Sabbath-Breaking
Culture & SocietyWhat is the meaning of Sabbath-Breaking in the Bible?
Sabbath-breaking refers to the act of violating or disregarding the Sabbath day, which was a sacred day of rest and worship in ancient Israel. This offense was considered serious and punishable by God.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding Sabbath-breaking clarifies the covenantal relationship between ancient Israel and Yahweh, where strict adherence to the Sabbath served as a primary marker of communal identity and divine loyalty.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Ancient Cultural Lens: Avoid applying 21st-century Western assumptions to Sabbath-Breaking. Examine how first-century or Near Eastern listeners understood this practice within their daily social dynamics.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Sabbath-Breaking in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Sabbath-Breaking clarify?
Related Topics
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Sabbath-Breaking." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/sabbathbreaking/