Life and Relationships

Why Is the Sabbath on Saturday Rather Than Sunday?

The seventh-day Sabbath was established at creation on the day following six days of work, later confirmed in the Ten Commandments as Saturday, the seventh day of the week, distinct from the first day, Sunday.

Published 2026-09-13 · Updated 2026-09-27

Written and reviewed by the Word Oasis Editorial Team. Read our editorial policy.

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SabbathLaw

Biblical explanation

Genesis records that God rested on the seventh day after completing creation in six days, blessing and sanctifying that specific day (), establishing the Sabbath before any covenant with Israel existed. The fourth commandment identifies this day explicitly: “the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God” (), a day consistently distinguished throughout Scripture from “the first day of the week,” the day of the resurrection (; ). Historical and linguistic evidence, including the continued use of “Sabado” for Saturday in many languages, supports the seventh day of the week as Saturday, the same day observed since creation and reaffirmed at Sinai, rather than the first day.

In brief

Genesis records that God rested on the seventh day after completing creation in six days, blessing and sanctifying that specific day (), establishing the Sabbath before any covenant with Israel existed.

Bible references

Go deeper into this topic The Sabbath: A Gift of Rest Start the study

Editorial note

This answer is written and reviewed by the Word Oasis Editorial Team, and is presented with supporting references so you can examine each passage in context. If you notice an error or unclear statement, please suggest a correction.