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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-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</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="/ad16.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="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </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="audio" id="audio"></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 /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/exodus/31.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/exodus/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/exodus/31.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>The Israelites must keep the Sabbath</b><br>The command to keep the Sabbath is rooted in the creation narrative, where God rested on the seventh day (<a href="/genesis/2-2.htm">Genesis 2:2-3</a>). This establishes a pattern of work and rest, reflecting God's own actions. The Sabbath is a sign of the covenant between God and Israel, distinguishing them from other nations. It serves as a reminder of God's deliverance from Egypt (<a href="/deuteronomy/5-15.htm">Deuteronomy 5:15</a>) and His provision. The Sabbath is not merely a day of rest but a day of spiritual renewal and worship, emphasizing the importance of dedicating time to God.<p><b>celebrating it as a permanent covenant</b><br>The term "permanent covenant" underscores the enduring nature of the Sabbath command. It is not a temporary or conditional ordinance but a lasting agreement between God and His people. This covenantal aspect highlights the relational dimension of the Sabbath, as it is a sign of the special relationship between God and Israel (<a href="/exodus/31-13.htm">Exodus 31:13</a>). The Sabbath is a perpetual reminder of God's faithfulness and the Israelites' identity as His chosen people.<p><b>for the generations to come</b><br>This phrase indicates the transgenerational aspect of the Sabbath command. It is not limited to the immediate recipients but extends to future generations, ensuring that the practice and its significance are passed down. This continuity reflects the unchanging nature of God's covenant promises. The emphasis on future generations also points to the importance of teaching and preserving God's commandments within the community, as seen in <a href="/deuteronomy/6-6.htm">Deuteronomy 6:6-7</a>. The Sabbath serves as a weekly opportunity to reinforce the values and beliefs central to the Israelite faith.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_israelites.htm">The Israelites</a></b><br>The descendants of Jacob, also known as the children of Israel, who were chosen by God to be His people and to whom the law was given.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_sabbath.htm">The Sabbath</a></b><br>A day of rest on the seventh day of the week, instituted by God as a sign of the covenant between Him and the Israelites.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/c/covenant.htm">Covenant</a></b><br>A solemn agreement between God and His people, often involving promises and obligations.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_significance_of_the_sabbath.htm">The Significance of the Sabbath</a></b><br>The Sabbath is a sign of the covenant between God and His people, symbolizing rest and sanctification.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/a/a_lasting_covenant.htm">A Lasting Covenant</a></b><br>The command to keep the Sabbath is described as a "lasting covenant," indicating its enduring importance for the Israelites and its spiritual significance for believers today.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/rest_and_reflection.htm">Rest and Reflection</a></b><br>Observing a day of rest allows for physical rejuvenation and spiritual reflection, aligning with God's design for human well-being.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/sabbath_as_a_gift.htm">Sabbath as a Gift</a></b><br>The Sabbath is a gift from God, providing an opportunity to step back from daily labor and focus on worship and relationship with Him.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/christ_as_our_sabbath_rest.htm">Christ as Our Sabbath Rest</a></b><br>In the New Testament, the concept of Sabbath rest is fulfilled in Christ, who offers spiritual rest and peace to all who believe in Him.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_exodus_31.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Exodus 31</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_do_many_worship_on_sunday,_not_sabbath.htm">Exodus 31:16–17 – If the Sabbath was meant as a permanent covenant sign “forever,” why do so many believers worship on Sunday instead? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_the_sabbath_on_saturday_or_sunday.htm">Is the Sabbath on Saturday or Sunday?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_did_jesus_undergo_baptism_by_john.htm">Is working on the Sabbath considered wrong?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/common_questions_on_jewish_traditions.htm">What are common questions about Jewish traditions?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><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>