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.

Luke 9:10 nkjv

And the apostles, when they had returned, told Him all that they had done. Then He took them and went aside privately into a deserted place belonging to the city called Bethsaida.

Luke 9:10 niv

When the apostles returned, they reported to Jesus what they had done. Then he took them with him and they withdrew by themselves to a town called Bethsaida,

Luke 9:10 esv

On their return the apostles told him all that they had done. And he took them and withdrew apart to a town called Bethsaida.

Luke 9:10 nlt

When the apostles returned, they told Jesus everything they had done. Then he slipped quietly away with them toward the town of Bethsaida.

Luke 9 verses

Luke 9 10 Meaning

Luke 9:10 describes the moment when the twelve apostles returned to Jesus after their first independent mission, reporting to Him all that they had accomplished. Immediately afterward, Jesus withdrew them privately to a secluded area near the city of Bethsaida, signifying His care for them and the need for a time of rest, debriefing, and further intimate instruction away from the demanding crowds.

Luke 9 10 Context

Luke 9:10 marks a significant point in Jesus' ministry narrative, following His authoritative commissioning and sending out of the twelve apostles (Lk 9:1-6). Their successful return after proclaiming the Kingdom of God and healing reflects the first tangible fruit of their delegated authority. The preceding verses (Lk 9:7-9) briefly interject Herod Antipas's perplexity about Jesus' identity, subtly foreshadowing the growing opposition and attention Jesus' ministry was garnering, which likely intensified the pressure on His disciples. The subsequent event in Luke's narrative is the miraculous feeding of the five thousand (Lk 9:11-17), for which the apostles' withdrawal provided a logistical setup. Historically, Bethsaida was a fishing village east of the Jordan River where it flows into the Sea of Galilee. "Desert place" (Greek erēmos topos) refers not to an arid wilderness, but an uninhabited, quiet, or unfrequented area suitable for privacy, often implying pastureland, away from the bustling crowds. This period of withdrawal was vital for their spiritual refreshment and deeper training, a recurring pattern in Jesus' discipleship model.

Luke 9 10 Word analysis

• And (καί, kai): A simple conjunction connecting the apostles' return to their mission, indicating a continuous narrative flow and immediate transition.
• the apostles (οἱ ἀπόστολοι, hoi apostoloi): "Those who are sent," specifically the Twelve appointed by Jesus (Lk 6:13). This title signifies their authoritative role as representatives and messengers of Jesus, having been delegated His power and authority for the mission (Lk 9:1-2).
• when they had returned (ὑποστρέψαντες, hypostrepsantes): An aorist participle indicating the completed action of their journey back. It signals the end of their independent mission phase and their reintegration with their Master.
• told Him (ἀπήγγειλαν αὐτῷ, apēngeilan autō): From ἀπαγγέλλω (apangellō), meaning "to report, announce fully, declare." This implies a comprehensive debriefing, a rendering of account for their activities, showing their submission to Jesus' authority and their reliance on His guidance.
• all that they had done (πάντα ὅσα ἐποίησαν, panta hosa epoiēsan): Emphasizes the thoroughness of their report. It suggests a process of review, celebrating successes, perhaps discussing challenges, and learning from experience under Jesus' direct oversight.
• And He took them (καὶ παραλαβὼν αὐτούς, kai paralabōn autous): From παραλαμβάνω (paralambanō), meaning "to take to oneself, take along." It implies Jesus' initiative, protection, and invitation for private fellowship and further instruction. It highlights His pastoral care for His disciples.
• and went aside (ὑπεχώρησεν, hypechōrēsen): From ὑποχωρέω (hypochōreō), meaning "to withdraw, retreat, go apart." This indicates a deliberate, purposeful action of separation from the public sphere, seeking solitude. It's a common practice for Jesus throughout His ministry for prayer, teaching, or rest.
• privately (κατ᾽ ἰδίαν, kat' idian): An adverbial phrase meaning "apart, by oneself, privately." This reinforces the intention for seclusion and intimate time, differentiating it from public ministry and teaching. This private space allowed for more candid discussion and personal growth.
• into a desert place (εἰς τόπον ἔρημον, eis topon erēmon): Greek topos erēmos. Not necessarily a barren desert, but an uninhabited or sparsely populated area, away from the commotion of towns. It serves as a sanctuary for physical rest and spiritual rejuvenation.
• belonging to the city called Bethsaida (πόλεως καλουμένης Βηθσαϊδά, poleōs kaloumenēs Bēthsaida): Specifies the location of the private retreat. Bethsaida was a prominent fishing village on the northeastern side of the Sea of Galilee. The "desert place belonging to" indicates land within the jurisdiction or near the vicinity of the city, suitable for camping or resting without entering the city proper.

