King James Version

What Does Matthew 11:29 Mean?

Matthew 11:29 in the King James Version says “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. — study this verse from Matthew chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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 · KJV


Context

27

All things are delivered unto me of my Father: and no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him.

28

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

29

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.

30

For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jesus invites the weary: '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' (Greek: ἄρατε τὸν ζυγόν μου ἐφ' ὑμᾶς καὶ μάθετε ἀπ' ἐμοῦ, 'take my yoke upon you and learn from me'). A 'yoke' (ζυγός) is wooden frame joining oxen for work - it symbolizes discipleship, teaching, and burden. Jesus invites exchange - leave Pharisaical legalism's crushing yoke for His yoke. 'Learn from me' (μάθετε) makes Jesus both teacher and curriculum. His character is 'meek and lowly' (πραΰς καὶ ταπεινός) - gentle strength and humble service. 'Rest for souls' (ἀνάπαυσιν ταῖς ψυχαῖς) promises internal peace amidst external labor.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Jewish teachers spoke of Torah's 'yoke' - rabbinic interpretation and legal requirements. Pharisaical tradition added extensive oral law creating 'heavy burdens' (Matthew 23:4). Jesus offers alternative yoke - relationship with Him rather than legal performance. 'Meek and lowly' contrasts with Pharisaical pride and religious elitism. Early Christians found this invitation liberating from legalistic Judaism while maintaining obedience rooted in grace. The promise echoes Jeremiah 6:16 where ancient paths offer rest.

Reflection Questions

  1. What 'yokes' or burdens are you carrying that Jesus invites you to exchange for His yoke?
  2. How does Jesus' meekness and humility shape what discipleship to Him looks like?
  3. What is the difference between the rest Jesus offers and merely reduced activity?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 23 words
ἄρατε1 of 23

Take

G142

to lift up; by implication, to take up or away; figuratively, to raise (the voice), keep in suspense (the mind), specially, to sail away (i.e., weigh

τὸν2 of 23
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ζυγόν3 of 23

yoke

G2218

a coupling, i.e., (figuratively) servitude (a law or obligation); also (literally) the beam of the balance (as connecting the scales)

μου4 of 23

my

G3450

of me

ἐφ'5 of 23

upon

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

ὑμᾶς6 of 23

you

G5209

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

καὶ7 of 23

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

μάθετε8 of 23

learn

G3129

to learn (in any way)

ἀπ'9 of 23

of

G575

"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)

ἐμοῦ10 of 23

me

G1700

of me

ὅτι11 of 23

for

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

πρᾷός12 of 23

meek

G4235

gentle, i.e., humble

εἰμι13 of 23

I am

G1510

i exist (used only when emphatic)

καὶ14 of 23

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ταπεινὸς15 of 23

lowly

G5011

depressed, i.e., (figuratively) humiliated (in circumstances or disposition)

τῇ16 of 23
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

καρδίᾳ17 of 23

in heart

G2588

the heart, i.e., (figuratively) the thoughts or feelings (mind); also (by analogy) the middle

καὶ18 of 23

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

εὑρήσετε19 of 23

ye shall find

G2147

to find (literally or figuratively)

ἀνάπαυσιν20 of 23

rest

G372

intermission; by implication, recreation

ταῖς21 of 23
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ψυχαῖς22 of 23

souls

G5590

breath, i.e., (by implication) spirit, abstractly or concretely (the animal sentient principle only; thus distinguished on the one hand from g4151, wh

ὑμῶν·23 of 23

unto your

G5216

of (from or concerning) you


Study Guide

Historical Context

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

Theological Significance

Matthew 11:29 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 Matthew 11:29 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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