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Isaiah 28:12

Isaiah 28:12 in Multiple Translations

to whom He has said: “This is the place of rest, let the weary rest; this is the place of repose.” But they would not listen.

To whom he said, This is the rest wherewith ye may cause the weary to rest; and this is the refreshing: yet they would not hear.

to whom he said, This is the rest, give ye rest to him that is weary; and this is the refreshing: yet they would not hear.

To whom he said, This is the rest, give rest to him who is tired; and by this you may get new strength; but they would not give ear.

He had told them, “You can rest here. Let those who are tired rest. This is the place where you can safely relax.” But they refused to listen.

Vnto whome hee saide, This is the rest: giue rest to him that is weary: and this is the refreshing, but they would not heare.

Unto whom He hath said, 'This [is] the rest, give ye rest to the weary, And this — the refreshing:' And they have not been willing to hear,

to whom he said, “This is the resting place. Give rest to the weary,” and “This is the refreshing;” yet they would not hear.

To whom he said, This is the rest with which ye may cause the weary to rest; and this is the refreshing: yet they would not hear.

To whom he said: This is my rest, refresh the weary, and this is my refreshing: and they would not hear.

Yahweh told his people long ago, “This is a place where you can rest; you are exhausted from all your travels through the desert, but you will be able to rest in this land.” But they refused to pay attention to what he said.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 28:12

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Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Isaiah 28:12 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB אֲשֶׁ֣ר אָמַ֣ר אֲלֵי/הֶ֗ם זֹ֤את הַ/מְּנוּחָה֙ הָנִ֣יחוּ לֶֽ/עָיֵ֔ף וְ/זֹ֖את הַ/מַּרְגֵּעָ֑ה וְ/לֹ֥א אָב֖וּא שְׁמֽוֹעַ
אֲשֶׁ֣ר ʼăsher H834 which Rel
אָמַ֣ר ʼâmar H559 to say V-Qal-Perf-3ms
אֲלֵי/הֶ֗ם ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep | Suff
זֹ֤את zôʼth H2063 this Pron
הַ/מְּנוּחָה֙ mᵉnûwchâh H4496 resting Art | N-cs
הָנִ֣יחוּ nûwach H5117 to rest V-Hiphil-Impv-2mp
לֶֽ/עָיֵ֔ף ʻâyêph H5889 faint Prep | Adj
וְ/זֹ֖את zôʼth H2063 this Conj | Pron
הַ/מַּרְגֵּעָ֑ה margêʻâh H4774 repose Art | N-fs
וְ/לֹ֥א lôʼ H3808 not Conj | Part
אָב֖וּא ʼâbâh H14 be willing V-Qal-Perf-3cp
שְׁמֽוֹעַ shâmaʻ H8085 to hear V-Qal-Inf-a
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Isaiah 28:12

