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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Take {G142} my {G3450} yoke {G2218} upon {G1909} you {G5209}, and {G2532} learn {G3129} of {G575} me {G1700}; for {G3754} I am {G1510} meek {G4235} and {G2532} lowly {G5011} in heart {G2588}: and {G2532} ye shall find {G2147} rest {G372} unto your {G5216} souls {G5590}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 11:29 presents a profound invitation from Jesus Christ, urging His listeners to embrace His unique form of discipleship. Following His call to the weary and burdened, Jesus offers His "yoke" as an alternative to the oppressive religious systems of the day, promising true spiritual rest. This verse reveals the core of Christ's character—meekness and lowliness of heart—as the foundation for the profound peace and inner tranquility He extends to all who learn from and follow Him.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the heart of Jesus' "Great Invitation," immediately following His declaration of unique intimacy with the Father and His supreme authority over all things ([Matthew 11:27](/matthew/11-27 "Matthew 11:27 - Jesus' Unique Relationship with the Father")). It directly builds upon the preceding verse, where Jesus calls to those who are "weary and heavy-laden" to come to Him for rest ([Matthew 11:28](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28 - Jesus' Invitation to the Weary")). The invitation concludes with the promise that His yoke is easy and His burden is light ([Matthew 11:30](/matthew/11-30 "Matthew 11:30 - Jesus' Easy Yoke and Light Burden")), reinforcing the nature of the rest offered. This passage stands in stark contrast to the woes Jesus pronounced upon the unrepentant cities earlier in the chapter, highlighting the difference between spiritual blindness and humble receptivity to His truth.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Jewish society, a "yoke" was a common metaphor. Literally, it was a wooden beam placed over the necks of a pair of oxen, allowing them to pull a plow or cart together. Metaphorically, it represented submission, obligation, or a system of teaching. Rabbis often spoke of taking on the "yoke of the Torah" or the "yoke of the Kingdom of Heaven," which implied disciplined study and adherence to the Law. However, by Jesus' time, the rabbinic interpretations and traditions had often become an unbearable burden, adding numerous regulations beyond the Law itself. Jesus' invitation to take *His* yoke upon them directly challenges the prevailing religious system, offering a different kind of submission—one characterized by grace and ease rather than legalistic rigor.
* **Key Themes:** Matthew 11:29 contributes significantly to several key themes within the Gospel of Matthew and broader biblical theology. It underscores the theme of **Discipleship**, portraying it as an active process of learning from and imitating Christ, rather than merely adhering to rules. The verse also highlights the **Nature of God's Kingdom**, revealing it as a realm of peace and spiritual rest, contrasting with the burdensome legalism of human religious systems. Furthermore, it powerfully illustrates the **Character of Christ** Himself—His meekness and lowliness—which are foundational to His redemptive work and the rest He offers. This passage also speaks to the theme of **Salvation by Grace**, emphasizing that true rest comes not through human effort or merit, but through humble submission to Christ's finished work, a theme echoed throughout the New Testament, particularly in passages like [Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8-9 "Ephesians 2:8-9 - Salvation by Grace Through Faith").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Yoke (Greek, _zygós'_):** From the root meaning "to join," this term literally refers to a coupling device for oxen. Metaphorically, it signifies a bond, servitude, or a system of teaching and responsibility. Jesus' invitation is to enter into a relationship of submission to Him, but one that is beneficial and liberating, unlike the oppressive burdens of legalism.
* **Meek (Greek, _prâios'_):** This word describes a gentle, humble, and considerate disposition. It is not weakness but strength under control, a disciplined power that is tender and compassionate. Jesus' meekness stands in stark contrast to the harshness and arrogance often associated with worldly power or religious authority.
* **Lowly (Greek, _tapeinós'_):):** Meaning "depressed" or "humiliated" in circumstances or disposition, this term refers to humility, modesty, and being unpretentious. It speaks to Jesus' servant heart and His willingness to condescend for humanity's salvation, embodying a profound lack of self-exaltation.
* **Rest (Greek, _anápausis'_):** Derived from a verb meaning "to cause to cease," this word denotes intermission, refreshment, cessation from labor, and tranquility. It signifies a profound spiritual peace, inner tranquility, and freedom from the striving, guilt, and burdens of sin and self-effort. It is the deep satisfaction found in a relationship with God through Christ.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Take my yoke upon you,"**: This is an imperative command, an invitation to active engagement. To "take Jesus' yoke" means to enter into discipleship, to submit to His authority, and to learn His ways. It implies a willingness to be bound to Him, not in oppressive servitude, but in a relationship of partnership and guidance.
* **"and learn of me;"**: This clause clarifies the nature of the "yoke." Discipleship is fundamentally about learning from Jesus. This learning is not merely intellectual assimilation of facts, but a transformative process of observing His character, imitating His actions, and internalizing His teachings and disposition. It is a call to align one's life with His example.
* **"for I am meek and lowly in heart:"**: This provides the foundational reason and assurance for taking His yoke. Jesus' character is the guarantee that His yoke is not burdensome. His "meekness" (strength under control, gentleness) and "lowliness" (humility, absence of pride) are the antithesis of the harshness and self-exaltation found in human systems. These qualities ensure that His leadership is compassionate, understanding, and never oppressive. The "heart" here refers to the seat of intellect, emotion, and will—His very essence.
* **"and ye shall find rest unto your souls."**: This is the glorious promise and ultimate benefit of embracing Jesus' yoke. The "rest" is not merely physical cessation from labor, but a profound, soul-deep tranquility, peace, and freedom from the anxieties, guilt, and striving that burden humanity. It is the spiritual peace that comes from ceasing from one's own efforts and finding satisfaction and security in Christ's finished work and loving authority.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 11:29 is rich in literary devices that enhance its profound theological message. The central device is **Metaphor**, specifically the "yoke." Jesus uses this familiar agricultural tool to represent His teaching, authority, and the nature of discipleship. Unlike the literal wooden yoke that binds oxen to labor, or the metaphorical "yoke of the Law" that had become burdensome, Jesus' yoke is presented as uniquely beneficial. This creates a powerful **Contrast** between the oppressive burdens of legalism and human tradition, and the liberating, soul-refreshing nature of submission to Christ. The phrase "meek and lowly in heart" employs **Personification**, attributing human qualities to the "heart" as the seat of inner character, while also serving as a profound **Self-Revelation** of Jesus' divine nature expressed in human humility. The promise of "rest unto your souls" is a form of **Synecdoche**, where "souls" represents the whole person, emphasizing the holistic, internal, and spiritual nature of the peace offered.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse is a cornerstone for understanding the nature of true spiritual rest and the character of God as revealed in Christ. It fundamentally redefines discipleship from a burdensome adherence to external rules to an internal transformation rooted in a relationship with a gentle and humble Master. The rest Jesus offers is not merely a cessation of activity but a deep, abiding peace that frees the soul from the crushing weight of sin, self-effort, and the world's demands. It speaks to the heart of the New Covenant, where grace replaces legalism, and intimacy with God replaces striving for human approval. This rest is a foretaste of the eternal Sabbath rest promised to God's people, found only in Christ.

