Matthew 11:29
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.
Original Language Analysis
ἄρατε
Take
G142
ἄρατε
Take
Strong's:
G142
Word #:
1 of 23
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
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
2 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ζυγόν
yoke
G2218
ζυγόν
yoke
Strong's:
G2218
Word #:
3 of 23
a coupling, i.e., (figuratively) servitude (a law or obligation); also (literally) the beam of the balance (as connecting the scales)
ἐφ'
upon
G1909
ἐφ'
upon
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
5 of 23
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
7 of 23
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἀπ'
of
G575
ἀπ'
of
Strong's:
G575
Word #:
9 of 23
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
ὅτι
for
G3754
ὅτι
for
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
11 of 23
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
14 of 23
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ταπεινὸς
lowly
G5011
ταπεινὸς
lowly
Strong's:
G5011
Word #:
15 of 23
depressed, i.e., (figuratively) humiliated (in circumstances or disposition)
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
16 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καρδίᾳ
in heart
G2588
καρδίᾳ
in heart
Strong's:
G2588
Word #:
17 of 23
the heart, i.e., (figuratively) the thoughts or feelings (mind); also (by analogy) the middle
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
18 of 23
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ταῖς
G3588
ταῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
21 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Jeremiah 6:16Thus 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 2:6He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.John 13:15For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.Matthew 7:24Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:Hebrews 5:9And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;Zechariah 9:9Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee: he is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass.Matthew 28:20Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.2 Corinthians 10:1Now I Paul myself beseech you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ, who in presence am base among you, but being absent am bold toward you:Numbers 12:3(Now the man Moses was very meek, above all the men which were upon the face of the earth.)Philippians 2:5Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:
Historical 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.
Questions for Reflection
- What 'yokes' or burdens are you carrying that Jesus invites you to exchange for His yoke?
- How does Jesus' meekness and humility shape what discipleship to Him looks like?
- What is the difference between the rest Jesus offers and merely reduced activity?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & 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.