And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made.
What does Genesis 2:3 mean?
After six days, God ceased from all works of creation. In miracles, he has overruled nature, but never changed its settled course, or added to it.
Key themes
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Keep this verse inside Genesis 2:1-3 and alongside a few nearby related passages.
Commentary on Genesis 2:3
Thirdly, he blessed the seventh day. Blessing results in the bestowment of some good on the object blessed. The only good that can be bestowed on a portion of time is to dedicate it to a noble use, a special and pleasing enjoyment. Accordingly, in the forth place, he hallowed it or set it apart to a holy rest. This consecration is the blessing conferred on the seventh day. It is devoted to the rest that followed, when God's work was done, to the satisfaction and delight arising from the consciousness of having achieved his end, and from the contemplation of the good he has realized. Our joy on such occasions is expressed by mutual visitation, congratulation, and hospitality.
Key words
- sanctified
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sanctified. (e) "creavit ut faceret", V. L. "creaverat ut faceret", Pagninus, Montanus.
- blessed
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And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it,.
- seventh
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And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it,.
Context in Genesis 2
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Genesis 2 belongs to the early movement of the book, especially the section often described as primeval history from creation to Babel. Genesis opens the whole Bible with creation, fall, flood, Babel, and the long patriarchal story that carries the reader from Eden to Egypt. Read this chapter with the wider themes of creation, fall, and covenant in view so the individual verses keep their proper weight.
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A collection of passages on hope under pressure, future inheritance, resurrection expectation, and confidence in God’s final faithfulness.