The Biblical Sabbath: A Simple Introduction

The Sabbath is the seventh day of the week, a day God set apart for rest, joy, and connecting with Him.

Foundations of the Sabbath

A Day Set Apart

In the Bible, the Sabbath is a day God sanctified, meaning it is set apart from the other days of the week. On the Sabbath, we step away from our ordinary work and delight in God.

Welcoming the Sabbath

In Jewish tradition, the Sabbath begins with a special Friday evening meal. Families and friends gather around the table to light candles, bless the bread and wine, give thanks to God, and welcome the Sabbath together.

From Sundown to Sundown

In the biblical way of marking time, a new day begins at sunset (“And there was evening and there was morning, the first day”). Because of this, the Sabbath begins Friday evening and continues until Saturday evening.

Connecting With Our Creator

The Sabbath creates space in our week to slow down and turn our attention toward God. By stepping away from our ordinary work, we are reminded that our lives come from Him and that He is the source of all we have.

Why the Sabbath Matters

The Sabbath first appears in the opening pages of Scripture, when God Himself sets apart the seventh day:

“So God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it God rested from all His work that He had done in creation.” (Genesis 2:3)

This happens long before the nation of Israel exists. The Sabbath begins with humanity itself, as part of the rhythm God built into creation.

Later, when God forms Israel into a people, the Sabbath becomes one of the Ten Commandments:

“Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy… the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God.” (Exodus 20:8–10)

Throughout the Scriptures, the Jewish people continue to honor this day. When we come to the Gospels, we find that Jesus himself keeps the Sabbath and teaches about its purpose:

“The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.” (Mark 2:27)

The book of Acts also shows the apostles continuing to gather and teach on the Sabbath (Acts 13:14, 42–44; 17:2).

And the story of the Sabbath does not end in the past. The prophets describe a future age when all nations will honor this day:

“From Sabbath to Sabbath, all flesh shall come to worship before Me, says the LORD.” (Isaiah 66:23)

From the first pages of Genesis to the prophetic vision of the kingdom, the Sabbath appears again and again as part of God’s design for human life: a weekly invitation to stop, remember our Creator, and delight in His presence.

Step-By-Step: How To “Remember the Sabbath”

We welcome the Sabbath on Friday at sundown with prayers, blessings, and a delicious meal.

What You’ll Need

Any candles will do, but we recommend at least two, long-burning candles to last the duration of your meal. Some families use an additional candle per daughter in the household.
To the newly-freed Israelites, wine was an unfamiliar luxury—not to mention a complete day of rest. It symbolizes their freedom and God’s blessing of provision.
Two loaves of braided Challah bread are traditionally used, but any two loaves of your favorite bread will work. These two loaves represent the double portion of mana gathered by the Israelites before Shabbat after their deliverance from Egypt.
After saying the blessing over the bread, it is customary to dip it in (or sprinkle it with) salt. This practice commemorates the commandment given to the priests to salt all of the food offerings given at the Temple.
The Jewish people have formulated specific prayers, blessings, and songs that can be used to welcome the Sabbath. These are available below in a free downloadable PDF. However, even simply reciting Genesis 2:1–2 and praying for each other is fitting.

A Step-By-Step Guide

1. Light Candles

Before sunset on Friday evening, light two candles to welcome the Sabbath. This simple act marks the transition from the work week into the peace of Shabbat.

Suggested Blessing:

May it be your will that our holy Master’s light would shine throughout all worlds.

2. Bless Your Children

After lighting the candles, take a moment to bless your children. At many Sabbath tables, parents place their hands on their children’s heads and speak a blessing over them. This reminds children that they belong to God and are surrounded by the love and prayers of their family.

After this, many families speak the Aaronic Blessing over their children:

“The LORD bless you and keep you.
The LORD make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you.
The LORD lift up His face toward you and give you peace.”
(Numbers 6:24–26)

Take a moment to hug your children and welcome the Sabbath together.

3. Honor the Woman of the Home

At many Sabbath tables, the husband honors his wife by reciting Eshet Chayil (“A Woman of Valor”) from Proverbs 31. This tradition expresses gratitude for the woman who helps build and sustain the home.

You may read the entire passage (Proverbs 31:10–31) or a few verses such as:

Who can find a virtuous wife?
For her worth is far above rubies.
The heart of her husband safely trusts her;
So he will have no lack of gain.
She does him good and not evil
All the days of her life.

Afterward, take a moment to express appreciation for the women at the table.

4. Bless the Cup

Next, take a cup of wine or grape juice and thank God for the gift of the Sabbath. In Jewish tradition this moment is called Kiddush, which means “sanctification,” because the Sabbath is set apart as holy time.

Before drinking from the cup, many families recite the opening verses of the Torah that describe the first Sabbath at creation:

Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all their multitude. And on the seventh day God finished the work that He had done, and He rested on the seventh day from all His work that He had done. So God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it God rested from all His work that He had done in creation. (Genesis 2:1–3)

After reading the passage, lift the cup and say the traditional blessing:

Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the universe, who creates the fruit of the vine.

5. Bless the Bread

Lift the bread and say the blessing:

Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the universe, who brings forth bread from the earth.

Break the bread and share it with everyone at the table. Some families dip the bread in salt as a reminder of God’s covenant.

6. Share a Sabbath Meal

Enjoy a relaxed meal together. The Sabbath meal is meant to be joyful and unhurried.

Turn off distractions and take time to talk, laugh, and enjoy one another’s company. During the meal or afterward, read a short passage of Scripture and discuss, or take time to share words of gratitude for what God is doing in your life.

7. Give Thanks After the Meal

After the meal, take a moment to say a prayer thanking God for His provision. In the Torah, the command to bless God for food actually comes after eating, once we have been satisfied. As it says: