King James Version

What Does Isaiah 28:12 Mean?

Isaiah 28:12 in the King James Version says “To whom he said, This is the rest wherewith ye may cause the weary to rest; and this is the refreshing: yet they would n...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 28 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“To whom he said, This is the rest wherewith ye may cause the weary to rest; and this is the refreshing: yet they would not hear.”

Isaiah 28:12 · KJV

Context

10

For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little: must be: or, hath been

11

For with stammering lips and another tongue will he speak to this people. stammering: Heb. stammerings of lip will: or, he hath spoken

12

To whom he said, This is the rest wherewith ye may cause the weary to rest; and this is the refreshing: yet they would not hear.

13

But the word of the LORD was unto them precept upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little; that they might go, and fall backward, and be broken, and snared, and taken.

14

Wherefore hear the word of the LORD, ye scornful men, that rule this people which is in Jerusalem.

Read Isaiah 28 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
To whom he said, This is the rest wherewith ye may cause the weary to rest; and this is the refreshing: yet they would not hear. Before sending foreign-tongued judgment (v.11), God offered gracious invitation. To whom he said refers to the people addressed in verse 11. God previously declared: This is the rest (zot ham-menucha, זֹאת הַמְּנוּחָה, this is the resting place) wherewith ye may cause the weary to rest (asher hanichu le-ayef, אֲשֶׁר הָנִיחוּ לֶעָיֵף, by which you may give rest to the weary). Menucha (מְנוּחָה) means rest, peace, settled security—what God offered in the Promised Land under covenant obedience.

And this is the refreshing (ve-zot ham-marga'ah, וְזֹאת הַמַּרְגֵּעָה, and this is the refreshment/quietness). God provided rest from enemies, spiritual refreshment in His presence. But the devastating conclusion: yet they would not hear (ve-lo avu shmo'a, וְלֹא אָבוּ שְׁמוֹעַ, literally "they were not willing to hear"). Willful refusal, not inability. Jesus echoes this: "Come unto me...and I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28). Rest is offered, but many won't come. Hebrews 4:1-11 warns against missing God's rest through unbelief.

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Historical & Cultural Context

God repeatedly offered Israel rest and refreshment through covenant faithfulness. Moses promised rest in Canaan (Deuteronomy 12:9-10). Joshua gave them rest from enemies (Joshua 21:43-45). Solomon's reign brought peace (1 Kings 4:24-25). Yet they persistently chose idolatry and alliances over trusting God. Jesus offered rest to Jerusalem; they rejected and crucified Him (Matthew 23:37). The church now enters Christ's rest by faith (Hebrews 4:3), but many still refuse to hear and miss God's gracious provision.

Reflection Questions

  1. What 'rest' and 'refreshing' is God offering that you might be refusing to receive through unbelief or disobedience?
  2. How does Jesus's invitation to rest (Matthew 11:28-30) fulfill Isaiah's promise of God providing rest?
  3. Why do people willfully refuse God's gracious offers of rest and persist in wearying self-effort?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
אֲשֶׁ֣ר׀1 of 12
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

אָמַ֣ר2 of 12

“To whom he said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֲלֵיהֶ֗ם3 of 12
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

זֹ֤את4 of 12
H2063

this (often used adverb)

הַמְּנוּחָה֙5 of 12

“This is the rest”

H4496

repose or (adverbially) peacefully; figuratively, consolation (specifically, matrimony); hence (concretely) an abode

הָנִ֣יחוּ6 of 12

“to rest”

H5117

to rest, i.e., settle down; used in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, intransitive, transitive and causative (to dwell, stay, l

לֶֽעָיֵ֔ף7 of 12

“wherewith ye may cause the weary”

H5889

languid

וְזֹ֖את8 of 12
H2063

this (often used adverb)

הַמַּרְגֵּעָ֑ה9 of 12

“and this is the refreshing”

H4774

rest

וְלֹ֥א10 of 12
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

אָב֖וּא11 of 12

“yet they would”

H14

to breathe after, i.e., (figuratively) to be acquiescent

שְׁמֽוֹעַ׃12 of 12

“not hear”

H8085

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Isaiah. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Isaiah 28:12 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Isaiah 28:12 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 11:28-29Isaiah 30:15Jeremiah 6:16Isaiah 11:10Zechariah 7:14Jeremiah 44:16

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