Luke 9:10

KJV

¶ And the apostles, when they were returned, told him all that they had done. And he took them, and went aside privately into a desert place belonging to the city called Bethsaida.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} the apostles {G652}, when they were returned {G5290}, told {G1334} him {G846} all that {G3745} they had done {G4160}. And {G2532} he took {G3880} them {G846}, and went aside {G5298} privately {G2596}{G2398} into {G1519} a desert {G2048} place {G5117} belonging to the city {G4172} called {G2564} Bethsaida {G966}.

Complete Jewish Bible

On their return, the emissaries detailed to Yeshua what they had done. Then, taking them with him, he withdrew by himself to a town called Beit-Tzaidah.

Berean Standard Bible

Then the apostles returned and reported to Jesus all that they had done. Taking them away privately, He withdrew to a town called Bethsaida.

American Standard Version

And the apostles, when they were returned, declared unto him what things they had done. And he took them, and withdrew apart to a city called Bethsaida.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 9:10 records the return of the twelve apostles from their first independent missionary journey, where they reported to Jesus all that they had accomplished. In response to their demanding service and the continuous press of the crowds, Jesus compassionately sought to provide them with a much-needed period of rest and private instruction, taking them aside to a secluded area near the city of Bethsaida, setting the stage for subsequent significant events.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as a crucial transition point in Luke's narrative. Immediately prior, [Jesus had commissioned the twelve disciples](/luke/9-1-6 "Luke 9:1-6 - Jesus Commissions the Twelve") with authority and power to preach the kingdom of God and heal the sick, sending them out without provisions to rely solely on divine provision. Their return in [Luke 9:10](/luke/9-10 "Luke 9:10 - Apostles Report and Retreat") marks the completion of this initial mission, providing an opportunity for debriefing and reflection. The intended retreat, however, is swiftly interrupted by the eager crowds, leading directly into the miraculous [feeding of the five thousand](/luke/9-12-17 "Luke 9:12-17 - The Feeding of the Five Thousand"), a pivotal event that highlights Jesus' divine power and compassion, and further prepares the disciples for understanding His identity and mission.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The "desert place" (Greek: _erēmos topos_) mentioned in this verse does not necessarily imply a barren, sandy wilderness but rather an unpopulated, solitary, or isolated area, often used for grazing or simply away from the bustling towns. Such places were ideal for privacy, prayer, and focused teaching, a common practice for spiritual leaders in the ancient Near East. Bethsaida, a fishing village on the northeastern shore of the Sea of Galilee, was a significant location in Jesus' ministry, being the hometown of several apostles (Peter, Andrew, and Philip) and a site where Jesus performed many miracles, yet it largely remained unrepentant (as lamented in [Luke 10:13](/luke/10-13 "Luke 10:13 - Woes to Unrepentant Cities")). The act of seeking retreat was a common and necessary practice for both Jesus and His disciples amidst their demanding public ministry.
* **Key Themes:** [Luke 9:10](/luke/9-10 "Luke 9:10 - Apostles Report and Retreat") contributes to several overarching themes in Luke's Gospel. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **accountability in ministry**, as the apostles report their activities back to Jesus, emphasizing that service is performed under divine authority and requires evaluation. Secondly, it highlights the **necessity of rest and spiritual replenishment** for those engaged in demanding service, demonstrating Jesus' compassionate leadership in prioritizing the well-being of His disciples. This aligns with similar instances where Jesus sought solitude for prayer and reflection (e.g., [Luke 5:16](/luke/5-16 "Luke 5:16 - Jesus Withdraws to Pray")). Finally, the intended retreat, though interrupted, points to the ongoing **preparation and spiritual formation** of the disciples for their future roles in spreading the Gospel, a recurring motif throughout the Gospel of Luke.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **told (Greek, _diēgéomai'_):** From διά and ἡγέομαι; to relate fully:--declare, shew, tell. This word implies a detailed and comprehensive recounting, suggesting the apostles shared the full scope of their experiences, successes, and challenges with Jesus, not merely a brief summary. It conveys a thorough debriefing of their mission.
