Luke 9:12

KJV

And when the day began to wear away, then came the twelve, and said unto him, Send the multitude away, that they may go into the towns and country round about, and lodge, and get victuals: for we are here in a desert place.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} when the day {G2250} began {G756} to wear away {G2827}, then {G1161} came {G4334} the twelve {G1427}, and said {G2036} unto him {G846}, Send {G630} the multitude {G3793} away {G630}, that {G2443} they may go {G565} into {G1519} the towns {G2968} and {G2532} country {G68} round about {G2945}, and lodge {G2647}, and {G2532} get {G2147} victuals {G1979}: for {G3754} we are {G2070} here {G5602} in {G1722} a desert {G2048} place {G5117}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The day began to draw to a close. The Twelve came to him and said, “Send the crowd away, so that they can go and get lodging and food in the towns and farms around here, because where we are is a remote place.”

Berean Standard Bible

As the day neared its end, the Twelve came to Jesus and said, “Dismiss the crowd so they can go to the surrounding villages and countryside for lodging and provisions. For we are in a desolate place here.”

American Standard Version

And the day began to wear away; and the twelve came, and said unto him, Send the multitude away, that they may go into the villages and country round about, and lodge, and get provisions: for we are here in a desert place.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 9:12 captures a pivotal moment just before Jesus miraculously feeds five thousand people. As the day draws to a close in a remote, desolate area, the twelve disciples approach Jesus with a pressing logistical concern: the vast multitude needs food and lodging, which are unavailable in their current location. Their practical suggestion to dismiss the crowds to find provisions in surrounding towns and countryside highlights their human perspective on a seemingly insurmountable problem, unknowingly setting the stage for a profound demonstration of divine provision and Jesus' boundless compassion.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately precedes one of Jesus' most iconic miracles, the feeding of the five thousand, as recounted in [Luke 9:13-17](/luke/9-13-17 "Luke 9:13-17 - The Feeding of the Five Thousand"). The narrative begins with Jesus receiving the twelve apostles after their mission trip, followed by His retreat to a solitary place near Bethsaida. However, the crowds follow Him, and Jesus, showing compassion, welcomes them and heals their sick. Luke 9:12 serves as the direct transition from Jesus' teaching and healing ministry to the impending crisis of the crowd's hunger, highlighting the disciples' practical assessment of the situation before Jesus' miraculous intervention. This account is also paralleled in [Matthew 14:15-21](/matthew/14-15-21 "Matthew 14:15-21 - Feeding the Five Thousand") and [Mark 6:35-44](/mark/6-35-44 "Mark 6:35-44 - Feeding the Five Thousand"), underscoring its significance in the Gospel narratives.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The event takes place in a "desert place" (Greek: _eremos topos_), which refers to an uninhabited or desolate region, often rocky or uncultivated, rather than a sandy desert. This location, likely in the vicinity of Bethsaida on the northeastern shore of the Sea of Galilee, would have offered no immediate resources for such a massive gathering. Jewish culture placed a high value on hospitality, and the idea of a large crowd going hungry was deeply concerning. People often traveled long distances to hear revered teachers, and they would rely on the hospitality of towns or bring their own provisions. The disciples' concern reflects the practical realities of managing a large group in an isolated area, especially as evening approached, making travel and finding lodging more difficult and potentially dangerous.
* **Key Themes:** Luke 9:12 contributes to several overarching themes within Luke's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. It starkly contrasts **human limitation** with **divine omnipotence and provision**, as the disciples' logical, human-centric solution (sending the crowd away) is met by Jesus' miraculous, God-centric solution (feeding them). The verse also highlights the theme of **Jesus' compassion** for the multitudes, as He does not dismiss them but seeks to meet their fundamental needs. Furthermore, it underscores the **disciples' developing understanding** of Jesus' power; they are still operating within a framework of practical logistics, not yet fully grasping the supernatural capabilities of their Master. This moment functions as a crucial setup, challenging the disciples to look beyond their own capabilities and trust in His power, foreshadowing their future role in extending God's provision to the world.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **wear away (Greek, _klínō_):** This verb means "to slant or slope," indicating the declining position of the sun and the approaching evening. It vividly paints a picture of the day drawing to a close, emphasizing the urgency of the disciples' concern regarding the crowd's practical needs as nightfall neared. The time of day is crucial for understanding the disciples' logistical worries about food and lodging.
