Matthew 11:29
What does Matthew 11:29 mean?
A plain-English look at Matthew 11:29 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Matthew 11:29 means
Jesus further invited them to "Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me." In contrast to the burdensome yoke of the Law, Jesus offers his own yoke. This implies submission to his teachings and his authority, a commitment to discipleship. He reveals his character as "meek and lowly in heart," assuring that following him is not an oppressive task but a transformative journey. By embracing his yoke and learning from him, they would discover deep "rest unto your souls," a profound inner peace and spiritual tranquility.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Take my yoke on you and become like me, for I am gentle and without pride, and you will have rest for your souls;
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862take up my yoke upon you, and learn from me, because I am meek and humble in heart, and ye shall find rest to your souls,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Take up my yoke upon you, and learn of me, because I am meek, and humble of heart: And you shall find rest to your souls.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am meek and lowly in heart; and ye shall find rest to your souls;
Context
Building on the invitation to come for rest, this verse explains *how* that rest is found: by taking Jesus' yoke and learning from him. It introduces the metaphor of the yoke, contrasting it with the heavy burdens previously mentioned. Jesus' self-description as "meek and lowly" provides the comforting character of this new 'yoke,' leading to the promise of rest for the soul, which the next verse elaborates upon.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Hebrews 4:3
For we who have believed do enter into that rest; even as he hath said, As I sware in my wrath, They shall not enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world.
- 1 John 2:6
he that saith he abideth in him ought himself also to walk even as he walked.
- Matthew 12:19
He shall not strive, nor cry aloud; Neither shall any one hear his voice in the streets.
- Matthew 11:27
All 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.
- Matthew 28:20
teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I commanded you: and lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.
- Luke 8:35
And they went out to see what had come to pass; and they came to Jesus, and found the man, from whom the demons were gone out, sitting, clothed and in his right mind, at the feet of Jesus: and they were afraid.
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore Matthew 11
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Matthew 11.
Devotionals
Devotional
The Weight We Were Not Built to Carry
Jesus does not promise the absence of burden. He offers an exchange.
Devotional
Small Faith, Real Faith
A mustard seed is enough. Not a mountain of certainty — a seed of trust.
Devotional
Consider the Lilies
Worry forgets that the same God who clothes the field clothes you.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About Burnout
Scripture offers solace and guidance for those experiencing burnout, encouraging rest, renewed hope, and reliance on God.
Topic
Bible Verses About Depression
The Bible acknowledges the reality of depression, offering comfort, hope, and guidance for enduring difficult seasons.
Topic
Bible Verses About Gentleness
The Bible consistently calls believers to lives of gentleness, showing kindness and humility in all interactions.
What the Bible says about…
Verses for this moment
Verses for
Bible Verses for a Panic Attack at Night
Steady, slow verses to pray when your chest is tight and the house is dark.
Verses for
Bible Verses for When You Can't Sleep Because of Anxious Thoughts
Verses to read in bed when your mind won't stop.
Verses for
Bible Verses for Feeling Overwhelmed at Work
When the workload is bigger than you — verses to right-size the day.