Deuteronomy 5:15 Meaning and Explanation
“And remember that thou wast a servant in the land of Egypt, and that the LORD thy God brought thee out thence through a mighty hand and by a stretched out arm: therefore the LORD thy God commanded thee to keep the sabbath day.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Israel's Sabbath observance is grounded in remembrance of the Exodus from slavery.
The Context of Deuteronomy 5:15
The motivation for Sabbath rest: Israel's redemption from Egypt.
What Does Deuteronomy 5:15 Mean?
Israel was enslaved in Egypt, exhausted by ceaseless labor under cruel taskmasters. God's mighty deliverance gave them freedom—and with it, the right to rest. The Sabbath was not a luxury for the privileged but a sign and seal of freedom. By resting, Israel proclaimed their liberation and trusted God's provision rather than relying on their own ceaseless toil to survive.
Memory of slavery shapes mercy toward the vulnerable. Because Israel experienced oppression, they were to grant rest to everyone under their authority—servants, animals, strangers. The commandment links identity (you were slaves), redemption (God freed you), and gratitude (honor the Sabbath).
Deuteronomy 5:15 in the Original Language
yad (יָד), 'hand' — literally God's hand stretched out in power and deliverance, symbolizing God's active intervention and strength.
Frequently Asked Questions About Deuteronomy 5:15
What does Deuteronomy 5:15 mean?
Israel's Sabbath observance is grounded in remembrance of the Exodus from slavery.
What is the context of Deuteronomy 5:15?
The motivation for Sabbath rest: Israel's redemption from Egypt.