Exodus 31:13 Meaning and Explanation
“Speak thou also unto the children of Israel, saying, Verily my sabbaths ye shall keep: for it is a sign between me and you throughout your generations; that ye may know that I am the LORD that doth sanctify you.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →God commands Israel to keep the Sabbath as a perpetual sign of the covenant between Him and His people.
The Context of Exodus 31:13
God establishes the Sabbath as the covenant sign of His sanctifying work.
What Does Exodus 31:13 Mean?
The Sabbath is described as a sign—a visible, recurring marker of the covenant relationship. By resting on the seventh day, Israel acknowledges that God created all things and invites His people into that divine rest and rhythm.
God emphasizes that Sabbath-keeping reveals His identity and action: I am the LORD that doth sanctify you. The one who sets apart a holy day is the one who sanctifies a holy people. This observance becomes their declaration of trust in His provision and lordship.
Exodus 31:13 in the Original Language
sanctify (קָדַשׁ, kadash) — to set apart as holy, to consecrate; God sets apart both the day and His people.
Frequently Asked Questions About Exodus 31:13
What does Exodus 31:13 mean?
God commands Israel to keep the Sabbath as a perpetual sign of the covenant between Him and His people.
What is the context of Exodus 31:13?
God establishes the Sabbath as the covenant sign of His sanctifying work.