What Does the Bible Say About Rest?
What Does the Bible Say About Rest? God designed rest as a gift and a command, modeling it at creation and providing spiritual rest through Christ.
Key verse: Matthew 11:28 (KJV)
God designed rest as a gift and a command, modeling it at creation and providing spiritual rest through Christ.
God designed rest as a gift and a command, modeling it at creation and providing spiritual rest through Christ.
"Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." — Matthew 11:28 (KJV)
Meaning
Plain-language explanation
In Context
Surrounding KJV scripture
Related Verses
Cross-reference scriptures
The Biblical Answer
Rest is woven throughout Scripture from the beginning. God rested on the seventh day — not from exhaustion but to establish a pattern (Genesis 2:2-3). The Sabbath commandment enshrines this principle: 'Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy' (Exodus 20:8). But Jesus offered something deeper: 'Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest' (Matthew 11:28). Hebrews 4 describes a spiritual 'rest' that remains for God's people — ceasing from self-effort and trusting in Christ's finished work. Psalm 46:10 commands, 'Be still, and know that I am God.' Psalm 127:2 teaches that anxious overwork is futile: 'He giveth his beloved sleep.' Rest isn't laziness — it's a declaration of trust that God is in control and His provision is sufficient.
Topic Overview
What Does the Bible Say About Salvation?
What the Bible teaches about salvation, being saved, and how to receive eternal life.
Key Scripture References
"Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."
"Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy."
"Be still, and know that I am God."
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Related Questions
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Deep Dive Commentary
For a more in-depth study, read our verse-by-verse commentary:
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Read it in context
The answer above sits inside Matthew. The 365-day chronological plan reads it in the order the events happened.
Read Matthew on day 284 of the chronological Bible reading planKeep the verses to hand
Every verse quoted in “What Does the Bible Say About Rest?” comes from the King James Version, free to download and print.
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