* **privately (Greek, _ídios'_):** Of uncertain affinity; pertaining to self, i.e. one's own; by implication, private or separate:--X his acquaintance, when they were alone, apart, aside, due, his (own, proper, several), home, (her, our, thine, your) own (business), private(-ly), proper, severally, their (own). This emphasizes Jesus' deliberate intention to provide a secluded space for His disciples, away from public demands and the scrutiny of the crowds, for intimate fellowship, rest, and further instruction.
* **desert (Greek, _érēmos'_):** Of uncertain affinity; lonesome, i.e. (by implication) waste (usually as a noun, χώρα being implied):--desert, desolate, solitary, wilderness. In this context, "desert place" refers to an unpopulated or isolated area, suitable for privacy and retreat, rather than a barren wasteland. It signifies a place removed from human habitation, ideal for quiet reflection and spiritual renewal.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the apostles, when they were returned, told him all that they had done."**: This opening clause establishes the completion of the disciples' first missionary assignment. Their act of "telling him all that they had done" signifies accountability and the importance of reporting back to their Master. It implies a detailed account of their experiences, including their successes in preaching, healing, and casting out demons, as well as any challenges or insights gained. This debriefing was crucial for their learning and for Jesus' assessment of their progress.
* **"And he took them, and went aside privately"**: In response to their report and recognizing their need, Jesus takes the initiative to lead them away. The phrase "went aside privately" highlights Jesus' compassionate leadership and His awareness of their physical and spiritual needs after an intense period of ministry. He desired to provide them with a secluded environment for rest, reflection, and further intimate instruction, away from the constant demands of the crowds.
* **"into a desert place belonging to the city called Bethsaida."**: This specifies the destination of their intended retreat. The "desert place" indicates an unpopulated, quiet area, ideal for solitude. The mention of Bethsaida grounds the event geographically, locating it near a known city, but emphasizing that the chosen spot was distinct from its bustling activity. This setting, though intended for quiet, ironically becomes the location for one of Jesus' most public and well-known miracles, the feeding of the five thousand.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 9:10 employs several literary devices. **Narrative Transition** is evident as the verse smoothly shifts from the disciples' mission to their return and the subsequent attempt at retreat, signaling a new phase in Jesus' ministry with His disciples. The mention of the "desert place" near Bethsaida serves as **Setting/Symbolism**, representing a place of intended solitude and spiritual preparation, a common motif in biblical narratives for divine encounters and significant events. Ironically, this intended privacy is immediately interrupted, creating **Dramatic Irony** and **Foreshadowing** the large-scale miracle of the feeding of the five thousand that directly follows, demonstrating that even Jesus' attempts at quiet retreat are subject to the pressing needs of the multitude and His divine compassion.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly illustrates the divine pattern of work and rest, echoing the biblical principle that even in zealous service, there is a necessary rhythm of withdrawal for replenishment and spiritual recalibration. Jesus, as the perfect leader, models compassionate care for His laborers, understanding that sustained ministry requires periods of rest and intimate fellowship with the Master. This retreat was not merely for physical recuperation but also for spiritual processing and further instruction, preparing the apostles for the increasingly challenging demands of their calling. It underscores that true ministry flows from a place of spiritual health and dependence on God, nurtured in quiet communion.

