Deuteronomy 5:12 Meaning and Explanation
“Keep the sabbath day to sanctify it, as the LORD thy God hath commanded thee.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The fourth commandment: set apart the Sabbath day as holy, following God's example.
The Context of Deuteronomy 5:12
The fourth commandment institutes the Sabbath as a holy day.
What Does Deuteronomy 5:12 Mean?
The Sabbath was established as a day of rest and worship, commemorating God's own rest after creation. To keep it holy meant to cease from ordinary work, dedicate the day to God, and allow the pattern of rest to sanctify both individuals and the community. This weekly rhythm expressed trust in God's provision and acknowledged His lordship over time itself.
Sanctify means to set apart as sacred, separate from the ordinary. The Sabbath became Israel's sign of covenant with God, a day that proclaimed His authority and invited His people into restoration and communion with Him.
Deuteronomy 5:12 in the Original Language
shabbat (שַׁבָּת), 'sabbath' — rest or cessation from work, rooted in the Hebrew verb shabat, 'to cease' or 'rest.'
Frequently Asked Questions About Deuteronomy 5:12
What does Deuteronomy 5:12 mean?
The fourth commandment: set apart the Sabbath day as holy, following God's example.
What is the context of Deuteronomy 5:12?
The fourth commandment institutes the Sabbath as a holy day.