The verb yanach means to rest, set down, deposit, or leave something in place. It is the causative or transitive counterpart to the concept of rest — one causes something or someone to rest. It can mean to lay something down (as an offering or burden), to leave something behind, or to give rest to a person. It is closely related to the noun menuchah (rest, resting place).
Rest is one of the central blessings of the covenant. God gave Israel the Sabbath as a day of yanach — a day to set down the burdens of labor and dwell in his presence. The Promised Land was to be a place where God would give his people rest from their enemies (Deuteronomy 12:10). The Letter to the Hebrews (4:1–11) interprets this rest as pointing forward to the ultimate rest found in Christ — the true Sabbath rest for the people of God. True rest is not merely physical cessation but a trusting repose in the finished work of Christ.