Jeremiah 17 21

Jeremiah 17:21 kjv

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;

Jeremiah 17:21 nkjv

Thus says the LORD: "Take heed to yourselves, and bear no burden on the Sabbath day, nor bring it in by the gates of Jerusalem;

Jeremiah 17:21 niv

This is what the LORD says: Be careful not to carry a load on the Sabbath day or bring it through the gates of Jerusalem.

Jeremiah 17:21 esv

Thus says the LORD: Take care for the sake of your lives, and do not bear a burden on the Sabbath day or bring it in by the gates of Jerusalem.

Jeremiah 17:21 nlt

This is what the LORD says: Listen to my warning! Stop carrying on your trade at Jerusalem's gates on the Sabbath day.

Jeremiah 17 verses

Jeremiah 17 21 Meaning

The verse strongly prohibits working or conducting business on the Sabbath day. It is a direct commandment from God to Israel, emphasizing its sacred nature and the consequences of its desecration. This prohibition extends to all forms of labor, signifying a cessation from one's usual toil. The intent is to dedicate this day for rest, worship, and communion with God.

Jeremiah 17 21 Context

Jeremiah 17 is part of the latter half of Jeremiah's prophecy, a period characterized by the impending destruction of Jerusalem and the Babylonian exile. The prophet is addressing a people whose covenant faithfulness has waned, marked by idolatry and unrighteousness. Chapter 17 highlights Judah's deep-seated sinfulness, their reliance on human strength and misplaced trust. Verses 19-27 specifically contain a strong exhortation to observe the Sabbath, contrasting the curse that will befall the city if the Sabbath is profaned with the blessing that awaits if it is kept holy. This section is a direct response to the prevailing disregard for the Sabbath among the people and the leaders, which was a significant indicator of their spiritual rebellion.

Jeremiah 17 21 Word Analysis

• "Take heed" (Hebrew: hisam’û - Hebrew: חִשְׁמְעוּ): This is an imperative verb meaning "pay attention," "heed," or "listen carefully." It signals a crucial warning and emphasizes the seriousness of the command that follows. It’s a call to direct their minds and actions toward God’s directive.
• "to yourselves": This intensifies the imperative, stressing personal responsibility and internalizing the command. It's not just about outward observance, but a matter for their own souls.
• "bear": (Hebrew: massa’ - Hebrew: מַשָּׂא): This word generally means "a burden," "a carrying," or "a load." In this context, it refers to carrying burdens, tasks, or loads, signifying engaging in work or business.
• "burdens": (Hebrew: massa’im - Hebrew: מַשָּׂאִים): The plural form of massa’, specifically referring to loads or burdens. This reinforces the prohibition of carrying anything related to one's labor or commerce.
• "on": (Hebrew: bə- - Hebrew: בְּ): A preposition indicating location or means, here specifying "on" the Sabbath day.
• "the Sabbath day": (Hebrew: yōwm haššabbāṯ - Hebrew: יוֹם הַשַּׁבָּת): The designated day of rest. The article ha- (the) points to a specific, well-known day.
• "and": (Hebrew: wə- - Hebrew: וְ): A conjunction connecting the two prohibitive actions.
• "neither": (Hebrew: lō’ - Hebrew: לֹא): A strong negative particle, introducing the second prohibition.
• "bring": (Hebrew: bō’îy- - Hebrew: בּוֹא): Means "to bring in," implying introduction or transportation of goods or anything associated with business.
• "in": (Hebrew: bə- - Hebrew: בְּ): Again, a preposition indicating within a place or context.
• "the gates": (Hebrew: šə‘ārîm - Hebrew: שְׁעָרִים): Refers to the city gates, which were historically centers of commerce and legal activity. This specifies the locations where such activities were explicitly forbidden.
• "any": (Hebrew: kāl- - Hebrew: כָּל): Denotes "any" or "all" within its scope, broadening the prohibition.
• "burden": (Hebrew: massa’ - Hebrew: מַשָּׂא): Repeating the earlier concept of a load or burden, this time referring to that which is brought into the city.
• "nor": (Hebrew: wə-’ep̱êr - Hebrew: וְאֵפֶר): A strong negative conjunction, emphasizing the continuation of the prohibition.
• "do": (Hebrew: ‘ăśû- - Hebrew: עֲשׂוּ): An imperative verb meaning "to do" or "to make." Here, it’s used in the sense of performing a customary action.
• "any": (Hebrew: kāl- - Hebrew: כָּל): Again, "any" or "all."
• "work": (Hebrew: məlá’ḵâ - Hebrew: מְלָאכָה): This signifies "work," "occupation," or "service," encompassing various types of labor and professional activity.
• "but": (Hebrew: kî-’im- - Hebrew: כִּי אִם): A conjunction indicating a condition or exception, though here it links the prohibited actions, creating a stronger, all-encompassing prohibition rather than an exception. Some interpretations see this as implying that only these types of activities are forbidden on the Sabbath.
• "hallow": (Hebrew: qaddəšû- - Hebrew: קַדְּשׁוּ): From the root qadash (קדשׁ), meaning "to be holy," "to consecrate," or "to set apart." It is an imperative, commanding them to make the Sabbath holy, to treat it as sacred and set apart. This is the core purpose of the prohibition.
• "the Sabbath day": (Hebrew: yōwm haššabbāṯ - Hebrew: יוֹם הַשַּׁבָּת): Reiterated to emphasize the focus of the hallowing.

