King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 17:22 Mean?

Jeremiah 17:22 in the King James Version says “Neither carry forth a burden out of your houses on the sabbath day, neither do ye any work, but hallow ye the sabbath da... — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 17 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Neither carry forth a burden out of your houses on the sabbath day, neither do ye any work, but hallow ye the sabbath day, as I commanded your fathers.

Jeremiah 17:22 · KJV


Context

20

And say unto them, Hear ye the word of the LORD, ye kings of Judah, and all Judah, and all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, that enter in by these gates:

21

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;

22

Neither carry forth a burden out of your houses on the sabbath day, neither do ye any work, but hallow ye the sabbath day, as I commanded your fathers.

23

But they obeyed not, neither inclined their ear, but made their neck stiff, that they might not hear, nor receive instruction.

24

And it shall come to pass, if ye diligently hearken unto me, saith the LORD, to bring in no burden through the gates of this city on the sabbath day, but hallow the sabbath day, to do no work therein;


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The specific command concerns Sabbath observance: "Neither carry forth a burden out of your houses on the sabbath day, neither do ye any work." The prohibition against carrying burdens refers to commercial activity—transporting goods for trade or labor. The Sabbath was meant to cease from ordinary work, trusting God's provision and acknowledging Him as Creator and covenant Lord.

"Hallow ye the sabbath day" means to set it apart as sacred, different from the other six days. The Hebrew qadash (קָדַשׁ, sanctify/hallow) indicates consecration to God. The phrase "as I commanded your fathers" references the fourth commandment (Ex 20:8-11) and Deuteronomic legislation (Deut 5:12-15). Sabbath-breaking represents covenant violation and practical atheism—living as if God's commands don't matter.

While Christians debate Sabbath theology, the principle remains: God commands rest, worship, and trust in His provision. The Sabbath pointed forward to Christ, our ultimate rest (Heb 4:9-10). Colossians 2:16-17 indicates the ceremonial aspects were shadows fulfilled in Christ, yet the pattern of rest and worship continues. Deliberate rejection of God-ordained rhythms of work and rest reveals deeper rebellion.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Sabbath observance was a covenant sign distinguishing Israel from surrounding nations (Ex 31:13-17, Ezek 20:12). By Jeremiah's time, commercial activity on the Sabbath had become common, reflecting spiritual declension. Nehemiah later confronted similar violations (Neh 13:15-22). The prohibition against carrying burdens appears in Mosaic law (Jer 17:21-22, Ex 20:10) and became elaborated in rabbinic tradition (Mishnah, Shabbat 7:2).

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you honor the principle of Sabbath rest in a culture that celebrates constant productivity?
  2. What might modern Sabbath-breaking look like—activities that violate the spirit of rest and worship?
  3. In what ways does Christ fulfill the Sabbath, and how should that inform Christian practice regarding rest and worship?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 18 words
וְלֹא1 of 18
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

תוֹצִ֨יאוּ2 of 18

Neither carry forth

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

מַשָּׂ֤א3 of 18

a burden

H4853

a burden; figuratively, an utterance, chiefly a doom, especially singing; mental, desire

מִבָּֽתֵּיכֶם֙4 of 18

out of your houses

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

י֣וֹם5 of 18

day

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

הַשַּׁבָּ֔ת6 of 18

on the sabbath

H7676

intermission, i.e (specifically) the sabbath

וְכָל7 of 18
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

מְלָאכָ֖ה8 of 18

ye any work

H4399

properly, deputyship, i.e., ministry; generally, employment (never servile) or work (abstractly or concretely); also property (as the result of labor)

לֹ֣א9 of 18
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

תַֽעֲשׂ֑וּ10 of 18

neither do

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

וְקִדַּשְׁתֶּם֙11 of 18

but hallow

H6942

to be (causatively, make, pronounce or observe as) clean (ceremonially or morally)

אֶת12 of 18
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

י֣וֹם13 of 18

day

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

הַשַּׁבָּ֔ת14 of 18

on the sabbath

H7676

intermission, i.e (specifically) the sabbath

כַּאֲשֶׁ֥ר15 of 18
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

צִוִּ֖יתִי16 of 18

as I commanded

H6680

(intensively) to constitute, enjoin

אֶת17 of 18
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

אֲבוֹתֵיכֶֽם׃18 of 18

your fathers

H1

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Jeremiah. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Jeremiah 17:22 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Jeremiah 17:22 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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