Matthew 11 29

Matthew 11:29 kjv

Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

Matthew 11:29 nkjv

Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

Matthew 11:29 niv

Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

Matthew 11:29 esv

Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

Matthew 11:29 nlt

Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

Matthew 11 verses

Matthew 11 29 Meaning

Matthew 11:29 is a profound invitation from Jesus, extending His offer of spiritual rest. It calls individuals to engage in a relationship of active discipleship by accepting His authority and embracing His way of life, symbolized as "My yoke." This invitation directly contrasts with the burdensome legalistic systems of the day that burdened people with religious demands. The verse emphasizes that the pathway to true, inner "rest for your souls" is found through learning from Jesus, whose very character is described as "gentle and humble in heart." It implies that His teachings and commands are not oppressive but liberating, offering peace to the innermost being.

Matthew 11 29 Context

Matthew 11 unfolds as Jesus addresses a series of critical issues surrounding His identity and ministry. It begins with John the Baptist's doubts and Jesus' validation of His messianic role through His works (Matt 11:2-6). Following this, Jesus praises John's steadfastness and then contrasts the general unresponsiveness of "this generation" (Matt 11:16-19). He pronounces woes upon the unrepentant cities that witnessed His miracles (Matt 11:20-24). In striking contrast to this rejection, Jesus praises God for revealing truths to humble, simple people ("babes") rather than the proud and supposedly "wise" religious elite (Matt 11:25-26). This sets the stage for His declaration of unique divine authority and intimate knowledge of the Father (Matt 11:27). Immediately following, Jesus issues a profound, universal invitation in Matthew 11:28, "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." Verse 29 then specifies the active response to that invitation: how one can attain that rest. Historically, the Jewish people were burdened by both Roman occupation and, perhaps more significantly, the oppressive legalistic interpretations of the Mosaic Law by the scribes and Pharisees (cf. Matt 23:4). This "yoke" of religious duties often brought spiritual weariness rather than peace. Jesus presents an entirely new, liberating alternative.

Matthew 11 29 Word analysis

• Take (άρατε, arate): An aorist active imperative verb, indicating a decisive, intentional act of taking something up. It's an active command, requiring volition and effort, signifying the disciple's conscious acceptance of Jesus' offer and authority. It suggests an act of exchange or substitution – putting off one burden and taking on another, uniquely different one.
• My yoke (τον ζυγόν μου, ton zygon mou): "Yoke" (ζυγός, zygos) was a common agricultural tool, joining two animals to share a burden. Culturally, it symbolized submission, authority, and discipleship to a teacher (e.g., "the yoke of Torah," "the yoke of the kingdom"). Jesus explicitly identifies it as His yoke, distinct from the legalistic burdens imposed by the Pharisees. It represents His unique authority, teachings, and the lifestyle of following Him. It is not merely a set of rules but a relational partnership in spiritual work.
• upon you (ἐφ’ ὑμᾶς, eph’ hymas): This prepositional phrase emphasizes the personal appropriation and bearing of Jesus' yoke by each individual, highlighting its direct and intimate relevance to the listener.
• and learn (καὶ μάθετε, kai mathete): Another aorist active imperative, conveying a continuous, ongoing process of intentional discipleship. It goes beyond mere intellectual understanding; it implies a living apprenticeship, observing and imitating the master. Disciples are to emulate Jesus' way of life, especially His inner disposition.
• from Me (ἀπ’ ἐμοῦ, ap’ emou): This specifies Jesus Himself as the singular source and curriculum of learning. It indicates that true discipleship and life's wisdom are to be drawn directly from His character, teachings, and example, rather than from human traditions or the external demands of others.
• for I am (ὅτι εἰμι ἐγώ, hoti eimi ego): "For" (ὅτι, hoti) introduces the foundational reason why Jesus' yoke is beneficial and brings rest. The phrase "I am" echoes divine declarations (cf. Ex 3:14), emphasizing Jesus' unique nature and authority.
• gentle (πραῢς, praus): This Greek term (often translated "meek") signifies strength under control. It describes one who possesses immense power but chooses to wield it with kindness, patience, and humility, avoiding harshness or self-assertion. It implies compassionate restraint and perfect disposition toward others.
• and humble (καὶ ταπεινὸς, kai tapeinos): Meaning lowly, modest, not proud, lacking pretense. It indicates a disposition that does not seek its own exaltation but serves. Christ's humility is an ultimate act of condescension, choosing the path of obedience and sacrifice for humanity's redemption. These two qualities—gentleness and humility—are presented as core to His divine character, defining the nature of His leadership.
• in heart (τῇ καρδίᾳ, te kardia): Refers to the inner core of Jesus' being – His authentic self, the seat of His emotions, will, and intellect. It underscores that His gentleness and humility are not external behaviors but integral parts of His intrinsic character, making His yoke truly light and trustworthy.
• and you will find (καὶ εὑρήσετε, kai heuresete): A future active indicative verb, conveying a certain promise, a guaranteed and positive outcome for those who respond to His invitation. The finding is assured for those who comply.
• rest (ἀνάπαυσιν, anapausin): Signifies cessation from toil, refreshment, quiet, relief. It is more than just physical inactivity; it denotes profound spiritual peace, a freedom from the oppressive burdens of religious striving, guilt, and the anxieties of seeking self-justification or divine favor through human effort.
• for your souls (ταῖς ψυχαῖς ὑμῶν, tais psychais hymon): Specifies the comprehensive and deep nature of the rest offered. The "soul" refers to the innermost self, the essence of one's spiritual, emotional, and intellectual being. This rest addresses the deepest existential needs and longings of humanity, providing a profound internal tranquility and satisfaction.

Matthew 11 29 Bonus section

The seemingly paradoxical nature of finding "rest" by "taking a yoke" is central to understanding Matthew 11:29. While a yoke typically symbolizes labor and burden, Jesus' yoke is fundamentally different because it is His – perfectly fitted, shared, and ultimately empowering. It signifies entering into an intimate apprenticeship and co-labor with Christ, where He, being gentle and humble, guides and shares the load. This isn't passive rest, but an active submission to His benevolent leadership that paradoxically lightens the true spiritual burdens of life. This rest is therefore not merely a break from activity but a cessation from striving, a profound inner tranquility and spiritual peace found uniquely in Christ's unforced and non-oppressive relationship. It emphasizes that salvation and sanctification are works of God's grace through Christ, not burdensome human efforts.

Matthew 11 29 Commentary

Matthew 11:29 is the heart of Jesus' gracious invitation to those weary and burdened. By inviting them to "take My yoke," Jesus challenges the prevailing spiritual system that imposed an unbearable "yoke" of religious legalism. Unlike the demanding teachers of His day, Jesus presents Himself as a Master whose authority is not burdensome but liberating. The metaphor of the yoke implies a deep, working partnership and submission. When we take His yoke, we are yoked with Him; He bears the primary weight and provides the perfect pace.

The key to understanding the lightness of His yoke lies in His character: "I am gentle and humble in heart." His meekness (strength under control) ensures He will never drive His followers relentlessly, but will lead with compassion. His humility ensures He seeks our good, not His own glory at our expense, making His demands gracious and truly achievable. Learning from Him involves more than intellectual assimilation; it is a transformative apprenticeship in which the disciple progressively mirrors the Master's inner disposition. The promised "rest for your souls" is not a call to idleness, but a profound spiritual peace found in abandoning the self-effort to earn favor, and instead trusting in His perfect work and benevolent leadership. This rest is an active state of reliance, freeing the soul from the crushing weight of anxiety, guilt, and fruitless striving. It is a state of tranquil confidence in God's provision and guidance through Christ.