbath day by observing it from generation to generation. This is a covenant obligation for all time.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/exodus/31.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Therefore the people of Israel shall keep the Sabbath, observing the Sabbath throughout their generations, as a covenant forever.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/exodus/31.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />The Israelites must keep the Sabbath, celebrating it as a permanent covenant for the generations to come.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/exodus/31.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Wherefore the children of Israel shall keep the sabbath, to observe the sabbath throughout their generations, <i>for</i> a perpetual covenant.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/exodus/31.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Therefore the children of Israel shall keep the Sabbath, to observe the Sabbath throughout their generations <i>as</i> a perpetual covenant.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/exodus/31.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />So the sons of Israel shall keep the Sabbath, to celebrate the Sabbath throughout their generations as a permanent covenant.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/exodus/31.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />&#8216So the sons of Israel shall observe the sabbath, to celebrate the sabbath throughout their generations as a perpetual covenant.&#8217<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/exodus/31.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />‘So the sons of Israel shall observe the sabbath, to celebrate the sabbath throughout their generations as a perpetual covenant.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/exodus/31.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />So the sons of Israel shall keep the sabbath, to celebrate the sabbath throughout their generations as an everlasting covenant.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/exodus/31.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />So the Israelites shall observe the Sabbath, to celebrate the Sabbath throughout their generations as a perpetual covenant.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/exodus/31.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />The Israelites must observe the Sabbath, celebrating it throughout their generations as a permanent covenant.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/exodus/31.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />The Israelites must observe the Sabbath, celebrating it throughout their generations as a perpetual covenant. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/exodus/31.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Wherefore the children of Israel shall keep the sabbath, to observe the sabbath throughout their generations, for a perpetual covenant.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/exodus/31.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Every generation of Israelites must respect the Sabbath. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/exodus/31.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Wherefore the children of Israel shall keep the sabbath, to observe the sabbath throughout their generations, for a perpetual covenant.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/exodus/31.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />The Israelites must observe this day of worship, celebrating it for generations to come as a permanent reminder of my promise. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/exodus/31.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />The people of Israel are to keep this day as a sign of the covenant. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/exodus/31.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />The Israelis are to keep the Sabbath to make the Sabbath observance a perpetual covenant from generation to generation. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/exodus/31.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />The Israelites must keep the Sabbath, celebrating it as a permanent covenant for the generations to come.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/exodus/31.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />The Israelites must keep the Sabbath by observing the Sabbath throughout their generations as a perpetual covenant.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/exodus/31.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Therefore the children of Israel shall keep the Sabbath, to observe the Sabbath throughout their generations, for a perpetual covenant.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/exodus/31.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Wherefore the children of Israel shall keep the sabbath, to observe the sabbath throughout their generations, for a perpetual covenant.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/exodus/31.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Therefore the children of Israel shall keep the Sabbath, to observe the Sabbath throughout their generations, for a perpetual covenant. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/exodus/31.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />and the sons of Israel have observed the Sabbath; to keep the Sabbath throughout their generations [is] a perpetual covenant—<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/exodus/31.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> and the sons of Israel have observed the sabbath; to keep the sabbath to their generations is a covenant age-during,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/exodus/31.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And the sons of Israel shall watch the Sabbath to do the Sabbath for their generation, a covenant forever.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/exodus/31.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Let the children of Israel keep the sabbath, and celebrate it in their generations. It is an everlasting covenant <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/exodus/31.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Let the sons of Israel keep the Sabbath, and let them celebrate it throughout their generations. It is an everlasting covenant<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/exodus/31.