Sabbath day's journey — Meaning in the Bible
The distance a person could walk on the Sabbath under Jewish tradition. Acts says the Mount of Olives was a Sabbath day's journey from Jerusalem.
Scripture in WEBWorld English Bible — Protestant Edition
The distance is not stated in Scripture. Jewish tradition set it at 2,000 cubits, roughly one kilometre; this is an estimate.
What it means
After Jesus' ascension the disciples returned to Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives, "which is near Jerusalem, a Sabbath day's journey away". Acts 1:12
The distance came from later tradition, not from a measurement in the Old Testament, which tells people to stay in their place on the Sabbath. Exodus 16:29
Key passages
- Exodus 16:29 — Remain in your place on the seventh day.
- Acts 1:12 — A Sabbath day's journey.