Words-Group Analysis:

• "the apostles... told Him all that they had done": This phrase encapsulates the principles of accountability and reporting crucial in Christian service and discipleship. The disciples, despite their new authority, remain subordinate to and dependent on Jesus, their Master. Their detailed report back indicates an evaluation period, where ministry experience can be debriefed and insights gained under divine guidance.
• "And He took them and went aside privately": This action demonstrates Jesus' exemplary leadership and profound care for His disciples. He recognizes their need for respite after arduous service. The deliberate "going aside privately" underscores the necessity of retreating from the public eye for personal restoration, deepened instruction, and fostering intimacy within the core group of disciples. This quiet time is often a prelude to significant spiritual revelations or further demands on their faith.
• "into a desert place belonging to the city called Bethsaida": This precise geographical detail not only sets the scene for the impending miracle of the feeding of the five thousand but also highlights the strategic choice of location. Such "desert places" provided isolation for private fellowship and miraculous demonstrations without the immediate interruption of large crowds. The proximity to Bethsaida, a city Jesus later rebukes for its unbelief despite His mighty works, subtly frames the narrative within the context of both God's provision and humanity's resistance.

Luke 9 10 Bonus section

• Discipleship Pattern: This verse establishes a vital rhythm in Jesus' discipleship: action (mission), evaluation (reporting back), and replenishment/re-training (withdrawal). This cyclical pattern is essential for sustainable spiritual growth and effective ministry for all followers of Christ.
• Geographical Nuance: While Luke specifies the desert place "belonging to Bethsaida," Matthew (14:13) and Mark (6:32) indicate a desert place generally. This difference is not contradictory but rather Luke providing more specific geographic information, setting the stage for later events and highlighting Jesus' familiarity with the region. Some scholars discuss whether the feeding took place east or west of the Jordan River based on these accounts, but the primary theological point remains the retreat and subsequent miracle.
• Foreshadowing: The disciples' exhaustion and need for rest also subtly prepares the ground for Jesus' teaching on discipleship and sacrifice later in Luke 9, demonstrating that serving the Kingdom often requires physical and spiritual endurance and that Jesus personally cares for His labourers.

Luke 9 10 Commentary

Luke 9:10 offers a profound glimpse into Jesus' holistic approach to discipleship. Upon the return of His apostles from their mission, Jesus doesn't merely commend their work; He calls for a comprehensive debriefing. This emphasizes the critical importance of accountability in ministry and the role of mentorship. More significantly, Jesus prioritizes their spiritual and physical well-being by immediately orchestrating a withdrawal. This act reveals Christ's deep compassion and understanding of the toll taken by public service. He understood their need for rest, private fellowship, and continued training, distinguishing true discipleship from mere public performance. The secluded "desert place" near Bethsaida becomes a classroom for intimate instruction, away from external pressures. This pattern—mission, reporting, and then retreat for spiritual renewal and deeper teaching—is foundational for effective long-term service. It models the necessity for every Christian worker to seek regular, intentional times of refreshment and focused instruction under the guidance of the Lord, recognizing that consistent ministry demands both outward engagement and inward spiritual nourishment. This moment of retreat often prepares them for even greater challenges and demonstrations of divine power, as evidenced by the miracle of the feeding of the five thousand that immediately follows.