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />So shall the Israelites observe the sabbath, keeping it throughout their generations as an everlasting covenant.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/exodus/31.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Therefore the Israelites shall keep the sabbath, observing the sabbath throughout their generations, as a perpetual covenant.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/exodus/31.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Wherefore the children of Israel shall keep the sabbath to the LORD to observe the sabbath throughout all their generations for a perpetual covenant.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/exodus/31.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />Six days you will do works and on the seventh day is the Sabbath rest; it is holiness to LORD JEHOVAH; everyone who will do work on the day of the Sabbath certainly shall be killed.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/exodus/31.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Wherefore the children of Israel shall keep the sabbath, to observe the sabbath throughout their generations, for a perpetual covenant.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/exodus/31.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And the children of Israel shall keep the sabbaths, to observe them throughout their generations.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/exodus/31-16.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kVae3PiKqhs?start=8173" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/exodus/31.htm">The Sign of the Sabbath</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">15</span>For six days work may be done, but the seventh day is a Sabbath of complete rest, holy to the LORD. Whoever does any work on the Sabbath day must surely be put to death. <span class="reftext">16</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/1121.htm" title="1121: ḇə·nê- (N-mpc) -- Son. From banah; a son, in the widest sense (like 'ab, 'ach, etc.).">The Israelites</a> <a href="/hebrew/3478.htm" title="3478: yiś·rā·’êl (N-proper-ms) -- From sarah and 'el; he will rule as God; Jisrael, a symbolical name of Jacob; also of his posterity."></a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/8104.htm" title="8104: wə·šā·mə·rū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-3cp) -- To keep, watch, preserve. A primitive root; properly, to hedge about, i.e. Guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc.">must keep</a> <a href="/hebrew/7676.htm" title="7676: haš·šab·bāṯ (Art:: N-cs) -- Sabbath. Intensive from shabath; intermission, i.e the Sabbath.">the Sabbath,</a> <a href="/hebrew/6213.htm" title="6213: la·‘ă·śō·wṯ (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To do, make. A primitive root; to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application.">celebrating</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/7676.htm" title="7676: haš·šab·bāṯ (Art:: N-cs) -- Sabbath. Intensive from shabath; intermission, i.e the Sabbath.">it</a> <a href="/hebrew/5769.htm" title="5769: ‘ō·w·lām (N-ms) -- Long duration, antiquity, futurity. ">as a permanent</a> <a href="/hebrew/1285.htm" title="1285: bə·rîṯ (N-fsc) -- A covenant. From barah (like bara'); a compact.">covenant</a> <a href="/hebrew/1755.htm" title="1755: lə·ḏō·rō·ṯām (Prep-l:: N-mpc:: 3mp) -- Period, generation, dwelling. Or dor; from duwr; properly, a revolution of time, i.e. An age or generation; also a dwelling.">for the generations to come.</a> </span><span class="reftext">17</span>It is a sign between Me and the Israelites forever; for in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, but on the seventh day He rested and was refreshed.’ ”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/2-2.htm">Genesis 2:2-3</a></span><br />And by the seventh day God had finished the work He had been doing; so on that day He rested from all His work. / Then God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it, because on that day He rested from all the work of creation that He had accomplished.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/20-8.htm">Exodus 20:8-11</a></span><br />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, on which you must not do any work—neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your manservant or maidservant or livestock, nor the foreigner within your gates. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/leviticus/19-3.htm">Leviticus 19:3</a></span><br />Each of you must respect his mother and father, and you must keep My Sabbaths. I am the LORD your God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/leviticus/23-3.htm">Leviticus 23:3</a></span><br />For six days work may be done, but the seventh day is a Sabbath of complete rest, a day of sacred assembly. You must not do any work; wherever you live, it is a Sabbath to the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/5-12.htm">Deuteronomy 5:12-15</a></span><br />Observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy, as the LORD your God has commanded you. / Six days you shall labor and do all your work, / but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God, on which you must not do any work—neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your manservant or maidservant, nor your ox or donkey or any of your livestock, nor the foreigner within your gates, so that your manservant and maidservant may rest as you do. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/56-2.htm">Isaiah 56:2</a></span><br />Blessed is the man who does this, and the son of man who holds it fast, who keeps the Sabbath without profaning it and keeps his hand from doing any evil.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/58-13.htm">Isaiah 58:13-14</a></span><br />If you turn your foot from breaking the Sabbath, from doing as you please on My holy day, if you call the Sabbath a delight, and the LORD’s holy day honorable, if you honor it by not going your own way or seeking your own pleasure or speaking idle words, / then you will delight yourself in the LORD, and I will make you ride on the heights of the land and feed you with the heritage of your father Jacob.” For the mouth of the LORD has spoken.