You Tube Theology

Theology videos from YouTube

YouTube video thumbnail
Clip (<5 mins)
New TestamentBiblical Languages
Evangelical

Greek Word of the Day - σάββατον

Theologian

Bill Mounce


Duration

0.41


Uploaded to YouTube

6 August 2024

Added to Database

17 December 2025


YouTube description

σάββατον, -ου, τό (sabbaton), GK 4879 (S 4521), 68x.

σάββατον, -ου, τό means “Sabbath; week”

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

“Now after the Sabbath, toward daybreak of the first day of the σάββατον, Mary ... went to see the tomb.” (Matt 28:1)

MOUNCE’S EXPOSITORY DICTIONARY

sabbaton is a transliteration of the Hebrew word šabbāt and is related to the verb šābat, which is used of God’s resting on the seventh day of creation (Gen. 2:2–3). Generally speaking, work is prohibited on the Sabbath. Rabbinic works are replete with lists of what is permitted or prohibited on this day. sabbaton in the NT agrees with Jewish usage and is in keeping with what is known from Jewish sources, e.g., priestly work is permitted (Mt. 12:4–5), picking ears of corn is banned (Mk. 2:23–28), helping the sick is allowed only in life or death situations (3:1), the body of Jesus is buried before the Sabbath (15:42), the Sabbath is a day of rest (Lk. 23:56), items are not to be carried (Jn. 5:9–10), circumcision is also permitted (7:22–23), travel is limited (Acts 1:12), and Scripture is read (13:15, 27). According to Jesus the Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath (Mk. 2:27–28). That is, in the creation story, God did not create a Sabbath and then create a human being to keep it; rather, he first created a human being, then knowing human beings would need rest, created the Sabbath for their benefit. The Lord wants us to enjoy the day of rest, not be burdened by it.

(The dictionary entry is abridged from Mounce‘s Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words, https://billmounce.com/dictionary).