Old Testament

Jeremiah 17:22

Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.

ClearClear Bible Translation

Don't carry loads out of your houses on the Sabbath. Don't do any work at all. Keep the Sabbath day holy, just as I commanded your ancestors.

Compare translations
KJVKing James Version

Neither carry forth a burden out of your houses on the sabbath day, neither do ye any work, but hallow ye the sabbath day, as I commanded your fathers.

What Jeremiah 17:22 means

Plain-English insight for readers

In this verse, God instructs the people of Israel to observe the Sabbath by refraining from carrying burdens or doing any work. The Sabbath is a day set apart for rest and spiritual reflection, honoring the covenant between God and His people. This command emphasizes the importance of dedicating time to rest and worship, as it was established since the time of their ancestors. By keeping the Sabbath holy, the Israelites are reminded of their identity as God's chosen people and their need for spiritual renewal. The act of resting on this day serves as a reminder of God's creation and His provision, allowing individuals to step back from their daily routines and focus on their relationship with Him. This command not only promotes physical rest but also spiritual rejuvenation, reinforcing the idea that God desires a relationship with His people that includes time for reflection and worship.

How to apply Jeremiah 17:22 to your life

To apply this verse today, set aside time each week for rest and spiritual reflection. Avoid work and distractions, focusing instead on your relationship with God. Use this time to recharge physically and spiritually, honoring the principle of the Sabbath in your life.

Curated for this public verse page. Jeremiah Summary

Explore more of the Bible

Learn the Bible through its people and places

Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.

A painting of Daniel and his three friends eating vegetables and drinking water in a Babylonian hall, while other young men eat the king's food and drink wine and the steward looks on

Illustrated scene from Daniel's story: Faithful at the King's Table (Daniel 1:1–21)

Meet the people of the Bible

Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.

Daniel

A ruined stone tower with a doorway at Burj Beitin, lit by low evening sun under a cloudy sky.

Photo: Bukvoed, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 4.0. Source. Location: Burj Beitin, Beitin, Ramallah and al-Bireh Governorate, West Bank. Resized for the web.

Explore the places of the Bible

See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.

Bethel

Where Jacob dreamed of a stairway to heaven and met God.

Get full access with one subscription

Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.

See Plans

Ask AI about Jeremiah 17:22

Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.

Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter

Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.

Keep studying Jeremiah 17:22

At a Glance — the Book of Jeremiah

Author
Jeremiah the prophet, with Baruch
Written
Around 600 BC
Genre
Prophecy
Original Audience
Judah before and during the Babylonian exile

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Jeremiah 17:22 mean?

Jeremiah 17:22 instructs the Israelites to observe the Sabbath by not carrying burdens or doing any work. This emphasizes the importance of rest and spiritual reflection as a way to honor their covenant with God.

What is the significance of the Sabbath in Jeremiah 17:22?

The Sabbath in Jeremiah 17:22 is significant as a day set apart for rest and worship, reminding the Israelites of their identity as God's chosen people and their need for spiritual renewal.

How can I apply Jeremiah 17:22 in my life?

To apply Jeremiah 17:22, set aside a specific time each week for rest and spiritual reflection, avoiding work and distractions to focus on your relationship with God.

What does 'carrying burdens' refer to in Jeremiah 17:22?

'Carrying burdens' in Jeremiah 17:22 refers to engaging in work or tasks that distract from the purpose of the Sabbath, which is to rest and focus on spiritual matters.

Daily Verse — straight to your inbox

A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.