Matthew 14:22

KJV

¶ And straightway Jesus constrained his disciples to get into a ship, and to go before him unto the other side, while he sent the multitudes away.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} straightway {G2112} Jesus {G2424} constrained {G315} his {G846} disciples {G3101} to get {G1684} into {G1519} a ship {G4143}, and {G2532} to go before {G4254} him {G846} unto {G1519} the other side {G4008}, while {G2193}{G3739} he sent {G630} the multitudes {G3793} away {G630}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Immediately he had the talmidim get in the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he sent the crowds away.

Berean Standard Bible

Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of Him to the other side, while He dismissed the crowds.

American Standard Version

And straightway he constrained the disciples to enter into the boat, and to go before him unto the other side, till he should send the multitudes away.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 14:22 serves as a critical narrative pivot, immediately following Jesus' miraculous feeding of the five thousand. This verse depicts Jesus' deliberate and forceful action to send His disciples across the Sea of Galilee in a boat, while He Himself disperses the enthusiastic multitudes. This strategic move sets the stage for a profound spiritual encounter and a test of faith for the disciples, preparing them for a deeper revelation of Christ's power and authority in the midst of a storm.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed directly after the unparalleled miracle of the feeding of the five thousand ([Matthew 14:13-21](/matthew/14-13-21 "Matthew 14:13-21 - Feeding the Five Thousand")). The preceding event had generated immense popular excitement and potentially a misunderstanding of Jesus' messianic mission, with the crowd perhaps intending to make Him an earthly king (cf. [John 6:15](/john/6-15 "John 6:15 - Crowd Attempts to Make Jesus King")). Matthew 14:22 acts as a deliberate transition, moving from a large public demonstration of power to a more private, intense lesson for the disciples, immediately preceding the dramatic account of Jesus walking on water ([Matthew 14:23-33](/matthew/14-23-33 "Matthew 14:23-33 - Jesus Walks on Water")). It initiates a period of separation and solitude for Jesus, highlighting His need for communion with the Father after intense ministry.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is the Sea of Galilee, a freshwater lake central to much of Jesus' Galilean ministry. Travel by boat was common and efficient for crossing the lake or moving along its shores. The "other side" typically refers to the eastern, Gentile-influenced region, often less populated than the western, Jewish side. The crowds, having just witnessed a spectacular miracle involving food, would have been highly energized and possibly eager for more material benefits or a leader who could provide for them. This context underscores Jesus' counter-cultural actions: He does not capitalize on popular fervor but instead withdraws, demonstrating that His kingdom is not of this world and His mission transcends earthly political aspirations. His immediate dismissal of both disciples and crowds speaks to His divine sovereignty and purposeful direction of events.

* **Key Themes:** This verse subtly introduces or reinforces several key themes. Firstly, **Jesus' absolute authority** is evident in His ability to "constrain" His disciples and "send away" the multitudes, directing all according to His divine will. Secondly, the theme of **discipleship and obedience** is highlighted, as the disciples comply with Jesus' strong command, even if they do not fully understand its immediate purpose. Thirdly, the passage emphasizes **preparation for spiritual growth and testing**, as Jesus often leads His followers into challenging situations to deepen their faith and reveal more of His power (foreshadowing the storm and His appearance on the water). Finally, the necessity of **solitude and prayer** for spiritual sustenance is implied, as Jesus immediately seeks time alone with the Father after dispersing everyone, setting an example for all believers (as seen in [Matthew 14:23](/matthew/14-23 "Matthew 14:23 - Jesus Goes Up the Mountain to Pray")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **constrained (Greek, _anankázō_):** This word (G315) signifies more than a gentle request; it implies a strong urging, a compulsion, or even a necessity. Jesus did not merely suggest but firmly directed His disciples. This strong verb highlights the urgency and divine purpose behind His command, indicating that their departure was not optional but essential for the unfolding of His plan and their spiritual development.
* **straightway (Greek, _euthéōs_):** The adverb (G2112) emphasizes immediacy and promptness. It suggests that Jesus acted without delay, directly after the feeding of the five thousand. This swift action underscores Jesus' complete control over the situation and His deliberate intention to manage the aftermath of the miracle, preventing any further misunderstanding or earthly aspirations from the crowd.
* **multitudes (Greek, _óchlos_):** This term (G3793) refers to a throng, a large crowd, or even the rabble. Here, it signifies the vast number of people Jesus had just fed. Jesus' act of "sending away" the multitudes, despite their enthusiasm, demonstrates His clear distinction between popular acclaim and His true mission, which required solitude and focused instruction for His inner circle.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And straightway Jesus constrained his disciples to get into a ship":** The immediate action ("straightway") after the feeding of the five thousand indicates Jesus' purposeful control. The word "constrained" reveals a strong, almost forceful, directive from Jesus. He did not merely suggest but compelled His disciples, perhaps sensing their reluctance to leave the scene of such popular success or knowing the spiritual trial that awaited them. This highlights Jesus' authority and His intentional leading of His followers into specific circumstances.
* **"and to go before him unto the other side":** The destination, "the other side," implies a journey across the Sea of Galilee, a common route but one that would soon become a place of profound testing. The phrase "to go before him" indicates that Jesus intended to join them later, but for a period, they would be on their own, navigating the waters without His immediate physical presence. This foreshadows the disciples' coming struggle and their need to rely on Jesus' word, even in His apparent absence.
* **"while he sent the multitudes away":** This clause reveals Jesus' simultaneous action and priority. He took responsibility for dispersing the large crowd, who might have been lingering, perhaps hoping for more miracles or to crown Him king. This act underscores Jesus' rejection of earthly power and His commitment to His divine mission, which required moments of solitude and focused attention on His disciples and the Father.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 14:22 employs several literary devices to enhance its meaning and impact. **Foreshadowing** is prominent, as Jesus' act of sending the disciples ahead into the boat, while He remains behind, subtly hints at the impending storm and the subsequent miraculous appearance of Jesus walking on water. This separation and the disciples' journey without Him set the stage for their trial of faith. There is also a strong element of **Contrast** between the bustling, enthusiastic crowds and Jesus' deliberate move towards solitude and the quiet, constrained departure of the disciples. This highlights Jesus' rejection of popular acclaim in favor of His divine agenda. Furthermore, the use of the strong verb "constrained" (ἀναγκάζω - _anankázō_) functions as a form of **Emphasis**, drawing the reader's attention to the urgency and necessity of Jesus' command, underscoring His authority and the critical nature of this transitional moment in the narrative.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse is rich with theological implications, demonstrating Jesus' sovereign control over circumstances and His intentional discipleship. His "constraining" of the disciples underscores that God often leads His people into situations that are not immediately comfortable or understandable, but are ultimately for their spiritual growth and a deeper revelation of His character. Just as Jesus needed solitude for prayer, so too do believers need to "send the multitudes away" from their lives—the distractions, demands, and popular opinions—to cultivate a deeper, unhindered communion with God. This passage reminds us that obedience to Christ's leading, even when it feels like a compulsion into an unknown or challenging situation, is foundational to experiencing His power and purpose.

* [Mark 6:45](/mark/6-45 "Mark 6:45 - Jesus Compels Disciples to Go Ahead")
* [James 1:2-4](/james/1-2-4 "James 1:2-4 - The Purpose of Trials")
* [Luke 5:16](/luke/5-16 "Luke 5:16 - Jesus Withdraws to Pray")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 14:22 offers profound lessons for the contemporary believer. Just as Jesus "constrained" His disciples, there are times when God's leading in our lives feels less like an invitation and more like a firm directive, pushing us out of our comfort zones or away from popular paths. These moments, though potentially unsettling, are often divine preparations for deeper encounters with Him, tests designed to refine our faith, and opportunities for greater revelation of His power. Our obedience in these "constrained" moments is crucial, demonstrating our trust in His wisdom even when the destination or the journey's purpose is unclear. Furthermore, Jesus' deliberate act of "sending the multitudes away" serves as a powerful reminder of the necessity of spiritual discipline in a world clamoring for our attention. To truly connect with God and discern His will, we must intentionally create space for solitude, detaching from the noise and demands that can easily overwhelm our spiritual lives. This verse challenges us to embrace God's sometimes uncomfortable leading and to prioritize unhurried communion with Him above all else.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I typically respond when God seems to "constrain" me into an unfamiliar or challenging situation?**
* **What "multitudes"—whether distractions, popular opinions, or worldly pressures—do I need to "send away" in my life to create more space for God?**
* **In what ways does this passage encourage me to trust Jesus' sovereign leading, even when the path ahead is unclear or difficult?**

### FAQ
**Why did Jesus "constrain" His disciples to go into the boat?**

Answer: Jesus' decision to "constrain" (compel or strongly urge) His disciples was multifaceted. Firstly, it was to prevent them, like the crowds, from being swept up in the popular enthusiasm and misunderstanding His messianic mission as an earthly, political one (cf. [John 6:15](/john/6-15 "John 6:15 - Crowd Attempts to Make Jesus King")). Secondly, Jesus knew they were about to face a significant trial—a storm on the sea—which would test their faith and lead to a profound revelation of His divine power as He walked on water ([Matthew 14:25](/matthew/14-25 "Matthew 14:25 - Jesus Walks on Water")). This "constraint" was a preparation for spiritual growth. Lastly, it was to secure His own solitude for prayer, as He immediately went up on the mountain to commune with His Father ([Matthew 14:23](/matthew/14-23 "Matthew 14:23 - Jesus Prays on the Mountain")).

**What is the significance of Jesus "sending the multitudes away"?**

Answer: Jesus "sending the multitudes away" was a deliberate and purposeful act. After miraculously feeding thousands, Jesus' popularity was at its peak, and the crowds likely had high expectations or even intentions to make Him an earthly king. By dispersing them, Jesus demonstrated that His kingdom was not of this world and that His mission was not driven by popular acclaim or political ambition. It allowed Him to control the narrative, prevent misinterpretations of His identity, and create the necessary space for His own spiritual discipline of prayer and for the private instruction and testing of His disciples.

**What happened immediately after this verse?**

Answer: Immediately after sending away the multitudes and compelling His disciples into the boat, Jesus went up on the mountain by Himself to pray ([Matthew 14:23](/matthew/14-23 "Matthew 14:23 - Jesus Prays Alone")). While He was praying, the disciples encountered a severe storm on the sea, and in the midst of their struggle, Jesus came to them, walking on the water ([Matthew 14:24-27](/matthew/14-24-27 "Matthew 14:24-27 - Jesus Walks on Water")). This dramatic sequence of events further revealed Jesus' divine power and authority over creation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 14:22, though seemingly a simple narrative transition, powerfully points to the Christ-centered nature of God's redemptive plan. Jesus' "constraining" of His disciples and His deliberate sending away of the multitudes reveal His absolute sovereignty, not just over nature, but over the very trajectory of human events and the spiritual development of His followers. This act foreshadows His ultimate authority as the resurrected Lord, who continues to lead His Church through trials and tribulations, always with a divine purpose. The disciples' journey into the storm, initiated by Christ's command, mirrors the Christian walk, where believers are often sent into challenging circumstances, yet are never truly abandoned. Just as Jesus met them on the water, conquering the chaos, so too does the risen Christ sustain His Church through every storm of life, proving Himself to be "God with us" ([Matthew 1:23](/matthew/1-23 "Matthew 1:23 - Immanuel")). His withdrawal for prayer, immediately after such intense public ministry, highlights His perfect communion with the Father, a communion that empowered His entire redemptive mission, from His earthly ministry to His final sacrifice on the cross. This passage underscores that Christ's actions are always purposeful, leading His people to a deeper revelation of His glory and securing their ultimate salvation, culminating in their worship of Him as the Son of God ([Matthew 14:33](/matthew/14-33 "Matthew 14:33 - Disciples Worship Jesus")).

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

Mark 6:45

¶ And straightway he constrained his disciples to get into the ship, and to go to the other side before unto Bethsaida, while he sent away the people.

Mark 6:51

And he went up unto them into the ship; and the wind ceased: and they were sore amazed in themselves beyond measure, and wondered.

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.

John 6:21

Then they willingly received him into the ship: and immediately the ship was at the land whither they went.

Matthew 15:39

And he sent away the multitude, and took ship, and came into the coasts of Magdala.

Matthew 13:36

Then Jesus sent the multitude away, and went into the house: and his disciples came unto him, saying, Declare unto us the parable of the tares of the field.