σάββατον

the Sabbath, a week

Definition

The Greek word σάββατον primarily refers to the Sabbath, the seventh day of the week set aside for rest and worship, rooted in the Old Testament commandment (Exodus 20:8-11). In the New Testament, it specifically denotes the weekly Jewish day of rest, as seen in controversies where Jesus heals on the Sabbath (Matthew 12:10-12). It can also mean a single 'week,' a period of seven days, as used in passages like Matthew 28:1, which refers to 'the first day of the week.' This dual meaning—both the specific holy day and the general week—is important for accurate interpretation.

Biblical Usage

Σάββατον is used 61 times across the Gospels, Acts, and the Pauline epistles, most frequently in the Synoptic Gospels where Jesus' actions on the Sabbath provoke conflict with religious leaders (e.g., Mark 2:23-28, Luke 13:10-17). It appears in narrative contexts describing the day, in legal discussions about Sabbath observance, and in chronological references to a week. The plural form (σάββατα) sometimes refers to a single Sabbath day, reflecting a Hebrew idiom.

Etymology

The word is a direct borrowing from Hebrew שַׁבָּת (shabbat), meaning 'to cease' or 'to rest,' via Aramaic. It entered Koine Greek as a loanword, retaining its core meaning of the Sabbath day. The Greek usage preserves the semantic range of its Semitic origin, encompassing both the day of rest and the concept of a seven-day cycle.

Semantic Range

Σάββατον is theologically significant as it sits at the heart of Jesus' ministry and his redefinition of religious authority. His declaration that 'the Son of Man is lord of the Sabbath' (Matthew 12:8, Mark 2:28) asserts his divine authority over the Mosaic Law and reorients the purpose of the Sabbath toward mercy and human good. The early church's shift in worship to the 'first day of the week' (Acts 20:7, 1 Corinthians 16:2), while still using this word for the Jewish Sabbath, highlights the transition from the old covenant to the new. Understanding this word enriches reading by clarifying the cultural and religious tensions in the Gospels.

In first-century Jewish culture, the Sabbath (from Friday evening to Saturday evening) was a strict day of rest governed by detailed rabbinic laws. Jesus' healing and his disciples' grain-picking (Matthew 12:1-14) were seen as violations of these traditions, creating major conflicts. For Greek-speaking Jews and Gentiles in the New Testament world, the word carried this full cultural and religious weight, which modern readers can easily overlook.

ἑβδομάς (hebdomas, G1443) — specifically means a period of seven days or a 'week,' without the connotation of the Sabbath day of rest.

Word Details

Scripture References