What does the Bible say about getting rest?

Bible Topic · WEB

The Bible teaches that rest is God’s good gift, found in trusting his providence, receiving his commands, and coming to Christ in faith. Psalm 127:2 and Psalm 4:8 remind believers that God grants sleep and safety to those who depend on him rather than anxious striving. God established Sabbath rest in Exodus 20:8-11, showing that human life is not meant to be ruled by endless labor. Jesus invites the weary to himself in Matthew 11:28-30, giving rest through his gentle lordship and finished saving work. Hebrews 4:9-11 points beyond weekly rest to the lasting rest secured for God’s people, while Psalm 23:2 portrays the Shepherd who restores his flock.

Top passages, ranked by readers

Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible

  • Psalms 127:2

    It is vain for you to rise up early, To stay up late, Eating the bread of toil; For he gives sleep to his loved ones.

  • Mark 6:31

    He said to them, "You come apart into a deserted place, and rest awhile." For there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure so much as to eat.

  • Proverbs 3:24

    When you lie down, you will not be afraid. Yes, you will lie down, and your sleep will be sweet.

  • Hebrews 4:9-11

    [9] There remains therefore a Sabbath rest for the people of God. [10] For he who has entered into his rest has himself also rested from his works, as God did from his. [11] Let us therefore give diligence to enter into that rest, lest anyone fall after the same example of disobedience.

  • Exodus 20:8-11

    [8] "Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. [9] You shall labor six days, and do all your work, [10] but the seventh day is a Sabbath to Yahweh your God. You shall not do any work in it, you, nor your son, nor your daughter, your man-servant, nor your maid-servant, nor your cattle, nor your stranger who is within your gates; [11] for in six days Yahweh made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested the seventh day; therefore Yahweh blessed the Sabbath day, and made it holy.

  • Matthew 11:28-30

    [28] "Come to me, all you who labor and are heavily burdened, and I will give you rest. [29] Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart; and you will find rest for your souls. [30] For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."

  • Psalms 4:8

    In peace I will both lay myself down and sleep, For you, Yahweh alone, make me live in safety.

  • Matthew 11:26-30

    [26] Yes, Father, for so it was well-pleasing in your sight. [27] All things have been delivered to me by my Father. No one knows the Son, except the Father; neither does anyone know the Father, except the Son, and he to whom the Son desires to reveal him. [28] "Come to me, all you who labor and are heavily burdened, and I will give you rest. [29] Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart; and you will find rest for your souls. [30] For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."

  • Psalms 23:2

    He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters.

  • Mark 2:27

    He said to them, "The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.

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