Matthew 11:28 - Ellicott's Commentary On The Whole Bible

Bible Comments

Come unto me. — As in the consciousness of this plenitude of power, the Son of Man turns with infinite compassion to those whose weakness and weariness He has shared, and offers them the rest which none other can give them.

Labour and are heavy laden. — The words arc wide enough to cover every form of human sin and sorrow, but the thought that was most prominent in them at the time was that of the burdens grievous to be borne, the yoke of traditions and ordinances which the Pharisees and scribes had imposed on the consciences of men. (Comp. Matthew 23:4; Acts 15:10.) The first of the two words gives prominence to the active, the latter to the passive, aspect of human suffering, by whatever cause produced.

I will give you rest. — The I is emphasized in the Greek. He gives what no one else can give — rest from the burden of sin, from the weariness of fruitless toil.

Matthew 11:28

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