The Hebrew verb naphash means to refresh oneself, to revive, or to catch one's breath — particularly after labor or exertion. It occurs only 3 times (Exodus 23:12; 31:17; 2 Samuel 16:14) but is related to the theologically rich noun nephesh (H5315, soul/life) and captures the idea of Sabbath rest as genuine reviving of the inner person.
The rare use of naphash makes each occurrence significant. In Exodus 23:12, workers and servants — and even livestock — are to rest on the Sabbath 'so they may be refreshed.' Exodus 31:17 applies this to God Himself: 'on the seventh day he rested and was refreshed' — a profound anthropomorphism showing that the Sabbath rhythm is embedded in the character of God's creative work. The verb grounds Sabbath not in mere rule-keeping but in actual restoration of the nephesh — the whole self. This anticipates Hebrews 4's 'Sabbath rest for the people of God' and the ultimate refreshment of eternal life in communion with God.