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/20-12.htm">Ezekiel 20:12</a></span><br />I also gave them My Sabbaths as a sign between us, so that they would know that I am the LORD who sanctifies them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/20-20.htm">Ezekiel 20:20</a></span><br />Keep My Sabbaths holy, that they may be a sign between us, so that you may know that I am the LORD your God.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/nehemiah/9-14.htm">Nehemiah 9:14</a></span><br />You revealed to them Your holy Sabbath and gave them commandments and statutes and laws through Your servant Moses.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/nehemiah/13-15.htm">Nehemiah 13:15-22</a></span><br />In those days I saw people in Judah treading winepresses on the Sabbath and bringing in grain and loading it on donkeys, along with wine, grapes, and figs. All kinds of goods were being brought into Jerusalem on the Sabbath day. So I warned them against selling food on that day. / Additionally, men of Tyre who lived there were importing fish and all kinds of merchandise and selling them on the Sabbath to the people of Judah in Jerusalem. / Then I rebuked the nobles of Judah and asked, “What is this evil you are doing—profaning the Sabbath day? ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/12-8.htm">Matthew 12:8</a></span><br />For the Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/mark/2-27.htm">Mark 2:27-28</a></span><br />Then Jesus declared, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. / Therefore, the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/6-5.htm">Luke 6:5</a></span><br />Then Jesus declared, “The Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/5-16.htm">John 5:16-18</a></span><br />Now because Jesus was doing these things on the Sabbath, the Jews began to persecute Him. / But Jesus answered them, “To this very day My Father is at His work, and I too am working.” / Because of this, the Jews tried all the harder to kill Him. Not only was He breaking the Sabbath, but He was even calling God His own Father, making Himself equal with God.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Why the children of Israel shall keep the sabbath, to observe the sabbath throughout their generations, for a perpetual covenant.</p><p class="hdg">a perpetual covenant</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/9-13.htm">Genesis 9:13</a></b></br> I do set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be for a token of a covenant between me and the earth.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/17-11.htm">Genesis 17:11</a></b></br> And ye shall circumcise the flesh of your foreskin; and it shall be a token of the covenant betwixt me and you.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/jeremiah/50-5.htm">Jeremiah 50:5</a></b></br> They shall ask the way to Zion with their faces thitherward, <i>saying</i>, Come, and let us join ourselves to the LORD in a perpetual covenant <i>that</i> shall not be forgotten.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/exodus/30-21.htm">Age-During</a> <a href="/exodus/24-8.htm">Agreement</a> <a href="/exodus/23-16.htm">Celebrate</a> <a href="/john/10-22.htm">Celebrating</a> <a href="/exodus/31-13.htm">Children</a> <a href="/exodus/24-8.htm">Covenant</a> <a href="/genesis/49-26.htm">Eternal</a> <a href="/exodus/29-9.htm">Everlasting</a> <a href="/exodus/30-31.htm">Generation</a> <a href="/exodus/31-13.htm">Generations</a> <a href="/exodus/31-15.htm">Holy</a> <a href="/exodus/31-13.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/exodus/31-13.htm">Israelites</a> <a href="/exodus/29-9.htm">Lasting</a> <a href="/exodus/31-14.htm">Observe</a> <a href="/exodus/12-42.htm">Observed</a> <a href="/galatians/4-10.htm">Observing</a> <a href="/exodus/30-21.htm">Perpetual</a> <a href="/exodus/31-15.htm">Sabbath</a> <a href="/exodus/31-13.htm">Throughout</a> <a href="/exodus/20-11.htm">Wherefore</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/exodus/40-15.htm">Age-During</a> <a href="/exodus/34-12.htm">Agreement</a> <a href="/exodus/34-18.htm">Celebrate</a> <a href="/2_samuel/6-5.htm">Celebrating</a> <a href="/exodus/31-17.htm">Children</a> <a href="/exodus/34-10.htm">Covenant</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/11-21.htm">Eternal</a> <a href="/exodus/40-15.htm">Everlasting</a> <a href="/exodus/34-7.htm">Generation</a> <a href="/exodus/40-15.htm">Generations</a> <a href="/exodus/35-2.htm">Holy</a> <a href="/exodus/31-17.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/exodus/31-17.htm">Israelites</a> <a href="/leviticus/3-17.htm">Lasting</a> <a href="/exodus/34-11.htm">Observe</a> <a href="/leviticus/19-37.htm">Observed</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/17-19.htm">Observing</a> <a href="/exodus/40-15.htm">Perpetual</a> <a href="/exodus/35-2.htm">Sabbath</a> <a href="/exodus/32-27.htm">Throughout</a> <a href="/exodus/32-12.htm">Wherefore</a><div class="vheading2">Exodus 31</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/31-1.htm">Bezaleel and Aholiah are appointed for the work of the tabernacle</a></span><br><span class="reftext">12. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/31-12.htm">The observation of the Sabbath is again commanded</a></span><br><span class="reftext">18. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/31-18.htm">Moses receives the two tablets</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <script type="text/javascript"> </script> <script type="text/javascript" src="//pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script><br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading"><a href="/study/exodus/31.htm">Berean Study Bible</a></div><b>The Israelites</b><br />This phrase refers specifically to the descendants of Jacob, also known as Israel. In the Hebrew context, "Israelites" (בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל, B'nei Yisrael) signifies the chosen people of God, set apart to be a holy nation. Historically, the Israelites were delivered from Egyptian bondage, and their identity is deeply rooted in their covenant relationship with God. This designation emphasizes their unique role in God's redemptive plan and their responsibility to uphold His commandments.