Jeremiah 17:21 Meaning and Explanation
“Thus saith the LORD; Take heed to yourselves, and bear no burden on the sabbath day, nor bring it in by the gates of Jerusalem;”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →God commands Judah not to carry burdens or commerce through Jerusalem's gates on the Sabbath.
The Context of Jeremiah 17:21
God instructs Judah to observe the Sabbath by ceasing all burden-bearing and commerce.
What Does Jeremiah 17:21 Mean?
The command centers on Sabbath observance—a sign of the covenant relationship with God. To 'bear no burden' on the Sabbath is to cease from work and commerce, resting from labor in obedience to the covenant law given at Sinai. The specific mention of gates indicates that the command applies publicly and visibly, not just in private.
Taking heed 'to yourselves' is a call to self-examination and conscious choice. The people are not forbidden by circumstance but commanded by the Lord to halt their work, to acknowledge the Sabbath's holiness, and to demonstrate their submission to God's authority over their time and labor.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jeremiah 17:21
What does Jeremiah 17:21 mean?
God commands Judah not to carry burdens or commerce through Jerusalem's gates on the Sabbath.
What is the context of Jeremiah 17:21?
God instructs Judah to observe the Sabbath by ceasing all burden-bearing and commerce.