The word "sabbatarian" refers to an individual who observes the Sabbath as a holy day of rest. The spelling of this word can be broken down using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) as /sæbə'tɛərɪən/. The first syllable is pronounced with a short "a" sound and a schwa, followed by a stressed syllable with a long "e" sound. The final syllable includes an "i" sound and a schwa before the final "n". Overall, the spelling of sabbatarian reflects its Greek roots, with "sabbath" and "arian" meaning "one who practices or believes in."
Sabbatarian is a noun that refers to a person who observes or advocates for strict observance or adherence to the Sabbath, typically as a day of rest or worship. This term is often used in religious contexts and specifically relates to the observance of the Sabbath as prescribed in the Bible.
The Sabbath is considered a sacred day of rest and worship in various religions, notably Judaism and certain sects of Christianity. A Sabbatarian is someone who strongly upholds the beliefs, laws, and customs associated with the Sabbath, often abstaining from work and dedicating the day to religious and spiritual practices.
In a broader sense, Sabbatarian can also refer to any individual or group that promotes the idea of dedicated rest or particular religious observances on a specific day, even if it is not strictly tied to the Sabbath. Such individuals prioritize the importance of taking time for spiritual reflection, rest, and rejuvenation.
Sabbatarians may vary in their degrees of strictness regarding Sabbath observance, with some adhering strictly to specific guidelines, including abstaining from various activities such as cooking, driving, or using electronic devices, while others focus primarily on worship and spiritual practices during the day. The term Sabbatarian serves as a descriptor for individuals or groups who place a significant emphasis on observing a dedicated day of rest or religious devotion.
• Pert. to the Sabbath.
• A rigid observer of the Sabbath; one who keeps the Sabbath on the seventh day.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "sabbatarian" comes from the combination of two elements: "Sabbath" and "-arian".
The term "Sabbath" originated from the Hebrew word "Shabbat", which refers to the biblical day of rest and worship observed in Judaism. It is derived from the Hebrew verb "shavat", meaning "to rest" or "to cease" from work. The Sabbath is traditionally observed from Friday evening to Saturday evening.
The suffix "-arian" is used to form nouns relating to a person's association with a particular belief, practice, or movement. In this case, "-arian" is added to "Sabbath", forming "Sabbatarian".
Therefore, a "sabbatarian" is a person who adheres to or advocates for strict observance of the Sabbath, often in religious or theological contexts.