<p><b>are to keep</b><br />The Hebrew word for "keep" is שָׁמַר (shamar), which means to guard, observe, or give heed. This implies an active, diligent effort to preserve the sanctity of the Sabbath. It is not merely a passive observance but a conscious commitment to honor God's command. The Israelites are called to protect the Sabbath from being profaned, ensuring it remains a day set apart for rest and worship.<p><b>the Sabbath</b><br />The Sabbath (שַׁבָּת, Shabbat) is a day of rest on the seventh day of the week, instituted by God at creation (<a href="/genesis/2-2.htm">Genesis 2:2-3</a>). It serves as a reminder of God's rest after creation and His deliverance of Israel from Egypt. The Sabbath is a sign of the covenant between God and His people, symbolizing spiritual rest and renewal. It is a day to cease from labor and focus on spiritual matters, reflecting God's provision and sovereignty.<p><b>celebrating it</b><br />The act of celebrating (לַעֲשׂוֹת, la'asot) the Sabbath involves more than mere observance; it is a joyful acknowledgment of God's goodness and faithfulness. This celebration is an expression of gratitude and reverence, recognizing the Sabbath as a gift from God. It is a time for communal worship, family gatherings, and spiritual reflection, fostering a deeper connection with God and fellow believers.<p><b>as a permanent covenant</b><br />The term "permanent covenant" (בְּרִית עוֹלָם, b'rit olam) signifies an everlasting agreement between God and the Israelites. This covenant is not temporary or conditional but is intended to endure through all generations. It underscores the unchanging nature of God's promises and His desire for a lasting relationship with His people. The Sabbath serves as a perpetual sign of this covenant, reminding the Israelites of their identity and purpose.<p><b>for the generations to come</b><br />This phrase emphasizes the continuity and enduring relevance of the Sabbath commandment. It is not limited to the immediate recipients but extends to future generations of Israelites. The responsibility to keep the Sabbath is passed down as a sacred trust, ensuring that each generation remains connected to their heritage and the divine covenant. It highlights the importance of teaching and modeling faithfulness to God's commands for posterity.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/exodus/31.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 16.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">For a perpetual covenant</span>. The sabbath is itself a covenant - <span class="accented">i.e.</span>, a part of the covenant between God and Israel (<a href="/exodus/24-4.htm">Exodus 24:4</a>) - and it is, also, a sign of covenant - <span class="accented">i.e.</span>, a perceptible indication that the nation has entered into a special agreement with God, and undertaken the observance of special laws. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/exodus/31-16.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">The Israelites</span><br /><span class="heb">בְנֵֽי־</span> <span class="translit">(ḇə·nê-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1121.htm">Strong's 1121: </a> </span><span class="str2">A son</span><br /><br /><span class="word">must observe</span><br /><span class="heb">וְשָׁמְר֥וּ</span> <span class="translit">(wə·šā·mə·rū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8104.htm">Strong's 8104: </a> </span><span class="str2">To hedge about, guard, to protect, attend to</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the Sabbath,</span><br /><span class="heb">הַשַּׁבָּ֑ת</span> <span class="translit">(haš·šab·bāṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7676.htm">Strong's 7676: </a> </span><span class="str2">Intermission, the Sabbath</span><br /><br /><span class="word">celebrating</span><br /><span class="heb">לַעֲשׂ֧וֹת</span> <span class="translit">(la·‘ă·śō·wṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6213.htm">Strong's 6213: </a> </span><span class="str2">To do, make</span><br /><br /><span class="word">it</span><br /><span class="heb">הַשַּׁבָּ֛ת</span> <span class="translit">(haš·šab·bāṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7676.htm">Strong's 7676: </a> </span><span class="str2">Intermission, the Sabbath</span><br /><br /><span class="word">as a lasting</span><br /><span class="heb">עוֹלָֽם׃</span> <span class="translit">(‘ō·w·lām)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5769.htm">Strong's 5769: </a> </span><span class="str2">Concealed, eternity, frequentatively, always</span><br /><br /><span class="word">covenant</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּרִ֥ית</span> <span class="translit">(bə·rîṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1285.htm">Strong's 1285: </a> </span><span class="str2">A covenant</span><br /><br /><span class="word">for the generations to come.</span><br /><span class="heb">לְדֹרֹתָ֖ם</span> <span class="translit">(lə·ḏō·rō·ṯām)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1755.htm">Strong's 1755: </a> </span><span class="str2">A revolution of time, an age, generation, a dwelling</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/exodus/31-16.htm">Exodus 31:16 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/exodus/31-16.htm">Exodus 31:16 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/exodus/31-16.htm">Exodus 31:16 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/exodus/31-16.htm">Exodus 31:16 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/exodus/31-16.htm">Exodus 31:16 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/exodus/31-16.htm">Exodus 31:16 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/exodus/31-16.htm">Exodus 31:16 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/exodus/31-16.htm">Exodus 31:16 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/exodus/31-16.htm">Exodus 31:16 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/exodus/31-16.htm">Exodus 31:16 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/exodus/31-16.htm">OT Law: Exodus 31:16 Therefore the children of Israel shall keep (Exo. Ex) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/exodus/31-15.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Exodus 31:15"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Exodus 31:15" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/exodus/31-17.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Exodus 31:17"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Exodus 31:17" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>