As a cultural and linguistic expert with a deep understanding of etymology and religious studies, I can provide an insightful exploration into the origins of the word "Sabbath."
The term "Sabbath" has its roots in the ancient Hebrew language, and it is derived from the verb "shabbat," which means "to cease" or "to rest." The concept of the Sabbath as a day of rest and worship is a fundamental aspect of Judaism and has been adopted by Christianity as well. The Sabbath is traditionally observed from Friday at sunset to Saturday at sunset, marking the seventh day of the week according to the Hebrew calendar.
The sanctity of the Sabbath is emphasized in the Hebrew Bible, particularly in the Book of Exodus. As you mentioned, the first recorded use of the word "Sabbath" in reference to the seventh day is found in Exodus 16:23. This verse is part of a larger narrative where God provides manna to the Israelites in the wilderness, and the manna would not spoil on the sixth day so that the Israelites could observe the Sabbath day without having to gather food.
The word "sanctified" in the same verse, as you pointed out, comes from the Hebrew root "qadash," which means "to set apart as holy." This further underscores the sacred nature of the Sabbath as a day that is to be distinguished from the other days of the week and dedicated to rest and spiritual pursuits.
The observance of the Sabbath is one of the Ten Commandments, as stated in the Book of Exodus 20:8-11 and Deuteronomy 5:12-15. It is a day that is to be kept holy and is a testament to the divine command to honor and observe it. The Sabbath is a reminder of the creation story, where God is said to have worked for six days and rested on the seventh, and it is a day for people to emulate this divine rest.
Over time, the observance of the Sabbath has taken on various forms and has been interpreted differently by different religious groups. For example, in Orthodox Judaism, the Sabbath is observed with strict adherence to prohibitions against work and the use of electricity, among other things. In more liberal branches of Judaism and in Christianity, the observance may be less stringent, but the essence of rest and worship remains.
The Sabbath also carries symbolic significance. It represents a covenant between God and the people, a time for community, and a chance for individuals to pause from the labors of the week and reflect on their spiritual lives. It is a day that encourages gratitude for the gift of rest and the opportunity to connect with the divine.
In conclusion, the word "Sabbath" and its observance are deeply embedded in the religious and cultural traditions of Judaism and Christianity. Its origins in the Hebrew language and its sanctified status in religious texts reflect the profound importance of this day as a time for rest, worship, and spiritual rejuvenation.
read more >>

The word "sanctified" in verse 3 comes from the root qadash, which literally means "to set apart as holy." The first place the word "Sabbath" (from the Hebrew verb shabbat, meaning "to rest from labor"; the day of rest) is used for the seventh day, is in Exodus 16:23.read more >>