Hope and Prophecy

Was the Sabbath Only for Jews?

No. The Sabbath was established at creation, before the existence of the Jewish nation.

Published 2026-09-13 · Updated 2026-09-27

Written and reviewed by the Word Oasis Editorial Team. Read our editorial policy.

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SabbathLaw

Biblical explanation

records the seventh day being blessed and sanctified immediately after creation. Jesus said: “The sabbath was made for man” (). He did not say it was made only for Jews. also speaks of foreigners joining themselves to the Lord and specifically describes them keeping God's Sabbath: “Also the sons of the stranger, that join themselves to the LORD… every one that keepeth the sabbath from polluting it” (). This demonstrates that Scripture presents the Sabbath as having significance beyond ethnic Israel. Israel received the Sabbath commandment within the covenant, but the Sabbath itself originated at creation and Scripture explicitly includes believing foreigners among those who keep it.

In brief

records the seventh day being blessed and sanctified immediately after creation.

Bible references

Go deeper into this topic The Sabbath: A Gift of Rest Start the study

Editorial note

This answer is written and reviewed by the Word Oasis Editorial Team, and is presented with supporting references so you can examine each passage in context. If you notice an error or unclear statement, please suggest a correction.