Brief Overview of σαββατισμός (Strong’s G4520: sabbatismos)

Strong’s G4520: A unique term in the New Testament denoting a “Sabbath rest” or “Sabbath-keeping.” Used in Hebrews 4:9 to describe the ultimate spiritual rest that remains for God’s people, combining the physical concept of Sabbath with its deeper spiritual fulfillment in Christ.

U- Unveiling the Word

The term σαββατισμός carries profound theological significance in its sole New Testament appearance. In Hebrews 4:9, it represents more than just physical rest but points to the complete spiritual rest found in Christ. This word uniquely combines the Jewish understanding of Sabbath observance with its ultimate fulfillment in Christian experience. Early church fathers saw in this term both the present rest of salvation and the future rest of glory. Today, σαββατισμός reminds believers that true rest isn’t merely cessation from work but entering into God’s own rest through faith in Christ, anticipating the perfect rest of eternity.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: σαββατισμός, sabbatismos, /sab-bat-is-mos’/
• Pronunciation Guide: “sab” (like ‘sob’), “bat” (like ‘bat’), “is” (like ‘ease’), “mos” (like ‘moss’)
• Part of Speech: Noun

Etymology:

• Root: σάββατον (sabbaton) – Sabbath
• Suffix: -ισμός (-ismos) – indicates state or condition
• Combined meaning: state of keeping Sabbath, Sabbath observance

D – Defining Meanings

• Sabbath rest
• Sabbath-keeping
• State of rest
• Perfect spiritual rest

For compound words:
Not a compound word, but the -ισμός suffix transforms the concept of Sabbath into a state or ongoing condition

Translation Options:

• “Sabbath rest” – combines both physical and spiritual aspects
• “Sabbath-keeping” – emphasizes the active participation
• “perfect rest” – focuses on the spiritual fulfillment

E – Exploring Similar Words

• κατάπαυσις (katapausis) /kat-ap’-ow-sis/ – rest, repose See G2663 – general concept of rest
• ἀνάπαυσις (anapausis) /an-ap’-ow-sis/ – rest, refreshment See G372 – emphasizes refreshment
• σάββατον (sabbaton) /sab’-bat-on/ – Sabbath See G4521 – the weekly rest day

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Morphological features as a noun:

• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Gender: Masculine
• Declension: Second declension

Example forms:

• Nominative singular: σαββατισμός
• Genitive singular: σαββατισμοῦ
• Dative singular: σαββατισμῷ
• Accusative singular: σαββατισμόν

Cross-references:

• Related noun: σάββατον (Sabbath)
• Related verb: σαββατίζω (to keep the Sabbath)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes σαββατισμός’s unique theological significance in Hebrews. Thayer’s connects it to both Jewish Sabbath observance and Christian fulfillment. LSJ notes its specialized religious usage. Vine’s highlights its eschatological implications. Strong’s traces its formation from σάββατον. LEH discusses its relationship to Sabbath laws. Moulton and Milligan note its rare occurrence in non-biblical literature.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:

So there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God (Hebrews 4:9)

Additional References:
This is the only occurrence in the New Testament.

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

The word σαββατισμός beautifully captures the fullness of rest that King Jesus offers His people. It points beyond mere physical rest to the complete spiritual rest found in Christ’s finished work. This good news proclaims that through faith in Him, we enter God’s own rest – both now through salvation and ultimately in eternal glory. It reminds us that true rest isn’t found in religious observance but in relationship with our Savior.

D – Did You Know?

1. This word appears to have been coined specifically for theological use, possibly by the author of Hebrews.
2. Early Christian writers used this term to distinguish spiritual rest from mere physical cessation of work.
3. The word influenced Christian understanding of Sunday worship as spiritual Sabbath rest.

Strong’s G4520: A unique term in the New Testament denoting a “Sabbath rest” or “Sabbath-keeping.” Used in Hebrews 4:9 to describe the ultimate spiritual rest that remains for God’s people, combining the physical concept of Sabbath with its deeper spiritual fulfillment in Christ.

Part of speech: Noun

Tags: rest, Sabbath, Hebrews, spiritual rest, salvation, eschatology, fulfillment, Jewish roots, Christian rest, eternal rest​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​