* **desert (Greek, _érēmos_):** Derived from a word meaning "lonesome," this term describes a desolate, uninhabited, or solitary place. It is not necessarily a sandy desert but rather an uncultivated or sparsely populated region. This detail underscores the complete lack of resources for such a large crowd, making the disciples' concern about "victuals" and "lodging" entirely rational from a human perspective.
* **victuals (Greek, _episitismós_):** This noun refers to "a provisioning" or, concretely, "food." The disciples' explicit mention of "victuals" highlights the primary and immediate physical need of the multitude. Their concern is not just for shelter but for sustenance, recognizing that a large, hungry crowd in a remote area poses a significant problem.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when the day began to wear away":** This phrase sets the temporal context, indicating that it was late in the afternoon, signaling the approaching evening. The declining light would make travel more difficult and finding provisions or shelter in unfamiliar territory a pressing concern.
* **"then came the twelve, and said unto him":** This identifies the agents of the request—the twelve apostles—and their direct approach to Jesus. It shows their initiative in addressing a perceived problem and their role as intermediaries between the crowd and Jesus.
* **"Send the multitude away, that they may go into the towns and country round about, and lodge, and get victuals":** This is the core of the disciples' practical suggestion. They propose dismissing the large crowd (_óchlos_) so that individuals can disperse into nearby villages (_kṓmē_) and surrounding areas (_agrós_) to find necessary provisions (food, _episitismós_) and shelter (_katalýō_). This reveals their logical, human-centered solution to the logistical challenge.
* **"for we are here in a desert place":** This clause provides the rationale for their suggestion. The "desert place" (_érēmos tópos_) signifies the remote, unpopulated nature of their location, emphasizing the complete lack of resources for such a vast number of people, thereby justifying their concern.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 9:12 employs several key literary devices. **Setting** is crucial, with the "desert place" establishing a scene of scarcity and isolation, intensifying the perceived problem. This physical setting creates a powerful **contrast** with the divine abundance that Jesus is about to demonstrate. The disciples' words, "Send the multitude away," serve as a form of **foreshadowing**, not of their solution, but of the impending divine intervention that will completely subvert their practical logic. There is also a subtle **irony** in the disciples' pragmatic, human-limited assessment, as their very suggestion becomes the catalyst for Jesus to reveal His boundless power and compassion, turning a logistical crisis into a display of miraculous provision.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 9:12 serves as a profound theological setup, highlighting the stark contrast between human limitation and divine omnipotence. The disciples, operating from a place of practical necessity and finite resources, propose a logical solution to an overwhelming problem. Their suggestion to dismiss the crowds underscores the universal human tendency to rely on what is visible and manageable, often overlooking the unseen capacity of God. This moment is a powerful reminder that what appears impossible from a human vantage point is merely an opportunity for God to display His boundless power and provision. It challenges believers to bring their seemingly insurmountable problems to Christ, trusting that His resources are infinite, even in the "desert places" of life. This passage ultimately points to Jesus as the ultimate provider, not just of physical sustenance but of spiritual nourishment, foreshadowing His later teaching as the "Bread of Life."

* [Matthew 14:15](/matthew/14-15 "Matthew 14:15 - Disciples' Suggestion to Dismiss the Crowds")
* [Mark 6:35](/mark/6-35 "Mark 6:35 - Disciples' Concern for the Multitude")
* [John 6:5-7](/john/6-5-7 "John 6:5-7 - Jesus Tests Philip Regarding Feeding the Crowd")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 9:12 offers powerful lessons for contemporary believers, inviting us to examine our own responses to overwhelming challenges. Like the disciples, our initial reaction to seemingly impossible situations is often to assess them through a lens of human logic and limited resources, leading to pragmatic but ultimately insufficient solutions. This verse calls us to shift our perspective from one of scarcity to one of divine abundance. When faced with needs that far exceed our capabilities, whether personal, communal, or global, the temptation is to "send them away"—to dismiss the problem, to retreat, or to rely solely on our own ingenuity. Instead, this passage encourages us to bring our perceived impossibilities to Jesus, recognizing that He delights in transforming our limitations into opportunities for His glory. It challenges us to cultivate a faith that looks beyond the immediate lack and trusts in God's infinite capacity to provide, reminding us that even in our "desert places," He is able to do "immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine."