* [Mark 6:30-32](/mark/6-30-32 "Mark 6:30-32 - Apostles Return, Jesus Seeks Retreat")
* [Matthew 14:13](/matthew/14-13 "Matthew 14:13 - Jesus Withdraws After John's Death")
* [Psalm 23:2-3](/psalms/23-2-3 "Psalm 23:2-3 - God Leads to Rest and Restores the Soul")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 9:10 offers timeless lessons for every believer, especially those engaged in service. In a world that often glorifies relentless activity and constant productivity, Jesus' example reminds us that rest is not a luxury but a spiritual necessity. Just as the apostles needed to debrief and withdraw, we too must intentionally create space for reflection, rest, and renewed communion with God after periods of intense work or spiritual exertion. This allows us to process experiences, receive fresh guidance, and prevent burnout. Furthermore, the apostles' reporting back to Jesus underscores the vital importance of accountability in our endeavors, recognizing that our service is ultimately unto the Lord, and we are called to faithfully steward the gifts and opportunities He provides. We are encouraged to seek out our own "desert places"—moments of quiet solitude with God—to be refreshed, re-centered, and re-equipped for the work He has called us to do.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How effectively do I prioritize rest and spiritual replenishment in my life, especially after periods of intense activity or ministry?**
* **In what ways do I practice accountability for my actions and service, seeking feedback and guidance from trusted mentors or from God Himself?**
* **What does Jesus' compassionate leadership in this verse teach me about caring for others, whether in my family, workplace, or church?**
* **Where is my "desert place"—a specific time or location where I intentionally withdraw to be alone with God for reflection and spiritual renewal?**

### FAQ
**Why did Jesus take the apostles aside privately to a desert place?**

Answer: Jesus took the apostles aside privately for several crucial reasons. Firstly, they had just returned from their first independent missionary journey, a demanding and likely exhausting experience, and Jesus recognized their need for physical rest and emotional recuperation. Secondly, He desired to provide a secluded environment for debriefing, where they could share their experiences, ask questions, and receive further instruction and spiritual formation without the constant interruption of the crowds. This private time was essential for their growth and preparation for future ministry, allowing for intimate fellowship and deeper teaching away from public demands. It demonstrated Jesus' compassionate leadership and His commitment to nurturing His disciples.

**What is the significance of Bethsaida in this context?**

Answer: Bethsaida was a significant location in Jesus' ministry, a fishing village on the northeastern shore of the Sea of Galilee. It was the hometown of several of Jesus' disciples, including Peter, Andrew, and Philip. While the text states they went to a "desert place belonging to the city called Bethsaida," implying an unpopulated area near the city, the proximity to a known population center is ironic given Jesus' desire for privacy. This location eventually becomes the setting for the miraculous [feeding of the five thousand](/luke/9-12-17 "Luke 9:12-17 - The Feeding of the Five Thousand"), as the crowds followed them there. Despite the many miracles performed in Bethsaida, Jesus later lamented its unrepentance, as recorded in [Luke 10:13](/luke/10-13 "Luke 10:13 - Woes to Unrepentant Cities"), highlighting a contrast between divine grace offered and human rejection.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 9:10, though seemingly a simple narrative detail, profoundly points to Christ's character and His ongoing work in His people. Jesus, the ultimate Servant-Leader, perfectly embodies the compassionate care and strategic foresight necessary for effective ministry. His act of taking His disciples aside for rest and private instruction foreshadows His continuous work of nurturing and equipping His church. He is the Good Shepherd who leads His sheep to [green pastures and still waters](/psalms/23-2 "Psalm 23:2 - The Lord Leads to Rest"), restoring their souls. Just as He prepared the twelve for their mission, He continues to prepare His followers today, not by sending them out endlessly, but by drawing them into intimate communion with Himself. The retreat to the "desert place" echoes Jesus' own frequent withdrawals for prayer and fellowship with the Father (e.g., [Luke 5:16](/luke/5-16 "Luke 5:16 - Jesus Withdraws to Pray")), demonstrating that even the Son of God lived in dependence on divine replenishment. Ultimately, this verse reveals Christ as the one who understands the limits of human strength, provides for His laborers, and continually shapes His disciples to be effective witnesses of His kingdom, empowering them through rest and revelation, just as He promised to be with them [always, even to the end of the age](/matthew/28-20 "Matthew 28:20 - The Great Commission").

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

Matthew 11:21

Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works, which were done in you, had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes.

Hebrews 13:17

Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that [is] unprofitable for you.

Luke 10:17

¶ And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name.

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 14:21

And they that had eaten were about five thousand men, beside women and children.

John 1:44

Now Philip was of Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter.

John 6:5

When Jesus then lifted up [his] eyes, and saw a great company come unto him, he saith unto Philip, Whence shall we buy bread, that these may eat?