Matthew 14:13

KJV

¶ 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.

KJV (with Strong's)

When {G2532} Jesus {G2424} heard {G191} of it, he departed {G402} thence {G1564} by {G1722} ship {G4143} into {G1519} a desert {G2048} place {G5117} apart {G2596}{G2398}: and {G2532} when the people {G3793} had heard {G191} thereof, they followed {G190} him {G846} on foot {G3979} out of {G575} the cities {G4172}.

Complete Jewish Bible

On hearing about this, Yeshua left in a boat to be by himself in the wilderness. But the people learned of it and followed him from the towns by land.

Berean Standard Bible

When Jesus heard about John, He withdrew by boat privately to a solitary place. But the crowds found out about it and followed Him on foot from the towns.

American Standard Version

Now when Jesus heardit, he withdrew from thence in a boat, to a desert place apart: and when the multitudes heard thereof, they followed him on foot from the cities.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 14:13 marks a poignant moment in Jesus' ministry, immediately following the devastating news of John the Baptist's execution. Overwhelmed by grief and seeking solitude for prayer and reflection, Jesus withdraws by boat to a desolate area. However, His attempt at private retreat is met by the determined crowds who, upon hearing of His departure, follow Him on foot from their cities, demonstrating their profound spiritual hunger and unwavering desire to be in His presence, thereby setting the stage for the miraculous feeding of the five thousand.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as a crucial transition point in Matthew's Gospel. It directly follows the grim account of John the Baptist's martyrdom, detailed in [Matthew 14:1-12](/matthew/14-1-12 "Matthew 14:1-12 - John the Baptist's Martyrdom"). The news of John's death deeply impacts Jesus, who recognized John as the prophetic forerunner of the Messiah. Jesus' immediate reaction—to withdraw to a solitary place—is a natural human response to grief and stress, but also a divine pattern of seeking communion with the Father before significant acts. This withdrawal then immediately precedes one of Jesus' most iconic miracles, the feeding of the five thousand, which is recounted in [Matthew 14:14-21](/matthew/14-14-21 "Matthew 14:14-21 - The Feeding of the Five Thousand"), highlighting a shift from personal sorrow to public compassion.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the Galilee region of the first century, "desert places" (Greek: _erēmos topos_) were not necessarily barren, sandy deserts but rather uninhabited, uncultivated, or sparsely populated areas, often rocky or hilly, suitable for solitude. Such places were common for prophets and spiritual leaders to retreat for prayer and reflection, much like Elijah or John the Baptist himself. The political climate was tense under Herod Antipas, who had just executed John. Jesus' withdrawal could also be a strategic move to avoid immediate confrontation or to manage the growing public attention that could be misconstrued as a political movement. The crowds, often traveling on foot, were typical of the era, demonstrating their dedication and the lack of widespread transportation, underscoring their fervent desire to hear and be healed by Jesus.
* **Key Themes:** Matthew 14:13 introduces several profound themes that resonate throughout Jesus' ministry. Firstly, it underscores **Jesus' humanity**, revealing His capacity for grief and His need for spiritual replenishment, mirroring the pattern He often displayed, such as in [Mark 1:35](/mark/1-35 "Mark 1:35 - Jesus Prays in Solitude"). Secondly, it highlights the **persistence and spiritual hunger of the crowds**, who, despite Jesus' attempt at solitude, diligently seek Him out, reflecting a deep yearning for healing and truth, as seen in their constant pursuit throughout the Gospels (e.g., [Matthew 9:36](/matthew/9-36 "Matthew 9:36 - Jesus' Compassion for the Crowds")). Thirdly, this verse **foreshadows Jesus' divine compassion**, as His initial desire for solitude is immediately superseded by His pity for the multitude, leading to the miraculous provision of food, a theme central to His character and ministry (e.g., [Matthew 15:32](/matthew/15-32 "Matthew 15:32 - Jesus Feeds the Four Thousand")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **departed (Language, _anachōréō'_):** From G402, meaning "to retire." This word implies a deliberate withdrawal, a moving away from a place or situation. In this context, it signifies Jesus' intentional separation from the public eye and the immediate sphere of Herod's influence, driven by the recent news of John's death and a desire for personal space.
