Lexical Summary sabbatismos: Sabbath rest Original Word: σαββατισμός Strong's Exhaustive Concordance rest. From a derivative of sabbaton; a "sabbatism", i.e. (figuratively) the repose of Christianity (as a type of heaven) -- rest. see GREEK sabbaton NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom a derivation of sabbaton Definition a sabbath rest NASB Translation Sabbath rest (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 4520: σαββατισμόςσαββατισμός, σαββατισμου, ὁ (σαββατίζω to keep the sabbath); 1. a keeping sabbath. 2. the blessed rest from toils and troubles looked for in the age to come by the true worshippers of God and true Christians (R. V. sabbath rest): Hebrews 4:9. (Plutarch, de superstit. c. 3; ecclesiastical writings.) Scriptural Context “Sabbatismos” appears once in the Greek New Testament—Hebrews 4:9—yet stands at the center of the chapter’s unfolding argument about God’s “rest.” Hebrews 3:7–4:13 weaves together Genesis 2, Psalm 95 and Israel’s conquest under Joshua to show that a promised rest still “remains … for the people of God” (Hebrews 4:9). The term therefore gathers up the entire biblical narrative of Sabbath, from creation to consummation, and places it before the New Covenant community as both a present privilege and a future inheritance. Old Testament Background of Sabbath Rest 1. Creation Pattern: “By the seventh day God had finished His work … and He rested” (Genesis 2:2). God’s own cessation establishes a rhythm of work followed by delight in completed work. Usage in Hebrews 4:9 Hebrews employs “sabbatismos” to assert that God’s rest is more than a date on the calendar. It: Thus “sabbatismos” is both realized and eschatological—experienced now in union with Christ and entered fully at His return. Typological and Eschatological Dimensions • Creation Rest → weekly Sabbath → Canaan Rest → heavenly inheritance: each stage prefigures the next. Christological Fulfillment Jesus declares, “Come to Me … and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28) and identifies Himself as “Lord of the Sabbath” (Matthew 12:8). His finished work fulfills the sign: the seventh-day rest foreshadowed the rest that flows from His cross and resurrection. Colossians 2:16-17 confirms the typology: Sabbaths are “a shadow of the things to come, but the body belongs to Christ”. Historical Development in Jewish and Christian Practice • Second-Temple Judaism emphasized synagogue worship, boundary-defining regulations and the hope of messianic rest. Pastoral and Ministry Applications 1. Gospel Invitation: Preach the urgency of “Today” (Hebrews 4:7). Rest is offered now; lingering unbelief hardens hearts. Related New Testament Passages Genesis 2:2-3; Exodus 20:8-11; Deuteronomy 5:12-15; Psalm 95:7-11; Matthew 11:28-30; Matthew 12:8; Acts 20:7; Colossians 2:16-17; Revelation 14:13. Key Themes for Meditation and Teaching • Rest springs from God’s own character and creative act. |