The origin of the word Saturday usually raises questions. Whereas its modern meaning in Russian is understandable to everyone. This is the sixth day of the week, between Friday and Sunday. But why is it called that? The origin of the name "Saturday", as well as its understanding at different times and among different peoples, will be described in the article.
In Slavic languages
The origin of the word "Saturday" in the etymological dictionary in Slavic languages is as follows.
It came to the Russian language from Old Russian, where there is the word "Subot". From this source came:
- Russian - “Saturday”;
- Ukrainian, Belorussian and Serbo-Croatian - “Saturday”;
- Bulgarian - "Saturday".
From the old Slavonic "cattle" come:
- Czech, Slovak, Polish, Lower Luzhsk - sobota;
- Polaba - sübǘta.
To understand the origin of the word "Saturday", you need to understand how it came to Old Russian and Old Slavonic.
From Latin and Greek
In turn, the word came to the Old Russian language from the ancient Greek, where there is a noun σάμβατον. Whereas in Old Slavonic it appeared by borrowing from the Latin language - from sabbatum. From it are also formed:
- Italian - sabato;
- French - samedi;
- Spanish and Portuguese - sábado;
- Romanian - sâmbătă;
- Armenian - šabat (շաբաթ);
- Georgian - Shabbat (შაბათი);
- Hungarian - szombat;
- Bashkir - shәmbe;
- Tajik - shanbe;
- Tatar - shimbә;
- Kazakh - Senbi;
- Chuvash - Shămatkun.
How did the word appear in Latin and Greek?
Borrowing from Hebrew
In Latin, the word studied came from ancient Greek, and in the last - from Hebrew. In Hebrew, it is written שַׁבָּת and read as "Shabbat". This term is associated with the verb "shavat", meaning "stop", "abstain", "rest."
For the Jews, Shabbat — Saturday — is the seventh day of the week. The Torah prescribes to refrain from any work at this time. Saturday is also revered by other categories of believers, which include Karaites, Samaritans, representatives of such directions in Christianity as Russian "Subbotniks" and Seventh-day Adventists. The Jews will learn more about the Sabbath below.
Not only the seventh day
Understanding the origin of "Saturday", it should be noted that this word means not only rest on the seventh day of the week. It applies to days off from work and holidays in general, regardless of how long they fell. For example, such was the Day of Atonement. About him was said in the book of Leviticus. This is the tenth day of the seventh month according to our calculation. It falls on September 10th. Among the Jews, he was connected with fasting, as well as with contrition of sins.
On such a day, the high priest made a sacrifice on his behalf. He placed two goats in front of the Tabernacle, cast lots and slaughtered one of them as a sacrifice in the name of atonement for the sins of the whole nation. Over another goat, the sins of the people were confessed by the priest, and then the animal was expelled into the desert. In conclusion, a burnt offering ceremony was performed.
In Ancient Babylon
To understand the origin of the word "Saturday", it would be advisable to consider another option for its use in ancient times.
The Babylonians had such a thing as “sha patu”. Its meaning is “middle day”. It was about the 15th day of the month, which was "the day of the tranquility of God's hearts." Like the Jews, he was marked by prayer and repentance.
In addition, on certain dates in Babylon it was forbidden to engage in certain activities. It was the 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th day of the month. This was especially true of the royal people. The reason for the ban was that these dates were considered unlucky.
Keep the sabbath day
As indicated in the Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, as well as in the book of Kings and some other scriptures, the seventh day of the Jews is considered as a day of holy rest, in which it was forbidden to work. This indication also applied to newcomers, and to slaves, and even to cattle.
It was impossible to light a fire, wear a burden. Saturday food had to be prepared in advance. It was forbidden to leave the place of residence. In this regard, the collection of firewood and manna was a violation. There was a need for a break in any business life. The punishment for breaking prescriptions was the death penalty.
However, the main meaning of the Sabbath was not inaction itself, but in the joy of the Israelites. They gathered together to give praise to the Lord and to worship. The daily burnt offering was made in double size, and new bread was brought in the sanctuary.
Connection with God's Rest
In conclusion of the study of the origin of the word “Sabbath,” it should be noted that rest on this day symbolized for the Jews involvement in the rest of God. On the seventh day after He created the world, God decided to rest from work and blessed this date. And he commanded this holiness to observe Israel. That is, the Sabbath must be allocated in a series of other days, like the one that is special, since it is dedicated to the Lord.
For the Jews who were relieved of Jehovah's forced labor in Egyptian slavery, this day became a sign that they were sanctified by God. He isolated them from other nations, and they live only as a people of the covenant thanks to his blessing. Thus, for Jews, keeping and breaking the Sabbath is tantamount to keeping and breaking the covenant made with God.