* **desert (Language, _érēmos'_):** From G2048, meaning "lonesome, i.e. (by implication) waste (usually as a noun, χώρα being implied)." When paired with G5117 (_tópos_, "place"), "desert place" refers to an uninhabited or solitary region. It emphasizes the seclusion Jesus sought, a place away from the bustling cities and the demands of the crowds, ideal for contemplation and prayer.
* **followed (Language, _akolouthéō'_):** From G190, meaning "to be in the same way with, i.e. to accompany (specially, as a disciple)." This word captures the determined and persistent pursuit of the crowds. It suggests not merely a casual following, but a committed effort to stay with Jesus, indicative of their earnest desire to continue hearing His teaching and experiencing His healing power.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"When Jesus heard [of it],"**: This clause refers to Jesus receiving the news of John the Baptist's execution. The KJV's bracketed "of it" clarifies the implied object of His hearing. This news is the immediate catalyst for Jesus' subsequent actions, revealing His human response to profound loss and the gravity of the political situation.
* **"he departed thence by ship into a desert place apart:"**: Jesus' immediate reaction is to withdraw. "Thence" (from G1564, _ekeîthen_, "from that place") indicates His departure from the location where He received the news. He travels "by ship" (G4143, _ploîon_, "vessel"), suggesting a crossing of the Sea of Galilee, a common means of travel to less populated eastern shores. The destination, "a desert place apart" (G2048 _érēmos_ and G5117 _tópos_ for "desert place," G2596 _katá_ and G2398 _ídios_ for "apart"), emphasizes His desire for solitude and privacy, a common practice for spiritual leaders seeking communion with God.
* **"and when the people had heard [thereof],"**: Despite Jesus' attempt at seclusion, the news of His departure quickly spread. "The people" (G3793, _óchlos_, "throng, multitude") refers to the large crowds who consistently sought Him out. Their hearing "thereof" (referring to His departure) signifies their keen awareness of His movements and their determination to remain in His presence.
* **"they followed him on foot out of the cities."**: This final clause highlights the extraordinary dedication of the crowds. They did not have the luxury of a boat, so they traveled "on foot" (G3979, _pezēi_, "by walking") from their "cities" (G4172, _pólis_, "towns"), likely walking around the northern end of the Sea of Galilee to reach the same "desert place." This arduous journey underscores their deep need and fervent desire to be with Jesus, demonstrating a profound spiritual hunger that transcends physical discomfort.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 14:13 employs several literary devices to convey its meaning and emotional weight. **Foreshadowing** is prominent, as Jesus' withdrawal sets the stage for the miraculous feeding of the five thousand, an event that immediately follows and demonstrates His divine compassion. The verse also uses **Contrast**: Jesus' desire for solitude and the relentless pursuit of the crowds create a tension that highlights both His human need for rest and His divine commitment to ministry. The phrase "desert place apart" uses **Symbolism**, as a "desert" or "wilderness" in biblical narratives often symbolizes a place of spiritual testing, solitude, and divine encounter, reminiscent of Israel's wilderness wanderings or Jesus' own temptation in the desert. This chosen location is not merely geographical but also spiritually significant, a place where profound events often unfold.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 14:13 is rich with theological implications, revealing aspects of Jesus' dual nature and the dynamics of His ministry. It portrays Jesus as fully human, experiencing grief and the need for retreat, yet simultaneously demonstrating His divine compassion that overrides His personal needs. His withdrawal is not an escape from ministry but a strategic spiritual replenishment, foundational for the outpouring of grace that follows. The persistent pursuit of the crowds underscores humanity's deep spiritual hunger and the magnetic draw of Christ's presence, even when it demands significant effort. This moment illustrates the tension between the demands of ministry and the necessity of personal spiritual care, a balance Jesus perfectly modeled.

