sabbatarians

Sabbatarians are individuals who adhere to the practice of observing a Sabbath—a day of rest and worship—on a specific weekday, most commonly Saturday. The term originates from the Latin word *sabbatum*, meaning "Sabbath," and the suffix *-arian* indicating an adherent or practitioner. Historically, Sabbatarians have been associated with both Jewish and Christian traditions, as well as with various minority religious movements that emphasise the importance of a weekly day of rest in accordance with biblical commandments.

In Judaism, Sabbatarians observe the seventh day of the week as a holy day, following the third commandment. Throughout Christian history, especially during the early church period, the debate over the appropriate Sabbath day led to the emergence of groups that insisted on the Saturday Sabbath against the dominant Sunday observance. These early Christian Sabbatarians were often persecuted and marginalized, but their insistence on scriptural authority influenced later movements.

The term also gained prominence within the Seventh‑Day Adventist Church, where the Saturday Sabbath is central doctrine. Modern Sabbatarian communities, such as the Old Testament Baptists and certain evangelical sects, maintain Saturday observance and often engage in contemporary discussions about secular work, lighting ordinances, and healthcare.

In a sociological context, Sabbatarians represent a small but enduring strand of religious thought that underscores a commitment to divine mandates about rest. Their practices can be seen as part of a broader pattern of religious identity formation and resistance to cultural assimilation. This brief overview highlights the historical roots, doctrinal distinctions, and social implications associated with Sabbatarians.