Words/Phrases Group Analysis:

• "bear burdens on the Sabbath day, and bring them in the gates of the city on the Sabbath day": This phrase emphasizes the cessation of all commercial activity and transportation of goods associated with one's livelihood. The mention of city gates highlights business transactions.
• "neither do any work": This is a broader prohibition covering all forms of labor.
• "but hallow the Sabbath day": This is the positive injunction that defines the Sabbath. It’s not merely an absence of work but an active dedication of the day to God.
• "Do not work": This summarizes the core negative commandment of the Sabbath, requiring a complete stoppage of one's ordinary employment.

Jeremiah 17 21 Bonus Section

The Sabbath was instituted by God at creation (Genesis 2:1-3) and later given as a sign of the covenant between God and Israel (Exodus 31:13, 16-17). For Jeremiah, reinforcing the Sabbath commandment was particularly important because its desecration was a prominent symptom of Judah's overall spiritual decay and rebellion against God. Scholars note that during periods of idolatry and unfaithfulness, the people often neglected the observance of the Sabbath. The prophecy links the sanctity of the Sabbath directly to the covenant relationship with God, and its violation is seen as a severing of that relationship, bringing divine judgment. The "hallowing" of the Sabbath implies active devotion, worship, and reflection on God's work and covenant, rather than mere inactivity.

Jeremiah 17 21 Commentary

Jeremiah 17:21 is a clear, unequivocal command to observe the Sabbath by refraining from all labor and commercial activity. The specific mention of "carrying burdens" and "bringing them in the gates" points directly to economic and trading activities. This prohibition was essential for Israel to distinguish itself as God's people, living in covenant relationship.

The consequence of failing to keep the Sabbath was dire, leading to God's judgment, as reiterated in the promises of verses 24-27 where obedience brings blessing and security. Jesus’ teachings on the Sabbath (e.g., Mark 2:27-28) clarify that the Sabbath's purpose is for the well-being of humanity and to honor God, not to be burdened by man-made strictures. However, this does not negate the principle of rest from one's usual labor. The New Testament concept of "Sabbath rest" (Hebrews 4) is often seen as a spiritual parallel, a rest from our works in Christ. While the Mosaic law's application of the Sabbath for the nation of Israel is distinct from the New Testament church's practice, the principle of setting aside time for spiritual rest, worship, and focus on God remains. The command here for Jerusalem was critical for national and spiritual integrity, reflecting a deeper obedience to God's covenant.