Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version It will be a sign between me and the Israelites forever, for in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, and on the seventh day he rested and was refreshed.’” New Living Translation It is a permanent sign of my covenant with the people of Israel. For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, but on the seventh day he stopped working and was refreshed.’” English Standard Version It is a sign forever between me and the people of Israel that in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, and on the seventh day he rested and was refreshed.’” Berean Standard Bible It is a sign between Me and the Israelites forever; for in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, but on the seventh day He rested and was refreshed.’” King James Bible 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. New King James Version It is a sign between Me and the children of Israel forever; for in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, and on the seventh day He rested and was refreshed.’ ” New American Standard Bible It is a sign between Me and the sons of Israel forever; for in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, but on the seventh day He ceased from labor, and was refreshed.” NASB 1995 “It is a sign between Me and the sons of Israel forever; for in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, but on the seventh day He ceased from labor, and was refreshed.” NASB 1977 “It is a sign between Me and the sons of Israel forever; for in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, but on the seventh day He ceased from labor, and was refreshed.” Legacy Standard Bible It is a sign between Me and the sons of Israel forever; for in six days Yahweh made heaven and earth, but on the seventh day He rested and was refreshed.” Amplified Bible It is a sign between Me and the Israelites forever; for in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, and on the seventh day He ceased and was refreshed.” Christian Standard Bible It is a sign forever between me and the Israelites, for in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, but on the seventh day he rested and was refreshed.” Holman Christian Standard Bible It is a sign forever between Me and the Israelites, for in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, but on the seventh day He rested and was refreshed.” American Standard Version It is a sign between me and the children of Israel for ever: for in six days Jehovah made heaven and earth, and on the seventh day he rested, and was refreshed. Contemporary English Version This day will always serve as a reminder, both to me and to the Israelites, that I made the heavens and the earth in six days, then on the seventh day I rested and relaxed. English Revised Version 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. GOD'S WORD® Translation It will be a permanent sign between me and the Israelites, because the LORD made heaven and earth in six days, and on the seventh day he stopped working and was refreshed.'" Good News Translation It is a permanent sign between the people of Israel and me, because I, the LORD, made heaven and earth in six days, and on the seventh day I stopped working and rested." International Standard Version It is a sign forever between me and the Israelis, because the LORD made the heavens and the earth in six days, but on the seventh day he rested and was refreshed.'" NET Bible It is a sign between me and the Israelites forever; for in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, and on the seventh day he rested and was refreshed.'" New Heart English Bible It is a sign between me and the children of Israel forever; for in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, and on the seventh day he rested, and was refreshed.'" Webster's Bible Translation 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. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleIt is a sign between Me and the Israelites forever; for in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, but on the seventh day He rested and was refreshed.’” World English Bible It is a sign between me and the children of Israel forever; for in six days Yahweh made heaven and earth, and on the seventh day he rested, and was refreshed.’” Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionit [is] a sign between Me and the sons of Israel for all time; for [in] six days YHWH made the heavens and the earth, and in the seventh day He has ceased and is refreshed.” Young's Literal Translation between Me and the sons of Israel it is a sign -- to the age; for six days Jehovah made the heavens and the earth, and in the seventh day He hath ceased, and is refreshed.' Smith's Literal Translation Between me and between the sons of Israel it is a sign forever: for six days Jehovah made the heavens and the earth, and in the seventh day he rested and he will be refreshed. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleBetween me and the children of Israel, and a perpetual sign. For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, and in the seventh he ceased from work. Catholic Public Domain Version between me and the sons of Israel, and a perpetual sign. For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, and in the seventh he ceased from work.” New American Bible Between me and the Israelites it is to be an everlasting sign; for in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, but on the seventh day he rested at his ease. New Revised Standard Version It is a sign forever between me and the people of Israel that in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, and on the seventh day he rested, and was refreshed.” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleIt is a sign between me and the children of Israel for ever; for in six days the LORD made heaven and earth and the seas and all that are therein, and on the seventh day he ceased from work and rested. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And the children of Israel shall keep the Sabbath to LORD JEHOVAH to make the Sabbath for their descendants a covenant for eternity. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917It 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 ceased from work and rested.' Brenton Septuagint Translation It is a perpetual covenant with me and the children of Israel, it is a perpetual sign with me; for in six days the Lord made the heaven and the earth, and on the seventh day he ceased, and rested. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The Sign of the Sabbath…16The Israelites must keep the Sabbath, celebrating it as a permanent covenant for the generations to come. 17It is a sign between Me and the Israelites forever; for in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, but on the seventh day He rested and was refreshed.’” Cross References Genesis 2:2-3 And by the seventh day God had finished the work He had been doing; so on that day He rested from all His work. / Then God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it, because on that day He rested from all the work of creation that He had accomplished. Hebrews 4:4 For somewhere He has spoken about the seventh day in this manner: “And on the seventh day God rested from all His works.” Exodus 20:8-11 Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. / Six days you shall labor and do all your work, / but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God, on which you must not do any work—neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your manservant or maidservant or livestock, nor the foreigner within your gates. ... Deuteronomy 5:12-15 Observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy, as the LORD your God has commanded you. / Six days you shall labor and do all your work, / but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God, on which you must not do any work—neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your manservant or maidservant, nor your ox or donkey or any of your livestock, nor the foreigner within your gates, so that your manservant and maidservant may rest as you do. ... Isaiah 58:13-14 If you turn your foot from breaking the Sabbath, from doing as you please on My holy day, if you call the Sabbath a delight, and the LORD’s holy day honorable, if you honor it by not going your own way or seeking your own pleasure or speaking idle words, / then you will delight yourself in the LORD, and I will make you ride on the heights of the land and feed you with the heritage of your father Jacob.” For the mouth of the LORD has spoken. Ezekiel 20:12 I also gave them My Sabbaths as a sign between us, so that they would know that I am the LORD who sanctifies them. Ezekiel 20:20 Keep My Sabbaths holy, that they may be a sign between us, so that you may know that I am the LORD your God.’ Mark 2:27-28 Then Jesus declared, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. / Therefore, the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath.” Matthew 12:8 For the Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath.” Colossians 2:16-17 Therefore let no one judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a feast, a New Moon, or a Sabbath. / These are a shadow of the things to come, but the body that casts it belongs to Christ. Nehemiah 9:14 You revealed to them Your holy Sabbath and gave them commandments and statutes and laws through Your servant Moses. Leviticus 23:3 For six days work may be done, but the seventh day is a Sabbath of complete rest, a day of sacred assembly. You must not do any work; wherever you live, it is a Sabbath to the LORD. Isaiah 56:2 Blessed is the man who does this, and the son of man who holds it fast, who keeps the Sabbath without profaning it and keeps his hand from doing any evil.” Isaiah 56:6 And the foreigners who join themselves to the LORD to minister to Him, to love the name of the LORD, and to be His servants—all who keep the Sabbath without profaning it and who hold fast to My covenant— Luke 6:5 Then Jesus declared, “The Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath.” Treasury of Scripture 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. a sign Exodus 31:13 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. Ezekiel 20:12,20 Moreover also I gave them my sabbaths, to be a sign between me and them, that they might know that I am the LORD that sanctify them… six days. Genesis 1:31 And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day. Genesis 2:2,3 And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made… Hebrews 4:3,4,10 For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world… and was refreshed. Genesis 1:31 And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day. Job 38:7 When the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy? Psalm 104:31 The glory of the LORD shall endure for ever: the LORD shall rejoice in his works. Jump to Previous Abstained Age Ceased Children Earth Forever Heaven Heavens Israel Israelites Labor Pleasure Refreshed Rest Rested Seventh Sign Six WorkJump to Next Abstained Age Ceased Children Earth Forever Heaven Heavens Israel Israelites Labor Pleasure Refreshed Rest Rested Seventh Sign Six WorkExodus 31 1. Bezaleel and Aholiah are appointed for the work of the tabernacle12. The observation of the Sabbath is again commanded 18. Moses receives the two tablets It is a sign between Me and the Israelites forever; This phrase emphasizes the covenantal relationship between God and the Israelites. The "sign" refers to the Sabbath, which serves as a perpetual reminder of God's creation and His special relationship with Israel. The concept of a sign is significant in biblical covenants, as seen with the rainbow in Genesis 9:12-17, marking God's promise to Noah. The Sabbath as a sign underscores the distinct identity of Israel as God's chosen people, setting them apart from other nations. This perpetual sign is a testament to the enduring nature of God's promises and His faithfulness to His covenant people. for in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, but on the seventh day He rested and was refreshed.’” Persons / Places / Events 1. The LORD (Yahweh)The covenant name of God, emphasizing His eternal existence and His role as the Creator. 2. Heavens and the Earth Refers to the entirety of creation, highlighting God's sovereignty and power in creating all things. 3. Six Days of Creation The period during which God created the universe, as described in Genesis 1. 4. The Seventh Day The day God rested, establishing the pattern for the Sabbath. 