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Book of Exodus - Chapter 35 - Verse 3

35:3
Ye shall kindle no fire throughout your habitations upon the sabbath day.

Meaning

The verse "Ye shall kindle no fire throughout your habitations upon the sabbath day." is found in the book of Exodus in the Old Testament. This verse is part of the commandments given to the Israelites by God through Moses. In the context of the Sabbath, which is a day of rest and worship, the prohibition against kindling fire on this day has been interpreted in various ways by religious scholars and commentators. Some believe that the act of igniting fire was considered work and therefore should be avoided on the Sabbath, while others suggest that it was a practical measure to prevent people from engaging in activities that could distract them from the spiritual significance of the day. Despite the different interpretations, the overarching message of the verse is clear - the Sabbath is meant to be a time of rest, reflection, and devotion to God, and refraining from certain activities, such as kindling fires, serves as a reminder of the sacredness of the day.

Theological Overview

The verse "Ye shall kindle no fire throughout your habitations upon the sabbath day" from Exodus 35:3 is a commandment given by God to the Israelites to observe the Sabbath day as a day of rest and worship. The theological interpretation of this verse emphasizes the importance of setting aside time to focus on spiritual matters and to refrain from work or other distractions. The prohibition against kindling a fire on the Sabbath is understood as a way to prevent individuals from engaging in unnecessary labor on this holy day.

A word study of the phrase "kindle no fire" reveals that the Hebrew word for "kindle" is "tav'iroo," which can also be translated as "light" or "ignite." The act of kindling a fire was a common household task in ancient times, and by forbidding it on the Sabbath, God was reminding the Israelites to prioritize spiritual reflection and communal worship over mundane activities.

Overall, this verse serves as a reminder for believers to set aside time for rest and worship, to focus on their spiritual well-being, and to honor the sacredness of the Sabbath day. By obeying this commandment, the Israelites demonstrated their commitment to God and their trust in His provision for their needs.

American Standard Version

Ye shall kindle no fire throughout your habitations upon the sabbath day.
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