The term "resteth" is an archaic form of the verb "rest," often found in older translations of the Bible. It signifies a state of repose, cessation from labor, or a condition of peace and tranquility. In the context of Scripture, "resteth" can refer to both physical rest and spiritual rest, embodying a deeper theological significance.

Biblical Usage and Context

1. Sabbath Rest: The concept of rest is foundational in the biblical narrative, beginning with the creation account. Genesis 2:2-3 states, "By the seventh day God had finished the work He had been doing; so on the seventh day He rested from all His work. Then God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it, because on that day He rested from all the work of creation that He had accomplished." Here, "resteth" implies a divine cessation from creative activity, setting a pattern for the Sabbath rest commanded in the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:8-11).

2. Rest in the Promised Land: The term also relates to the Israelites' journey to the Promised Land, a place where they would find rest from their enemies and a cessation of their wanderings. Deuteronomy 12:10 promises, "When you cross the Jordan and live in the land that the LORD your God is giving you as an inheritance, and He gives you rest from all the enemies around you and you live in security."

3. Spiritual Rest in Christ: In the New Testament, the concept of rest is elevated to a spiritual plane through Jesus Christ. Matthew 11:28-29 records Jesus' invitation, "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." Here, "resteth" signifies the spiritual peace and relief found in a relationship with Christ, transcending mere physical rest.

4. Eternal Rest: The ultimate rest for believers is depicted as eternal life with God. Hebrews 4:9-10 speaks of a future rest: "So there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God. For whoever enters God’s rest also rests from his own work, just as God did from His." This passage highlights the eschatological hope of eternal rest, where believers cease from earthly labors and enter into the fullness of God's presence.

Theological Implications

The concept of "resteth" in Scripture is rich with theological meaning. It underscores God's provision and care, as He offers rest to His people both in this life and the next. It also reflects the rhythm of work and rest established by God, encouraging believers to trust in His sovereignty and provision. The rest found in Christ is a foretaste of the eternal rest promised to those who remain faithful, emphasizing the peace and assurance that comes from a life surrendered to God.

In all Love There is a Love Begetting
... object. It floweth from itself and resteth in its object. ... communicated. The Love
which resteth in the object is the Love which streameth to it. ...
/.../traherne/centuries of meditations/40 in all love there.htm

How Christ is the Way in General, "I am the Way. "
... for,. 1. "His way is darkness," Proverbs 4:14. He knoweth no better, he is
satisfied therewith; there he sleepeth and resteth. 2. He ...
/.../brown/christ the way the truth and the life/chapter iii how christ is.htm

The Course of the World.
... If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the Spirit
of glory and of God resteth upon you." 1:Pet.4:13, 14. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/orr/the gospel day /chapter xii the course of.htm

The Liturgy of the Blessed Apostles.
... Holy art Thou, worthy of praise, mighty, immortal, who dwellest in the holies, and
Thy will resteth in them: have regard unto us, O Lord; be merciful unto us ...
//christianbookshelf.org/various/early liturgies/the liturgy of the blessed.htm

A Message from God for Thee
... number of those whose warfare is accomplished, and whose sin is pardoned; or whether,
on the other hand, we abide with the multitude on whom resteth the curse ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 8 1863/a message from god for.htm

That Afflictions and Persecutions Arise for the Sake of Our Being ...
... If ye be reproached in the name of Christ, happy are ye; because the name of the
majesty and power of the Lord resteth upon you; which indeed according to them ...
/.../cyprian/the treatises of cyprian/9 that afflictions and persecutions.htm

Here Some one Will Say, this is Now not to Write of virginity...
... humility. There forsooth He dwelleth, Who said, that on the lowly and quiet,
and that trembleth at His words, His Spirit resteth. ...
/.../augustine/of holy virginity /section 52 here some one.htm

Sweet Comfort for Feeble Saints
... the rough granite peaks that defy the storm-cloud: she does not care for the more
humble stone in the valley, on which the weary traveller resteth; she wants ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/sweet comfort for feeble saints.htm

He Maketh Me to Lie Down
... pasture; it desireth to eat. But when it hath eaten its fill, it lieth
down and resteth and is satisfied. So he feedeth my soul ...
//christianbookshelf.org/naylor/heart talks/talk four he maketh me.htm

A Christmas Carol
... babies all. "He neither shall be rocked In silver nor in gold, But in a
wooden manger That resteth on the mould.". As Joseph was ...
/.../wells/bible stories and religious classics/a christmas carol.htm

Resteth (18 Occurrences)
...Resteth (18 Occurrences). ... Genesis 8:4 And the ark resteth, in the seventh month,
in the seventeenth day of the month, on mountains of Ararat; (YLT). ...
/r/resteth.htm - 11k

Rested (81 Occurrences)
... Leviticus 26:35 all the days of the desolation it resteth that which it hath
not rested in your sabbaths in your dwelling on it. (YLT). ...
/r/rested.htm - 29k

Resides (7 Occurrences)
... Terror dances before him. (See NIV). Ecclesiastes 7:9 Be not hasty in thy spirit
to be angry; for anger resteth in the bosom of fools. (See NAS NIV). ...
/r/resides.htm - 8k

Reproached (27 Occurrences)
... 1 Peter 4:14 If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit
of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of ...
/r/reproached.htm - 14k

Restest (1 Occurrence)

/r/restest.htm - 6k

Discerning (29 Occurrences)
... (WEB NIV). Proverbs 14:33 In the heart of him that hath discernment wisdom resteth;
but in the inward part of fools it maketh itself known. (See NIV). ...
/d/discerning.htm - 15k

Confederate (3 Occurrences)
... with Abram"; compare Psalm 83:5; once of nuach, "to rest," "Syria is confederate
with Ephraim" (Isaiah 7:2, the Revised Version, margin "resteth on Ephraim ...
/c/confederate.htm - 9k

Confederacy (2 Occurrences)
... with Abram"; compare Psalm 83:5; once of nuach, "to rest," "Syria is confederate
with Ephraim" (Isaiah 7:2, the Revised Version, margin "resteth on Ephraim ...
/c/confederacy.htm - 8k

Sanctify (91 Occurrences)
... Exodus 20:11 for six days hath Jehovah made the heavens and the earth, the sea,
and all that 'is' in them, and resteth in the seventh day; therefore hath ...
/s/sanctify.htm - 36k

Discernment (43 Occurrences)
... (See JPS). Proverbs 14:33 Wisdom resteth in the heart of him that hath understanding;
But that which is in the inward part of fools is made known. (See JPS). ...
/d/discernment.htm - 18k

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