* [Mark 6:31](/mark/6-31 "Mark 6:31 - Jesus Calls for Rest")
* [Luke 5:16](/luke/5-16 "Luke 5:16 - Jesus Often Withdrew to Pray")
* [Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus Understands Our Weaknesses")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 14:13 offers profound lessons for believers navigating the complexities of modern life. Just as Jesus, the Son of God, recognized the need to withdraw for solitude and spiritual refreshment after a traumatic event, so too must we prioritize intentional times of retreat with God. In a world characterized by constant noise, relentless demands, and digital distractions, carving out "desert places apart" – whether physical quiet spaces or dedicated moments for prayer and reflection – is not a luxury but a spiritual necessity for mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. This verse also challenges us to consider the depth of our own spiritual hunger. Are we as determined as the crowds, willing to expend effort and overcome obstacles to draw near to Christ? Our pursuit of Him should be marked by a similar earnestness, recognizing that His presence is the ultimate source of nourishment and healing. Finally, Jesus' subsequent act of compassion reminds us that while personal care is vital, it ultimately equips us to serve others with greater empathy and effectiveness, reflecting His self-sacrificial love.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **When was the last time you intentionally sought a "desert place apart" for spiritual reflection and communion with God? What obstacles prevent you from doing so more often?**
* **How does the persistence of the crowds in pursuing Jesus challenge your own commitment and effort in seeking Christ in your daily life?**
* **In what ways can you balance your personal need for rest and spiritual replenishment with the demands of serving others and showing compassion, as Jesus did?**

### FAQ
**Why did Jesus depart by ship to a desert place immediately after hearing about John the Baptist's death?**

Answer: Jesus' departure was multifaceted. Primarily, it was a profound human response to grief and sorrow over the execution of His cousin and forerunner, John the Baptist, as seen in [Matthew 14:12](/matthew/14-12 "Matthew 14:12 - John's Disciples Bury Him"). He sought a "desert place apart" (an uninhabited or solitary area) for solitude, prayer, and spiritual replenishment, a practice He frequently engaged in throughout His ministry (e.g., [Luke 5:16](/luke/5-16 "Luke 5:16 - Jesus' Habit of Retreat")). Additionally, given the political volatility and Herod Antipas's actions, Jesus' withdrawal could have been a strategic move to avoid immediate confrontation or to manage the escalating public attention that might be misconstrued as a political threat. The use of a ship suggests crossing the Sea of Galilee, aiming for a less accessible location.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 14:13, while describing a moment of human grief and withdrawal, profoundly points to the Christ-centered nature of God's redemptive plan. Jesus' response to sorrow, seeking solitude, reveals His full humanity, a crucial aspect of His identity as the God-man. He is not a distant, unfeeling deity, but one who fully entered into the human experience, including its pains and needs for rest, making Him the perfect High Priest who can sympathize with our weaknesses, as affirmed in [Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus, Our Sympathetic High Priest"). Yet, even in His personal grief, the persistent pursuit of the crowds highlights His ultimate mission: to be the Shepherd who gathers His lost sheep. His subsequent act of compassion, feeding the multitude, demonstrates His divine power and His role as the true Bread of Life, foreshadowing the ultimate spiritual nourishment He offers through His sacrifice (cf. [John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")). Thus, this verse, though seemingly about retreat, ultimately underscores Jesus' unwavering commitment to His salvific work, a commitment that would culminate in His ultimate act of self-giving on the cross, providing rest and sustenance for all who diligently seek Him (cf. [Matthew 11:28](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28 - Come to Me, All Who Are Weary")).

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 9:10

¶ 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.

Luke 9:17

And they did eat, and were all filled: and there was taken up of fragments that remained to them twelve baskets.

Matthew 14:1

¶ At that time Herod the tetrarch heard of the fame of Jesus,

Matthew 14:2

And said unto his servants, This is John the Baptist; he is risen from the dead; and therefore mighty works do shew forth themselves in him.

Matthew 12:15

But when Jesus knew [it], he withdrew himself from thence: and great multitudes followed him, and he healed them all;

Mark 6:30

¶ And the apostles gathered themselves together unto Jesus, and told him all things, both what they had done, and what they had taught.

Mark 6:44

And they that did eat of the loaves were about five thousand men.