5. Sabbath Rest A day of rest instituted by God, serving as a sign of the covenant between Him and His people. Teaching Points The Importance of RestGod Himself rested, setting an example for us to follow. Rest is not just a physical necessity but a spiritual discipline. The Sabbath as a Sign The Sabbath serves as a sign of the covenant between God and His people, reminding us of His creation and redemption. Creation's Order and Purpose The six days of creation followed by a day of rest reflect God's order and purpose, encouraging us to live with intentionality and balance. Spiritual Refreshment Just as God was "refreshed," we too are called to find spiritual renewal in our rest, focusing on our relationship with God. Observing the Sabbath Today While the specific observance of the Sabbath may vary, the principle of setting aside time for rest and worship remains vital for our spiritual health. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Exodus 31:17?2. How does Exodus 31:17 emphasize the importance of the Sabbath for believers today? 3. What does "a sign forever" in Exodus 31:17 teach about God's covenants? 4. How can we apply the concept of rest from Exodus 31:17 in our lives? 5. How does Exodus 31:17 connect to the creation account in Genesis? 6. Why is it important to remember God's rest as mentioned in Exodus 31:17? 7. How does Exodus 31:17 support the concept of a literal six-day creation? 8. Why is the Sabbath described as a perpetual covenant in Exodus 31:17? 9. What does Exodus 31:17 reveal about God's relationship with Israel? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Exodus 31? 11. What events occur in the biblical book of Exodus? 12. How does the presence of vestigial structures (e.g., the human appendix, whale pelvis) fit with the idea of intentional design? 13. What did the Ark of the Covenant contain? 14. Exodus 31:16–17 – If the Sabbath was meant as a permanent covenant sign “forever,” why do so many believers worship on Sunday instead? What Does Exodus 31:17 Mean It is a sign“ ‘It is a sign …’ ” (Exodus 31:17) • Scripture calls the Sabbath a visible, tangible marker. Just as the rainbow signals God’s covenant with Noah (Genesis 9:12-13) and the unleavened bread signals deliverance from Egypt (Exodus 13:9), the weekly Sabbath signals the unique relationship between God and His people (Ezekiel 20:12). • A sign points beyond itself. Every sunset that ushers in the Sabbath whispers, “God keeps His promises.” • Its regular rhythm keeps divine truth before human eyes, preventing forgetfulness (Deuteronomy 6:12). Between Me and the Israelites “ ‘…between Me and the Israelites …’ ” • The covenant rests on a personal pronoun: “Me.” God Himself is the initiator, not a distant force (Exodus 19:4-6). • “The Israelites” refers to the nation He redeemed (Deuteronomy 7:6-8). By extension, Gentile believers who are grafted into the covenant people (Romans 11:17) cherish the same Lord. • Relationship, not ritual for ritual’s sake, is at the heart of the Sabbath (Isaiah 58:13-14). Forever “ ‘…forever …’ ” • The word leaves no gap or expiration date. God means for the Sabbath to carry through every generation (Exodus 31:16). • Isaiah foresees worship “from one Sabbath to another” in the new heavens and new earth (Isaiah 66:22-23). • Hebrews affirms “a Sabbath rest for the people of God” that extends into eternity (Hebrews 4:9-11). The weekly rest anticipates the ultimate, unending rest believers will enjoy in Christ (Revelation 14:13). For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth “ ‘For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth …’ ” • The creation account (Genesis 1) is presented as literal history. God’s workweek sets the prototype for the human week (Exodus 20:11). • Recognizing His six-day creative act guards the Sabbath from being merely cultural; it is rooted in cosmic reality (Nehemiah 9:6). • Creation links worship with wonder: every Sabbath recalls the vast skill and power of the Maker (Psalm 19:1-2). But on the seventh day He rested “ ‘…but on the seventh day He rested …’ ” • “Rested” describes cessation, not weariness. God finished His creative activity (Genesis 2:2) and set the day apart. • The Sabbath therefore celebrates finished work—first in creation, later in redemption when Jesus declared, “It is finished” (John 19:30). • Jesus affirmed the Sabbath’s benevolent purpose: “The Sabbath was made for man” (Mark 2:27), underscoring its gift-nature. And was refreshed “ ‘…and was refreshed.’ ” • The wording pictures divine delight and satisfaction, not exhaustion (Isaiah 40:28). God takes joy in His completed work (Genesis 1:31). • The Sabbath invites humanity to share that refreshment—renewed perspective, renewed strength, renewed fellowship (Psalm 23:2-3). • True refreshment flourishes when people stop striving and trust the God who provides (Matthew 11:28-29). summary Exodus 31:17 places the Sabbath at the intersection of creation, covenant, and communion. God established a weekly, perpetual sign to remind His people that: • He alone is Creator, completing the universe in six literal days. • They belong exclusively to Him, set apart from the nations. • Rest is His gracious gift, offering delight and refreshment now and foreshadowing eternal rest in His presence. Keeping the Sabbath, therefore, is less about rule-keeping and more about relationship-keeping—honoring the God who both worked and rested for our good and His glory. (17) For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth.--Whatever other grounds there were for Sabbath observance, this idea always lay at its root. Man was through it to be made like unto his Maker--to have from time to time a rest from his labours, as God had had (Genesis 2:2-3)--and thereby to realise the blessedness of that final rest which he may be sure "remaineth for the people of God."Verse 17. - It is a sign. See above, ver. 13. For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth. See the comment on Exodus 20:11. And was refreshed. Literally," and took breath." The metaphor is a bold one, but not bolder than others which occur in holy scripture (Psalm 44:23; Psalm 78:65). It does but carry out a little further the idea implied in God's "resting." We cannot speak of any of God's acts or attributes without anthropomorphisms. CHAPTER 31:18 |
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