šabbāt

Semantic range

1. 1a ceasing, a stopping (from šābat, to cease)
2. 2the seventh day
3. 3a sabbath-year or festival rest

The verb means to stop, not to be tired. Genesis 2:2–3 says God ceased — the day is defined by what is not done, and by God's blessing and sanctifying of it. The Sabbath is thus the first thing in scripture called holy, before any priest, altar or temple exists.

The two versions of the fourth commandment give two reasons: Exodus 20:11 grounds it in creation, Deuteronomy 5:15 in deliverance from Egypt. Rest as a memorial of both making and redemption. Isaiah 58:13–14 supplies the language of delight that modern Church teaching leans on, and D&C 59:9–13 adds the sacrament and a cheerful countenance to the picture.

See also

• קָדוֹשׁqādôš
• שָׁלוֹםšālôm