The verb kopiaō used in Matthew 11:28 means toiling or doing extra heavy work. Likewise the idea of being pephortismenoi (heavy laden
) evokes the image of a Middle Eastern porter: someone transporting goods by simply loading them on his back. These men were sometimes so burdened that all you could see is this huge burden with two trudging legs below. When Jesus calls to himself (see Matthew 4:19, Matthew 19:21; John 7:37) all who labour and are heavy laden, he promises them rest: a new life characterized by peace (see Isaiah 14:3, Isaiah 32:18, and Revelation 14:13 for fuller knowledge of this rest).
The verb kopiaō that is used in Matthew 11:28 to refer to labour, means toiling or doing extra heavy work. Likewise the idea of being pephortismenoi (that is, heavy laden
) evokes the image of the traditional eastern porter—someone who transports his goods by simply loading them on his back. These men were sometimes so overburdened that in the end all that you see is this huge burden with two trudging legs below.1 When Jesus calls to himself (see Matthew 4:19, Matthew 19:21; John 7:37) all who labour and are heavy laden, he promises them rest: that is, a new life characterized by peace (see Isaiah 14:3,Isaiah 32:18; and Revelation 14:13 for the full implications of this rest).2
28 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.