Luke 4:42

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 4:42 captures a pivotal moment in Jesus's early Galilean ministry, immediately following an intense period of healing and teaching in Capernaum. This verse vividly portrays Jesus's intentional withdrawal to a solitary place for spiritual renewal and the persistent, overwhelming desire of the people to retain Him, highlighting the tension between popular demand and divine mission. It sets the stage for Jesus's declaration of His broader purpose to preach the Kingdom of God beyond a single locality.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as a crucial transition point in Luke's narrative of Jesus's ministry. It directly follows a powerful display of Jesus's authority in Capernaum, where He taught with unparalleled authority in the synagogue, cast out a demon, healed Simon Peter's mother-in-law, and then, at sunset, healed many who were sick and delivered others from demonic oppression ([Luke 4:31-41](/luke/4-31-41 "Jesus's Ministry in Capernaum")). The preceding events showcase Jesus's immense popularity and the immediate impact of His miraculous works. Luke 4:42 opens "And when it was day," indicating the morning after this demanding evening, emphasizing Jesus's need for withdrawal after such intense public engagement. It also immediately precedes Jesus's explicit statement of His mission to preach the Kingdom of God to other cities ([Luke 4:43](/luke/4-43 "Jesus's Mission to Preach the Kingdom of God")), framing His departure not as avoidance, but as strategic movement in accordance with His divine calling.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** First-century Galilee was a vibrant, populous region within the Roman Empire, characterized by a mix of Jewish and Gentile populations. Capernaum, a fishing village on the Sea of Galilee, served as Jesus's adopted home base during this phase of His ministry. The Jewish people, living under Roman occupation, were deeply longing for a Messiah—a deliverer who would bring political and spiritual liberation. Jesus's miracles, particularly His healings and exorcisms, resonated powerfully with these expectations, leading to widespread popular enthusiasm and a strong desire to keep Him localized. The "desert place" (Greek: *eremos*) was not necessarily a barren desert but often referred to an unpopulated, solitary area, such as a wilderness or a quiet hillside, which would have been readily accessible outside of bustling towns and ideal for prayer and reflection, a common practice for prophets and spiritual leaders in ancient Israel.
* **Key Themes:** Luke 4:42 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Luke's Gospel. Firstly, it underscores **Jesus's dependence on the Father and His spiritual discipline**. Despite His divine power, Jesus consistently sought solitude and prayer, modeling a life sustained by communion with God (e.g., [Mark 1:35](/mark/1-35 "Jesus Prays in the Morning") and [Luke 5:16](/luke/5-16 "Jesus Withdraws to Pray")). This act of withdrawal highlights the importance of spiritual replenishment even amidst successful ministry. Secondly, the verse illustrates the **tension between popular acclaim and divine purpose**. The people's desire to "stay" Jesus reflects their immediate needs and hopes, yet Jesus's departure demonstrates His unwavering commitment to God's broader redemptive plan, which extended beyond the confines of one town. This theme of prioritizing God's mission over human expectations is central to understanding Jesus's ministry trajectory throughout [the Gospels](/matthew "The Gospel of Matthew").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **departed (Greek, _exérchomai'_):** From G1831, meaning "to issue (literally or figuratively):--come (forth, out), depart (out of), escape, get out, go (abroad, away, forth, out, thence), proceed (forth), spread abroad." In this context, it signifies Jesus's deliberate act of leaving Capernaum, not merely a casual stroll, but a purposeful withdrawal from the crowds and the demands of the previous night's ministry. It emphasizes His intentionality in seeking solitude.
* **desert (Greek, _érēmos'_):** From G2048, meaning "lonesome, i.e. (by implication) waste (usually as a noun, χώρα being implied):--desert, desolate, solitary, wilderness." This word describes the type of "place" Jesus went to. It implies an unpopulated, quiet, and isolated area, suitable for prayer and contemplation, rather than a barren, sandy desert. It contrasts sharply with the bustling, demanding environment of Capernaum.
* **stayed (Greek, _katéchō'_):** From G2722, meaning "to hold down (fast), in various applications (literally or figuratively):--have, hold (fast), keep (in memory), let, X make toward, possess, retain, seize on, stay, take, withhold." This word describes the people's action towards Jesus. It conveys a strong, almost insistent, effort to detain Him, reflecting their profound desire for His continued presence and the benefits they perceived from it. It suggests a physical or persuasive attempt to prevent His departure.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when it was day":** This phrase marks a temporal shift, indicating the morning after the intense evening of healing and exorcisms in Capernaum (Luke 4:40-41). It highlights Jesus's immediate action following a period of immense public demand, suggesting a deliberate and timely decision to withdraw.
* **"he departed and went into a desert place":** This describes Jesus's purposeful action of withdrawal. The "desert place" (Greek: *eremos*) signifies a solitary, unpopulated area, emphasizing Jesus's need for quiet and separation from the crowds. This was a consistent pattern in His ministry, demonstrating His reliance on prayer and communion with God the Father for spiritual sustenance and guidance.
* **"and the people sought him, and came unto him":** This illustrates the overwhelming popular demand for Jesus. The people, having experienced or witnessed His power, actively pursued Him, indicating their eagerness for more healing, teaching, and miracles. Their pursuit underscores His profound impact and the hope He ignited among them.
* **"and stayed him, that he should not depart from them":** This clause reveals the people's intense desire to keep Jesus localized. The word "stayed" (Greek: *katéchō*) implies a strong effort to detain or hold Him back. This highlights the conflict between the people's immediate needs and Jesus's broader, divinely appointed mission, which extended beyond the confines of Capernaum.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 4:42 effectively employs **Contrast** and **Symbolism**. The primary **contrast** is between Jesus's intentional withdrawal to a "desert place" and the people's insistent pursuit and attempt to "stay him." This highlights the tension between solitude and public demand, divine purpose and human expectation. The "desert place" functions as **symbolism**, representing not just a physical location but a spiritual space for communion with God, a place of quiet reflection and strategic planning, contrasting with the clamor of the crowd. This setting symbolically reinforces Jesus's spiritual discipline and His dependence on the Father, even amidst the peak of His popularity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 4:42 profoundly illustrates the essential rhythm of Jesus's ministry: periods of intense public engagement followed by intentional withdrawal for spiritual replenishment and realignment with the Father's will. This pattern underscores the theological truth that effective ministry, even divine ministry, is sustained not by human acclaim or continuous activity, but by a deep, consistent relationship with God. Jesus's actions here demonstrate His divine sovereignty and wisdom in prioritizing His mission over popular demand, revealing that true leadership is rooted in discerning and following God's specific calling, even when it means moving against the tide of human desire. This passage serves as a powerful model for all believers, emphasizing the critical balance between service to others and spiritual self-care through communion with God.