* [Hebrews 4:9-10](/hebrews/4-9-10 "Hebrews 4:9-10 - The Sabbath Rest for God's People")
* [Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5-8 "Philippians 2:5-8 - Christ's Humility and Obedience")
* [Jeremiah 6:16](/jeremiah/6-16 "Jeremiah 6:16 - Standing in the Ancient Paths to Find Rest")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 11:29 serves as an enduring invitation for all who are weary—whether from the burdens of sin, the demands of performance-based religion, the anxieties of life, or the relentless pursuit of self-sufficiency. To "take Jesus' yoke" is to consciously choose His way of life, His authority, and His teachings over all other masters and systems. It requires a humble acknowledgment of our own limitations and a willingness to surrender control to Him. In return, He promises a rest that penetrates to the deepest parts of our being, a spiritual tranquility that the world cannot give or take away. This rest is found not in idleness, but in active, joyful submission to His gentle leadership, learning from His perfect example of meekness and lowliness. It calls us to shed pride and self-reliance, embracing a life of dependence on Christ, where true peace flourishes.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What burdens are you currently carrying that Jesus is inviting you to lay down?**
* **In what ways do you find it challenging to "learn of" Jesus, and how can you cultivate a more receptive, humble heart?**
* **How does Jesus' character as "meek and lowly in heart" challenge your understanding of strength and leadership?**
* **What does "rest unto your souls" practically look like in your daily life, and how can you intentionally pursue it through Christ?**

