Devine Scripture

Matthew 11:28

What does Matthew 11:28 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 11:28 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 11:28 means

Jesus then issued a gracious and comprehensive invitation: "Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." This tender call extends to all who are burdened by the demands of the Law, the weight of sin, or the struggles of life. It highlights Jesus' compassion and his unique ability to provide true spiritual rest, a deeply needed relief for the weary soul. This invitation is a central theme of the Gospel, offering solace and peace for those who respond to him.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Come to me, all you who are troubled and weighted down with care, and I will give you rest.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

`Come unto me, all ye labouring and burdened ones, and I will give you rest,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Come to me all you that labor and are burdened, and I will refresh you.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Come to me, all ye who labour and are burdened, and I will give you rest.

Context

This verse presents one of Jesus' most tender and famous invitations, flowing directly from his preceding declaration of supreme authority and exclusive knowledge of the Father. Having established his unique divine position, he now extends a universal call to all who are burdened. This is a pivotal moment in the chapter, moving from judgment and theological claims to a personal, grace-filled offer of rest, which he will elaborate on in the following verses.

v.27All things have been delivered unto me of my Father: and no one knoweth the Son, save the Father; neither doth any know the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son willeth to reveal him.

v.28This passage

v.29Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Psalms 116:7

    Return unto thy rest, O my soul; For Jehovah hath dealt bountifully with thee.

  • Isaiah 48:17

    Thus saith Jehovah, thy Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: I am Jehovah thy God, who teacheth thee to profit, who leadeth thee by the way that thou shouldest go.

  • John 6:37

    All that which the Father giveth me shall come unto me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.

  • John 7:37

    Now on the last day, the greatdayof the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me and drink.

  • Psalms 38:4

    For mine iniquities are gone over my head: As a heavy burden they are too heavy for me.

  • Psalms 32:4

    For day and night thy hand was heavy upon me: My moisture was changed as with the drought of summer. [Selah

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