Matthew 11:28
Translations
King James Version (KJV)
Come to me, all you that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
American King James Version (AKJV)
Come to me, all you that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
American Standard Version (ASV)
Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Basic English Translation (BBE)
Come to me, all you who are troubled and weighted down with care, and I will give you rest.
Webster's Revision
Come to me, all ye that labor, and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
World English Bible
"Come to me, all you who labor and are heavily burdened, and I will give you rest.
English Revised Version (ERV)
Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Definitions for Matthew 11:28
Clarke's Matthew 11:28 Bible Commentary
Come unto me - This phrase in the new covenant implies simply, believing in Christ, and becoming his disciple, or follower.
All ye that labor and are heavy laden - The metaphor here appears to be taken from a man who has a great load laid upon him, which he must carry to a certain place: every step he takes reduces his strength, and renders his load the more oppressive. However, it must be carried on; and he labors, uses his utmost exertions, to reach the place where it is to be laid down. A kind person passing by, and, seeing his distress, offers to ease him of his load, that he may enjoy rest.
The Jews, heavily laden with the burdensome rites of the Mosaic institution, rendered still more oppressive by the additions made by the scribes and Pharisees, who, our Lord says, (Matthew 23:4), bound on heavy burdens; and laboring, by their observance of the law, to make themselves pleasing to God, are here invited to lay down their load, and receive the salvation procured for them by Christ.
Sinners, wearied in the ways of iniquity, are also invited to come to this Christ, and find speedy relief.
Penitents, burdened with the guilt of their crimes, may come to this Sacrifice, and find instant pardon.
Believers, sorely tempted, and oppressed by the remains of the carnal mind, may come to this blood, that cleanseth from all unrighteousness; and, purified from all sin, and powerfully succored in every temptation, they shall find uninterrupted rest in this complete Savior.
All are invited to come, and all are promised rest. If few find rest from sin and vile affections, it is because few come to Christ to receive it.
Barnes's Matthew 11:28 Bible Commentary
All ye that labour and are heavy laden - The Saviour here, perhaps, refers primarily to the Jews, who groaned under the weight of their ceremonial laws and the traditions of the elders, Acts 15:10. He tells them that by coming to him, and embracing the new system of religion, they would be freed from these burdensome rites and ceremonies. There can be no doubt, however, that he meant here chiefly to address the poor, lost, ruined sinner: the man "burdened" with a consciousness of his transgressions, trembling at his danger, and seeking deliverance. For such there is relief. Christ tells them to come to him, to believe in him, and to trust him, and him only, for salvation. Doing this, he will give them rest - rest from their sins, from the alarms of conscience, from the terrors of the law, and from the fears of eternal death.
Wesley's Matthew 11:28 Bible Commentary
11:28 Come to me - Here he shows to whom he is pleased to reveal these things to the weary and heavy laden; ye that labour - After rest in God: and are heavy laden - With the guilt and power of sin: and I will give you rest - I alone (for none else can) will freely give you (what ye cannot purchase) rest from the guilt of sin by justification, and from the power of sin by sanctification.