אֲשֶׁ֣ר ʼăsher H834 "which" Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
אָמַ֣ר ʼâmar H559 "to say" V-Qal-Perf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
אֲלֵי/הֶ֗ם ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
זֹ֤את zôʼth H2063 "this" Pron
This Hebrew word means this or that, often used to point out something specific. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, such 1a) (alone) 1a1) this one 1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another 1b) (appos to subst) 1b1) this 1c) (as predicate) 1c1) this, such 1d) (enclitically) 1d1) then 1d2) who, whom 1d3) how now, what now 1d4) what now 1d5) wherefore now 1d6) behold here 1d7) just now 1d8) now, now already 1e) (poetry) 1e1) wherein, which, those who 1f) (with prefixes) 1f1) in this (place) here, then 1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter 1f3) thus and thus 1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus 1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side 1f6) on this account 1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how
Usage: Occurs in 570 OT verses. KJV: hereby (-in, -with), it, likewise, the one (other, same), she, so (much), such (deed), that, therefore, these, this (thing), thus. See also: Genesis 2:23; Numbers 7:88; Judges 1:27.
הַ/מְּנוּחָה֙ mᵉnûwchâh H4496 "resting" Art | N-cs
This word means a resting place or a state of quietness, like a peaceful home, as described in the Bible. It can also refer to marriage as a source of comfort and rest. Rest is the main idea.
Definition: 1) resting place, rest 1a) resting place 1b) rest, quietness Also means: nu.ach (נוּחַ "rest" H5118)
Usage: Occurs in 22 OT verses. KJV: comfortable, ease, quiet, rest(-ing place), still. See also: Genesis 49:15; Psalms 116:7; Psalms 23:2.
הָנִ֣יחוּ nûwach H5117 "to rest" V-Hiphil-Impv-2mp
To rest means to settle down and remain in one place, and can be used literally or figuratively. This verb appears in many parts of the Bible, including Exodus 20:11 and Matthew 11:28.
Definition: 1) to rest 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to rest, settle down and remain 1a2) to repose, have rest, be quiet 1b) (Hiph) 1b1) to cause to rest, give rest to, make quiet 1b2) to cause to rest, cause to alight, set down 1b3) to lay or set down, deposit, let lie, place 1b4) to let remain, leave 1b5) to leave, depart from 1b6) to abandon 1b7) to permit 1c) (Hoph) 1c1) to obtain rest, be granted rest 1c2) to be left, be placed 1c3) open space (subst) Also means: ya.nach (יָנַח "to rest" H3240)
Usage: Occurs in 67 OT verses. KJV: cease, be confederate, lay, let down, (be) quiet, remain, (cause to, be at, give, have, make to) rest, set down. Compare H3241 (יָנִים). See also: Genesis 8:4; Nehemiah 9:28; Psalms 125:3.
לֶֽ/עָיֵ֔ף ʻâyêph H5889 "faint" Prep | Adj
In the Bible, this word means feeling faint or exhausted, like being very thirsty or weary. It is used to describe someone who is drained of energy. This word appears in descriptions of people who are struggling.
Definition: faint, exhausted, weary
Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: faint, thirsty, weary. See also: Genesis 25:29; Psalms 63:2; Psalms 143:6.
וְ/זֹ֖את zôʼth H2063 "this" Conj | Pron
This Hebrew word means this or that, often used to point out something specific. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, such 1a) (alone) 1a1) this one 1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another 1b) (appos to subst) 1b1) this 1c) (as predicate) 1c1) this, such 1d) (enclitically) 1d1) then 1d2) who, whom 1d3) how now, what now 1d4) what now 1d5) wherefore now 1d6) behold here 1d7) just now 1d8) now, now already 1e) (poetry) 1e1) wherein, which, those who 1f) (with prefixes) 1f1) in this (place) here, then 1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter 1f3) thus and thus 1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus 1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side 1f6) on this account 1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how
Usage: Occurs in 570 OT verses. KJV: hereby (-in, -with), it, likewise, the one (other, same), she, so (much), such (deed), that, therefore, these, this (thing), thus. See also: Genesis 2:23; Numbers 7:88; Judges 1:27.
הַ/מַּרְגֵּעָ֑ה margêʻâh H4774 "repose" Art | N-fs
In the original Hebrew, this word means rest or repose, like the refreshing rest God gives to those who trust in Him. It appears in Psalm 23, where David describes God as his shepherd who leads him to peaceful rest. The word conveys a sense of calm and tranquility.
Definition: rest, repose, place to rest
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: refreshing. See also: Isaiah 28:12.
וְ/לֹ֥א lôʼ H3808 "not" Conj | Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
אָב֖וּא ʼâbâh H14 "be willing" V-Qal-Perf-3cp
To be willing or consent is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which involves being acquiescent or accepting. It is used in various contexts, including being willing to obey or follow.
Definition: 1) to be willing, consent 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be willing 1a2) to consent, yield to, accept 1a3) to desire
Usage: Occurs in 52 OT verses. KJV: consent, rest content will, be willing. See also: Genesis 24:5; 2 Samuel 14:29; Psalms 81:12.
שְׁמֽוֹעַ shâmaʻ H8085 "to hear" V-Qal-Inf-a
To hear and listen is what this Hebrew word means, often implying attention and obedience. In Exodus and Deuteronomy, it is used when God speaks to the people, and they must listen and obey.
Definition: : hear v 1) to hear, listen to, obey 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to hear (perceive by ear) 1a2) to hear of or concerning 1a3) to hear (have power to hear) 1a4) to hear with attention or interest, listen to 1a5) to understand (language) 1a6) to hear (of judicial cases) 1a7) to listen, give heed 1a7a) to consent, agree 1a7b) to grant request 1a8) to listen to, yield to 1a9) to obey, be obedient 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be heard (of voice or sound) 1b2) to be heard of 1b3) to be regarded, be obeyed 1c) (Piel) to cause to hear, call to hear, summon 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to hear, tell, proclaim, utter a sound 1d2) to sound aloud (musical term) 1d3) to make proclamation, summon 1d4) to cause to be heard n m 2) sound
Usage: Occurs in 1072 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] attentively, call (gather) together, [idiom] carefully, [idiom] certainly, consent, consider, be content, declare, [idiom] diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make to) hear(-ken, tell), [idiom] indeed, listen, make (a) noise, (be) obedient, obey, perceive, (make a) proclaim(-ation), publish, regard, report, shew (forth), (make a) sound, [idiom] surely, tell, understand, whosoever (heareth), witness. See also: Genesis 3:8; Exodus 32:18; Deuteronomy 27:9.

