And when it was day, he departed and went into a desert place: and the people sought him, and came unto him, and stayed him, that he should not depart from them.
And {G1161} when it was {G1096} day {G2250}, he departed {G1831} and went {G4198} into {G1519} a desert {G2048} place {G5117}: and {G2532} the people {G3793} sought {G2212} him {G846}, and {G2532} came {G2064} unto {G2193} him {G846}, and {G2532} stayed {G2722} him {G846}, that he should not {G3361} depart {G4198} from {G575} them {G846}.
When day had come, he left and went away to a lonely spot. The people looked for him, came to him and would have kept him from leaving them.
At daybreak, Jesus went out to a solitary place, and the crowds were looking for Him. They came to Him and tried to keep Him from leaving.
And when it was day, he came out and went into a desert place: and the multitudes sought after him, and came unto him, and would have stayed him, that he should not go from them.
-
Luke 6:12
¶ And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God. -
Mark 1:35
And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed. -
Mark 1:38
And he said unto them, Let us go into the next towns, that I may preach there also: for therefore came I forth. -
John 4:34
Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work. -
Matthew 14:13
¶ When Jesus heard [of it], he departed thence by ship into a desert place apart: and when the people had heard [thereof], they followed him on foot out of the cities. -
Matthew 14:14
And Jesus went forth, and saw a great multitude, and was moved with compassion toward them, and he healed their sick. -
Luke 24:29
But they constrained him, saying, Abide with us: for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent. And he went in to tarry with them.
Commentary on Luke 4:42 (KJV)
Luke 4:42 describes a pivotal moment in Jesus's early ministry, immediately following a powerful and demanding period of healing and teaching in Capernaum. This verse highlights Jesus's intentional withdrawal and the persistent desire of the people to keep Him among them.
Context
The preceding verses (Luke 4:31-41) detail Jesus's arrival in Capernaum, where He taught with authority, cast out a demon in the synagogue, healed Simon Peter's mother-in-law, and then, at sunset, healed many who were sick with various diseases and cast out numerous demons. This period was characterized by immense public demand and divine power on display. Luke 4:42 opens "And when it was day," signifying the morning after this intense evening of ministry.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The phrase "desert place" is translated from the Greek word eremos (ἔρημος), which often refers to a solitary, unpopulated, or desolate area, not necessarily a barren desert. It implies a place of quiet retreat, away from the clamor of crowds, suitable for reflection and prayer. The phrase "stayed him" comes from the Greek kateschon (κατέσχον), meaning to hold back, restrain, or detain. It conveys the people's strong, almost insistent, desire to prevent Jesus from leaving.
Practical Application
Luke 4:42 offers valuable lessons for believers today. It highlights the importance of balancing active service with periods of quiet retreat and spiritual replenishment. Even Jesus, with His divine power, prioritized time alone with God. This verse encourages us to:
- Seek Solitude: Make time for personal prayer, Bible study, and reflection, even amidst busy schedules and demands.
- Discern God's Will: Learn to prioritize God's specific calling over popular opinion or what others expect of us.
- Embrace a Broader Vision: Understand that God's mission often extends beyond our immediate comfort zones or current successes, calling us to new areas of service.
This passage serves as a powerful reminder that true spiritual leadership and effective ministry are rooted in a deep, consistent relationship with God, sustained through intentional time apart.