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "desert places" or seemingly insurmountable problems are you facing in your life right now, where your first inclination is to "send away" the challenge?**
* **How does the disciples' practical concern in this verse resonate with your own approach to difficult situations?**
* **In what areas of your life are you relying on your own limited resources rather than trusting in God's boundless provision?**
* **How might this passage encourage you to bring your "impossible" situations to Jesus, even when you don't see a clear path forward?**

### FAQ
**Why were the disciples so concerned about the crowd's food and lodging?**

Answer: The disciples' concern was entirely practical and understandable given the circumstances. They were in a "desert place" (a desolate, uninhabited area) far from any towns or villages. As the day was "wearing away" (approaching evening), the large multitude would soon be hungry and without shelter. In that culture, hospitality was crucial, and leaving such a large group of people without provisions would have been irresponsible and potentially dangerous. Their suggestion to "send the multitude away" was a logical, human solution to a pressing logistical problem, reflecting their assessment of the immediate physical needs of the crowd.

**What is the significance of the "desert place" in this narrative?**

Answer: The "desert place" (Greek: _eremos topos_) is highly significant. It emphasizes the complete lack of natural resources or infrastructure to support such a massive crowd. This setting amplifies the perceived impossibility of the situation from a human perspective, thereby highlighting the miraculous nature of Jesus' subsequent provision. Biblically, the wilderness or desert is often a place of testing and reliance on God, recalling Israel's journey through the wilderness where God miraculously provided manna and water ([Exodus 16:1-36](/exodus/16 "Exodus 16 - Manna and Quail")). In this context, it sets the stage for Jesus to demonstrate His divine power as the ultimate provider, mirroring God's care for His people.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 9:12, while seemingly a simple logistical concern, profoundly sets the stage for a Christ-centered fulfillment. The disciples' recognition of the multitude's physical hunger in a desolate place serves as a powerful metaphor for humanity's spiritual hunger and desolation apart from Christ. Jesus' response to their pragmatic suggestion is not to dismiss the crowds, but to provide for them miraculously, foreshadowing His role as the [Bread of Life](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life"). He doesn't just meet their immediate physical need but points to a deeper reality: He is the one who satisfies the soul. This act of provision in the wilderness echoes God's provision of manna to Israel, identifying Jesus as the true and greater Manna from heaven, who gives life to the world ([John 6:32-33](/john/6-32-33 "John 6:32-33 - The True Bread from Heaven")). Ultimately, the feeding of the five thousand, initiated by the disciples' concern in Luke 9:12, is a tangible demonstration of Christ's compassion and His divine capacity to meet every human need—physical, emotional, and spiritual—culminating in His ultimate self-giving on the cross, providing eternal sustenance for all who believe ([John 6:51](/john/6-51 "John 6:51 - Jesus' Flesh for the Life of the World")).

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

Hosea 13:5

¶ I did know thee in the wilderness, in the land of great drought.

Matthew 15:23

But he answered her not a word. And his disciples came and besought him, saying, Send her away; for she crieth after us.

Psalms 78:19

Yea, they spake against God; they said, Can God furnish a table in the wilderness?

Psalms 78:20

Behold, he smote the rock, that the waters gushed out, and the streams overflowed; can he give bread also? can he provide flesh for his people?

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?

John 6:15

¶ When Jesus therefore perceived that they would come and take him by force, to make him a king, he departed again into a mountain himself alone.

Ezekiel 34:25

And I will make with them a covenant of peace, and will cause the evil beasts to cease out of the land: and they shall dwell safely in the wilderness, and sleep in the woods.