* [Mark 1:35](/mark/1-35 "Jesus's Early Morning Prayer")
* [Luke 5:16](/luke/5-16 "Jesus Withdraws to Pray in the Wilderness")
* [John 6:15](/john/6-15 "Jesus Withdraws After Feeding the Five Thousand")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 4:42 offers a timeless and profound lesson for contemporary believers: the indispensable need for intentional solitude and spiritual replenishment, even amidst overwhelming demands and opportunities for service. Jesus, the Son of God, consistently modeled this discipline, demonstrating that our capacity to serve others effectively flows from a deep and sustained connection with God. In a world that often glorifies constant activity and immediate gratification, this verse challenges us to prioritize quiet communion with God, discerning His will above the clamor of popular opinion or perceived urgency. It reminds us that our primary calling is to obey God's voice, even if it means stepping away from what seems successful or popular, trusting that His mission is broader and more strategic than our immediate circumstances. This passage encourages us to cultivate a rhythm of rest and renewal, ensuring that our service is Spirit-led and not merely people-driven, thereby sustaining our spiritual vitality and effectiveness in the long run.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I balance the demands of daily life and ministry with the need for personal spiritual renewal and solitude?**
* **In what ways might I be tempted to prioritize popular demand or immediate needs over discerning God's specific calling for my life?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a more consistent rhythm of withdrawal and communion with God, following Jesus's example?**

### FAQ

**Why did Jesus depart to a "desert place" when the people clearly wanted Him to stay?**

Answer: Jesus departed to a "desert place" (Greek: *eremos*, meaning a solitary or unpopulated area) for several crucial reasons, despite the people's desire for Him to remain. Firstly, it was a consistent practice of Jesus to withdraw for prayer and communion with God the Father, as seen in other passages like [Mark 1:35](/mark/1-35 "Jesus Prays in the Morning") and [Luke 5:16](/luke/5-16 "Jesus Withdraws to Pray"). After an intense period of healing and teaching in Capernaum, He needed spiritual replenishment. Secondly, Jesus knew His mission was not limited to one town or one group of people. As He states in the very next verse, [Luke 4:43](/luke/4-43 "Jesus's Mission to Preach the Kingdom of God"), "I must preach the kingdom of God to other cities also: for therefore am I sent." His departure was a strategic move to fulfill His broader divine purpose, prioritizing God's will over popular demand or localized success.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 4:42, though seemingly a simple narrative detail, profoundly reveals the Christ-centered nature of Jesus's ministry and person. His withdrawal to a "desert place" after immense public demand foreshadows His ultimate submission to the Father's will, even when it diverged from human expectations. This act of seeking solitude and prayer underscores His perfect humanity and His reliance on God, even as the Son of God, modeling for us the essential source of spiritual strength. His refusal to be "stayed" by the crowds, despite their genuine need, points to His singular focus on the Father's mission—a mission that would culminate not in localized popularity, but in a universal redemptive act. This foreshadows His journey to Jerusalem, where He would ultimately give His life as the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), a sacrifice for all humanity, not just the residents of Capernaum. His unwavering commitment to preach the Kingdom of God to "other cities also" ([Luke 4:43](/luke/4-43 "Jesus's Mission to Preach the Kingdom of God")) prefigures the Great Commission, where His disciples would be sent to [make disciples of all nations](/matthew/28-19 "Matthew 28:19 - The Great Commission"), extending His saving work to the ends of the earth. Thus, Jesus's actions in Luke 4:42 are not merely an example of spiritual discipline but an integral part of His Christ-centered fulfillment of God's redemptive plan.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

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.