Original Text
ἄρατε τὸν ζυγόν μου ἐφ’ ὑμᾶς καὶ μάθετε ἀπ’ ἐμοῦ, ὅτι πρᾷός εἰμι καὶ ταπεινὸς τῇ καρδίᾳ, καὶ εὑρήσετε ἀνάπαυσιν ταῖς ψυχαῖς ὑμῶν·
Literal English Translation
Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
Layered Meanings in Common Vocabulary
The verb ἄρατε is the 2nd person plural aorist active imperative of αἴρω—”lift, take up.” In Classical Greek, this verb often implies burden or removal (e.g., lifting off a siege). Here, it forms a paradox: taking up a burden leads to rest. The noun ζυγός (“yoke”) in both Classical and Koine denotes agricultural harnessing but frequently appears metaphorically in Greek tragedy and oratory as submission to rule or law (e.g., “the yoke of slavery”). The phrase ἐφ’ ὑμᾶς shows direction, “upon yourselves”—a conscious reception of guidance.
The imperative μάθετε (learn!) is rare in command form in Classical Greek, where teaching is often more dialogical. But here, it is direct. ἀπ’ ἐμοῦ means “from me” but connotes not just information, but apprenticeship—echoing rabbinic discipleship structures.
Framing of Identity and Character
- πρᾷός – “gentle,” a virtue celebrated in both Aristotelian ethics and Jewish wisdom literature. In Classical Greek, it denotes calm control of anger (cf. Aristotle’s Ethics, where πρᾷος is the ideal between rage and indifference).
- ταπεινὸς τῇ καρδίᾳ – “humble in heart.” In Classical usage, ταπεινός can suggest baseness or low status. Koine redeems it as a spiritual virtue. The phrase τῇ καρδίᾳ (dative of respect or sphere) locates humility not in action, but in inward disposition.
The Language of Fulfillment
εὑρήσετε ἀνάπαυσιν – The future active indicative of εὑρίσκω promises discovery. The noun ἀνάπαυσις (“rest, refreshment”) is used in the Septuagint for sabbatical rest (e.g., Exod 33:14, Jer 6:16) and in Stoic texts to describe cessation from mental distress. In both Classical and Koine Greek, it implies relief from toil. The word bridges physical ease and spiritual renewal.
Cadence and Form
This sentence moves in triadic cadence:
- Take (ἄρατε)
- Learn (μάθετε)
- Find (εὑρήσετε)
Such progressions occur in Classical rhetoric (e.g., Demosthenes), but here the movement is spiritual: invitation, imitation, transformation.
Observation Grid
| Element | In This Verse | Earlier Greek Usage | Noteworthy Insight |
|---|---|---|---|
| ζυγός | Discipleship and submission | Slavery, imperial control, or literal yoke | Koine transforms a symbol of bondage into one of peace |
| ταπεινὸς | Virtue of spiritual humility | Often derogatory in Classical Greek | Significant revaluation of moral vocabulary |
| ἀνάπαυσις | Spiritual rest for the soul | Sabbath or philosophical calm | Blends Jewish and Hellenistic connotations |
Closing Thought
In just one sentence, this verse weaves together Jewish imagery, Greek vocabulary, and a heart-level appeal. Every term carries weight from both worlds: a call to take on a yoke that does not crush but restores; a command to learn not from books but from the heart of a gentle teacher; and a promise that what is found is not duty, but deep, enduring rest.
