Exodus 31:17 Meaning and Explanation
“It is a sign between me and the children of Israel for ever: for in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, and on the seventh day he rested, and was refreshed.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The Sabbath perpetually signs the covenant; it reflects God's creation pattern of six days of work and one day of rest.
The Context of Exodus 31:17
God establishes creation itself as the foundation for Sabbath practice.
What Does Exodus 31:17 Mean?
God grounds the Sabbath in His own creative act. Just as the LORD made heaven and earth in six days and rested on the seventh, so Israel mirrors their Maker by honoring that rhythm. This is not arbitrary law but a reflection of reality itself.
The phrase he rested, and was refreshed uses language suggesting that even God—the infinite Creator—pauses to find satisfaction in His finished work. This invites Israel into that same rhythm and satisfaction, teaching that rest is not failure but fulfillment.
Exodus 31:17 in the Original Language
refreshed (וַיִּשְׁבּוֹת, vayishbot) — was refreshed, was satisfied; God himself set the precedent for Sabbath rest.
Frequently Asked Questions About Exodus 31:17
What does Exodus 31:17 mean?
The Sabbath perpetually signs the covenant; it reflects God's creation pattern of six days of work and one day of rest.
What is the context of Exodus 31:17?
God establishes creation itself as the foundation for Sabbath practice.