### FAQ

**What does Jesus mean by "my yoke"?**

Answer: In ancient times, a "yoke" was a wooden beam used to harness two oxen together for plowing or pulling a cart. Metaphorically, it represented a system of teaching, a set of obligations, or submission to a master. Rabbis in Jesus' day spoke of taking on the "yoke of the Law" or the "yoke of the Kingdom of Heaven." When Jesus says "take *my* yoke upon you," He is inviting people to enter into a relationship of discipleship and submission to *His* authority and teachings. Unlike the burdensome interpretations of the Law imposed by some religious leaders, Jesus' yoke is characterized by grace, truth, and genuine spiritual freedom, as He clarifies in [Matthew 11:30](/matthew/11-30 "Matthew 11:30 - Jesus' Easy Yoke and Light Burden") that His yoke is "easy" and His burden "light."

**How is Jesus' yoke "easy" and His burden "light" if following Him involves sacrifice?**

Answer: The "ease" and "lightness" of Jesus' yoke are understood in contrast to the heavy burdens of legalism, self-righteousness, and the endless striving for human approval or perfection. While discipleship does involve sacrifice, self-denial, and obedience ([Luke 9:23](/luke/9-23 "Luke 9:23 - Take Up Your Cross")), the burden is light because it is borne with and through Christ. He provides the strength, grace, and perfect example. The rest He offers is not freedom *from* responsibility, but freedom *in* responsibility, knowing that we are serving a gentle and humble Master who perfectly understands our limitations and empowers us. It's a burden of love, not of law, leading to inner peace rather than anxiety.

**What kind of "rest" does Jesus promise for our souls?**

Answer: The "rest" Jesus promises is not merely physical relaxation or cessation from activity, but a profound, inner spiritual peace and tranquility. It is a rest from the burden of sin, guilt, striving for self-justification, and the anxieties of trying to navigate life in one's own strength. This rest comes from trusting in Christ's finished work on the cross, submitting to His loving authority, and finding our identity and security in Him. It is a deep satisfaction and contentment that permeates the "soul"—the very core of our being—offering freedom from the internal turmoil that often plagues humanity ([John 14:27](/john/14-27 "John 14:27 - Jesus' Gift of Peace")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 11:29 powerfully reveals Jesus as the ultimate source of spiritual rest and the perfect embodiment of humility, fulfilling the deepest longings of the human heart. In the Old Testament, the Law, though holy and good, became a crushing burden when interpreted through human legalism and self-effort, leading to weariness rather than rest. Jesus, however, presents Himself not as another burdensome taskmaster, but as the gentle and lowly King who perfectly fulfills the Law's demands on our behalf ([Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")). He is the true Sabbath rest for humanity, inviting us to cease from our own futile strivings and enter into His finished work ([Hebrews 4:9-10](/hebrews/4-9-10 "Hebrews 4:9-10 - The Sabbath Rest for God's People")). His meekness and lowliness are not weaknesses, but divine attributes that demonstrate His servant leadership, contrasting sharply with the pride of earthly rulers and religious elites ([Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5-8 "Philippians 2:5-8 - Christ's Humility and Obedience")). By taking His yoke, we are not merely adopting a new set of rules, but entering into a transformative relationship with the One who perfectly embodies grace and truth, securing for us an eternal peace that surpasses all understanding ([Colossians 3:15](/colossians/3-15 "Colossians 3:15 - The Peace of Christ")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Jeremiah 6:16

Thus saith the LORD, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where [is] the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk [therein].

1 John 2:6

He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.

Philippians 2:7

But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:

Philippians 2:8

And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

John 13:15

For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.

Luke 6:46

And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?

Luke 6:48

He is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock.