King James Version
Exodus 31:16 in the King James Version says “Wherefore the children of Israel shall keep the sabbath, to observe the sabbath throughout their generations, for a perp...” — study this verse from Exodus chapter 31 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.
“Wherefore the children of Israel shall keep the sabbath, to observe the sabbath throughout their generations, for a perpetual covenant.”
Exodus 31:16 · KJV
Ye shall keep the sabbath therefore; for it is holy unto you: every one that defileth it shall surely be put to death: for whosoever doeth any work therein, that soul shall be cut off from among his people.
Six days may work be done; but in the seventh is the sabbath of rest, holy to the LORD: whosoever doeth any work in the sabbath day, he shall surely be put to death. holy: Heb. holiness
Wherefore the children of Israel shall keep the sabbath, to observe the sabbath throughout their generations, for a perpetual covenant.
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.
And he gave unto Moses, when he had made an end of communing with him upon mount Sinai, two tables of testimony, tables of stone, written with the finger of God.
KJV Study — Public Domain
“shall keep”
H8104properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc
“Wherefore the children”
H1121a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
“of Israel”
H3478he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
“throughout their generations”
H1755properly, a revolution of time, i.e., an age or generation; also a dwelling
“for a perpetual”
H5769properly, concealed, i.e., the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial
This verse is found in the book of Exodus. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Exodus 31:16 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Verses related to Exodus 31:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge