Exodus 31:16 Meaning and Explanation
“Wherefore the children of Israel shall keep the sabbath, to observe the sabbath throughout their generations, for a perpetual covenant.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The Sabbath is a perpetual covenant sign that Israel is to observe forever, generation after generation.
The Context of Exodus 31:16
God affirms the Sabbath as an eternal covenant requirement.
What Does Exodus 31:16 Mean?
The word perpetual (olam, forever) establishes the Sabbath as not a temporary law but a continuing marker of Israel's identity and relationship with God. No generation can revoke or ignore this command without breaking the covenant.
The repeated emphasis on keeping and observing the sabbath throughout their generations shows that this is foundational: each generation must actively choose to honor the covenant sign through weekly obedience.
Exodus 31:16 in the Original Language
perpetual covenant (בְרִית עוֹלָם, brit olam) — a covenant forever; the agreement has no time limit.
Frequently Asked Questions About Exodus 31:16
What does Exodus 31:16 mean?
The Sabbath is a perpetual covenant sign that Israel is to observe forever, generation after generation.
What is the context of Exodus 31:16?
God affirms the Sabbath as an eternal covenant requirement.