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.

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}.

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.

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.

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 on Matthew 14:13 (KJV)

Matthew 14:13 describes a pivotal moment in Jesus' ministry, immediately following a tragic event. This verse sets the stage for one of Jesus' most famous miracles, the feeding of the five thousand.

Context

The preceding verses (Matthew 14:1-12) detail the gruesome execution of John the Baptist by Herod Antipas. This news deeply affected Jesus, who was not only John's cousin but also recognized him as the forerunner prophesied to prepare the way for the Messiah. When Jesus heard of John's death, it prompted a profound reaction. His decision to depart was likely driven by a combination of grief, a desire for a period of solitude and prayer, and perhaps a strategic withdrawal from Herod's increasing attention or potential threat. This shows Jesus, fully God, also experiencing human emotions like sorrow.

Key Themes

  • Jesus' Need for Solitude: Faced with overwhelming news and constant demands, Jesus sought a "desert place apart." The Greek phrase erēmos topos (ἔρημος τόπος) refers to a desolate, uninhabited, or solitary region, emphasizing His desire for quiet reflection and communion with His Father. This highlights the importance of spiritual retreat, even for the Son of God, to recharge and process significant events.
  • The Persistence of the Crowds: Despite Jesus' attempt to withdraw, the people, upon hearing of His departure, diligently followed Him on foot from their cities. Their fervent pursuit demonstrates their deep spiritual hunger, their hope for healing, and their earnest desire to be in His presence. This speaks to the powerful draw of Jesus' ministry and the desperate needs of humanity.
  • Compassion Over Personal Need: Although this verse focuses on Jesus' departure, it inherently foreshadows His immediate response to the crowds in the subsequent verses. Instead of turning them away, He would be moved with compassion, laying the groundwork for the miraculous feeding of the multitude (see Matthew 14:15-21).

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "desert place apart" uses "desert" not in the sense of a barren, sandy expanse, but rather a wilderness or uninhabited area, emphasizing the solitude Jesus sought. The word "apart" further underscores His intention for privacy and separation from the bustling crowds.

Practical Application

Matthew 14:13 offers several timeless lessons for believers today:

  • The Importance of Spiritual Retreat: Just as Jesus needed time away for reflection and prayer, we too must prioritize moments of solitude with God. In a world full of noise and demands, intentional periods of withdrawal are crucial for spiritual health and mental well-being.
  • Seeking Jesus Diligently: The crowds' determination to follow Jesus, even on foot through challenging terrain, models a fervent pursuit of God. Are we as eager to seek Him, even when it requires effort or sacrifice?
  • Compassion in Action: This verse sets the stage for Jesus' ultimate act of compassion. It reminds us that while personal care is important, our lives should also be marked by empathy and service to others, especially those in need.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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.

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