Study Notes — Isaiah 28:12

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Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Matthew 11:28–29 Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 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.
2 Isaiah 30:15 For the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel, has said: “By repentance and rest you would be saved; your strength would lie in quiet confidence— but you were not willing.”
3 Jeremiah 6:16 This is what the LORD says: “Stand at the crossroads and look. Ask for the ancient paths: ‘Where is the good way?’ Then walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls. But they said, ‘We will not walk in it!’
4 Hebrews 12:25 See to it that you do not refuse Him who speaks. For if the people did not escape when they refused Him who warned them on earth, how much less will we escape if we reject Him who warns us from heaven?
5 Isaiah 11:10 On that day the Root of Jesse will stand as a banner for the peoples. The nations will seek Him, and His place of rest will be glorious.
6 Jeremiah 44:16 “As for the word you have spoken to us in the name of the LORD, we will not listen to you!
7 Zechariah 7:14 But I scattered them with a whirlwind among all the nations that they had not known, and the land was left desolate behind them so that no one could come or go. Thus they turned the pleasant land into a desolation.”
8 2 Chronicles 14:11 Then Asa cried out to the LORD his God: “O LORD, there is no one besides You to help the powerless against the mighty. Help us, O LORD our God, for we rely on You, and in Your name we have come against this multitude. O LORD, You are our God. Do not let a mere mortal prevail against You.”
9 Psalms 81:11–13 But My people would not listen to Me, and Israel would not obey Me. So I gave them up to their stubborn hearts to follow their own devices. If only My people would listen to Me, if Israel would follow My ways,
10 Zechariah 7:11 But they refused to pay attention and turned a stubborn shoulder; they stopped up their ears from hearing.

Isaiah 28:12 Summary

[God is offering rest to those who are weary, just like Jesus said in Matthew 11:28, 'Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.' This rest is not just physical, but also spiritual, and it's available to anyone who will listen to God's voice and follow Him. Unfortunately, the people in Isaiah 28:12 refused to listen, and as a result, they missed out on the rest that God had for them (Psalm 95:11).]

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean for God to offer rest to the weary in Isaiah 28:12?

God is offering spiritual rest to those who are weary, as seen in Matthew 11:28, where Jesus says, 'Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.'

Why did the people in Isaiah 28:12 refuse to listen to God's offer of rest?

The people refused to listen because of their rebellious hearts, similar to what is described in Romans 1:21, where it says that people 'neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened.'

How does this verse relate to the concept of spiritual rest in the Bible?

This verse is part of a larger theme in the Bible, where God offers rest to His people, as seen in Hebrews 4:9-11, which talks about entering God's rest, and Psalm 95:11, which warns against hardened hearts that refuse to enter God's rest.

What is the significance of God speaking to the people in Isaiah 28:12?

God speaking to the people in this verse signifies His desire for a personal relationship with them, as seen in John 10:27, where Jesus says, 'My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.'

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some areas in my life where I am feeling weary and in need of rest, and how can I apply God's offer of rest to those areas?
  2. In what ways can I cultivate a heart that is receptive to God's voice and His offer of rest, rather than hardening my heart like the people in Isaiah 28:12?
  3. How can I balance the idea of resting in God with the need to be actively serving and obeying Him, as seen in verses like Matthew 11:28 and Luke 9:62?
  4. What are some practical steps I can take to prioritize spiritual rest and make it a regular part of my relationship with God?

Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 28:12

To whom he said,.... Either the Lord himself, or the prophet Isaiah; or rather the Lord by him, and other prophets; so the Targum, "to whom the prophets said;'' that is, the true prophets of the Lord

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 28:12

In that day shall the LORD of hosts be for a crown of glory, and for a diadem of beauty, unto the residue of his people, -The prophet now turns to Judah, a gracious promise to the remnant

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 28:12

To whom he said, to which people the Lord, by his minister, said, This, this doctrine or precept, as it is expressed, ,10, or the word of the Lord, as it follows, , is the rest; the only way, in the observation of which you will find rest and satisfaction. Cause the weary to rest, Heb. cause the weary (understand either soul or country) rest. As rest is offered to you by the prophets in God’ s name, do you embrace it; which is to be done by hearkening to God’ s word, as appears by the following clauses. So shall this people, which hath been so oft and so long wearied and harassed by great and manifold calamities, find rest and peace. Yet they would not hear; they are wilfully ignorant, and obstinately refused the very means of instruction.

Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 28:12

Isaiah 28:12 To whom he said, This [is] the rest [wherewith] ye may cause the weary to rest; and this [is] the refreshing: yet they would not hear.Ver. 12. To whom he said, This is the rest,] i.e., The ready way to "find rest to your souls" - sc., by obeying my precepts, and embracing my promises. Wherewith ye may cause the weary to rest,] i.e., Me, who am pressed by your sins, and wearied out with your iniquities, or your poor brethren, tired with miseries, or your own souls, laden with sin guiltiness.

Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 28:12

(12) To whom he said, This is the rest . . .—The prophet vindicates himself against the charge of being a repeater of wearisome messages of rebuke. Rather had he pointed the way to a time of repentance, and therefore of rest and refreshment. But to this also they closed their ears. They had but one formula of derision, whatever might be the subject of the prophet’s teaching; and the prophet, with all the scorn of irony, repeats that formula in the words that follow.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 28:12

Verse 12. This is the rest - "This is the true rest"] The sense of this verse is: God had warned them by his prophets that their safety and security, their deliverance from their present calamities and from the apprehensions of still greater approaching, depended wholly on their trust in God, their faith and obedience; but they rejected this gracious warning with contempt and mockery.

Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 28:12

12. To whom he said] Rather: He who said to them. The verse reproduces the tenor and aim of all Isaiah’s teaching (cf. Isaiah 28:16; ch. Isaiah 30:15). He had sought to point out the true way of rest for the exhausted nation by abstinence from the spirited foreign policy advocated by the anti-Assyrian faction. Two translations, however, are possible. Either: “This (Jerusalem) is the resting-place; give rest to the weary; and this is the place of refreshment”; or: This (line of action) is the (true) rest … and this is the (true) refreshment. The latter seems preferable. The word for “rest” (usually “resting-place”) is used in the same sense as here in 2 Samuel 14:17. “The weary” is the ordinary plebeian, who had everything to lose and nothing to gain, by the chances of war.

Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 28:12

To whom he said - To whom God had said; that is, to the Jews. He had taught them the way of rest through the prophets, but they had refused to learn.

Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 28:12

11, 12. For — One explanation of this is, that the wicked prophets were about to continue, and got as far as “for,” when Isaiah snatched the word from them and proceeded thence himself: “Yes, for,” etc.

Sermons on Isaiah 28:12

SermonDescription
Martin Luther Starts Discussion of Third Commandment (Keep the Sabbath Holy) by Martin Luther Martin Luther preaches about the importance of faith, honoring God, and worshiping Him in works. He emphasizes the need to keep the Sabbath holy, not just in bodily rest but also i
Charles E. Cowman Why Dost Thou Worry Thyself? by Charles E. Cowman Charles E. Cowman preaches about finding rest and peace in God amidst life's storms, emphasizing the futility of worrying when God is in control. He encourages believers to trust i
Compilations The Revival Hymn by Compilations In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of the mission to spread the word of God. He shares a story about the Moravian missions and how their purpose was for the land
Corrie Ten Boom Effectual Fervent Prayer by Corrie Ten Boom In this sermon, the speaker begins by expressing their reliance on God's strength and their desire to be a channel for His living water. They then pray for various individuals, inc
Leonard Ravenhill A Man of God by Leonard Ravenhill This sermon reflects on a 70-year journey of faith, witnessing various church tragedies and worldly events, yet remaining steadfast by looking up to Jesus, reading the Word, and fo
D.L. Moody Reading From the Beatitudes by D.L. Moody D.L. Moody emphasizes the profound blessings found in the Beatitudes, particularly focusing on the comfort promised to those who mourn and the meek. He explains that mourning signi
Duncan Campbell Aaron's Failure by Duncan Campbell In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of his daughter giving a testimony before leaving for Nepal. She attributes her faith and presence at the meeting to her pa

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