Matthew 14 13

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.

Matthew 14:13 nkjv

When Jesus heard it, He departed from there by boat to a deserted place by Himself. But when the multitudes heard it, they followed Him on foot from the cities.

Matthew 14:13 niv

When Jesus heard what had happened, he withdrew by boat privately to a solitary place. Hearing of this, the crowds followed him on foot from the towns.

Matthew 14:13 esv

Now when Jesus heard this, he withdrew from there in a boat to a desolate place by himself. But when the crowds heard it, they followed him on foot from the towns.

Matthew 14:13 nlt

As soon as Jesus heard the news, he left in a boat to a remote area to be alone. But the crowds heard where he was headed and followed on foot from many towns.

Matthew 14 verses

Matthew 14 13 Meaning

Matthew 14:13 describes Jesus' immediate reaction upon hearing the news of John the Baptist's execution. He seeks a period of quiet and solitude by withdrawing to a secluded place with His disciples. However, the verse highlights the persistent eagerness of the crowds who, upon discovering His movement, followed Him on foot from the surrounding towns, illustrating their deep need and desire for His presence.

Matthew 14 13 Context

This verse is positioned immediately after the tragic account of John the Baptist's beheading (Mt 14:1-12). John, a relative and forerunner of Jesus, was executed by Herod Antipas due to the wicked schemes of Herodias and her daughter. This brutal event deeply impacted Jesus. His response of withdrawal is a profound moment, revealing both His humanity—grief over the loss of a loved one and fellow prophet—and His divine wisdom in seeking solace, prayer, and possibly time to process the increasing spiritual warfare and opposition against His ministry. The location, likely on the northeastern side of the Sea of Galilee, near Bethsaida or Gadara, was strategically chosen for solitude, emphasizing the desire to be alone with His disciples, away from the demanding crowds and the dangerous political climate in Galilee. However, the eager crowds disrupt this private retreat, highlighting Jesus' immense popularity and their profound need, which Jesus subsequently meets through compassion and miraculous provision (the feeding of the five thousand).

Matthew 14 13 Word analysis

• When Jesus heard of it (`Ἀκούσας δὲ ὁ Ἰησοῦς` - Akousas de ho Iēsous): "Heard" signifies Jesus receiving definite news. "It" refers directly to the report of John the Baptist's death, emphasizing the emotional impact of this devastating event on Him. This portrays Jesus' full humanity, demonstrating a reaction of grief and sorrow like any man hearing of such a tragedy concerning a dear friend or family member.
• He departed (`ἀνεχώρησεν` - anechōrēsen): This verb, frequently used by Matthew, means "to withdraw," "to retire," or "to go away." It often implies a strategic or purposeful withdrawal, whether to avoid conflict (e.g., Mt 2:14), to escape danger (e.g., Mt 2:22), or, as here, to seek solitude and possibly prayer or mourning. It is an intentional act of stepping away from the immediate circumstances.
• from there: Refers to the location where Jesus was ministering when He received the news, likely Capernaum or a town in Galilee, indicating a geographical shift for respite.
• by boat (`ἐν πλοίῳ` - en ploiō): This specifies the mode of transport, common for crossing the Sea of Galilee. It suggests a more private or expedient means to reach an unpopulated area, bypassing land routes where He might encounter more people.
• to a deserted place (`εἰς ἔρημον τόπον` - eis erēmon topon): "Deserted place" (ἔρημος τόπος - eremos topos) denotes an uninhabited, isolated, or desolate area, often a wilderness or sparse pastureland. This term echoes places in the Old Testament where prophets like Elijah sought God (1 Ki 19:4) or where Jesus Himself was tempted (Mt 4:1), underscoring a search for privacy and divine communion.
• by Himself (`κατ' ἰδίαν` - kat' idian): "By Himself" or "privately." This phrase emphasizes Jesus' desire for solitude and perhaps for an intimate time of grieving or prayer with His disciples away from public scrutiny. It reveals His personal need for withdrawal from the demands of ministry.
• But when the multitudes (`Καὶ ἀκούσαντες οἱ ὄχλοι` - Kai akousantes hoi ochloi): "Multitudes" (`ὄχλοι` - ochloi) refers to the large, diverse crowds of common people who habitually followed Jesus. The emphasis is on their large numbers and widespread presence, demonstrating the magnetic effect of Jesus' ministry. Their hearing signifies active curiosity and persistent following.
• heard of it, they followed Him (`ἠκολούθησαν αὐτῷ` - ēkolouthēsan autō): "Followed" (`ἠκολούθησαν` - ēkolouthēsan) implies an eager and persistent pursuit. The crowds actively sought out Jesus despite His desire for privacy, showcasing their spiritual hunger or physical needs for healing and teaching.
• on foot (`πεζῇ` - pezē): "On foot" signifies their determination and effort. They journeyed by land, indicating their earnestness in seeking Him out, even if it meant traveling around the lake or across difficult terrain to reach the secluded spot. This highlights their sacrifice and dedication compared to Jesus' swift travel by boat.
• from the cities: This indicates the widespread source of the crowds, highlighting that Jesus' fame and ministry had reached beyond immediate towns into broader urban areas, drawing people from various localities to Him.

• "When Jesus heard of it, He departed from there by boat to a deserted place by Himself.": This phrase encapsulates Jesus' human response to grief and His need for private space for processing and prayer. It highlights His wisdom in strategic withdrawal, protecting His emotional and spiritual well-being amidst overwhelming demands and sorrow.
• "But when the multitudes heard of it, they followed Him on foot from the cities.": This contrasting phrase demonstrates the overwhelming impact of Jesus' ministry. Despite His desire for solitude, the compelling presence of the crowds shows their desperation and hunger for His touch, even going to great lengths and effort to reach Him, reflecting their perception of Him as their only hope.

Matthew 14 13 Bonus section

The motif of Jesus' withdrawal, often into isolated or mountainous areas, serves multiple purposes in the Gospels:

• Prayer and communion with the Father: (e.g., Mk 1:35, Lk 5:16). These were vital for Jesus' spiritual sustenance and to align His will with God's.
• Rest and teaching of disciples: Providing exclusive time for instruction and training for His inner circle away from the public eye (e.g., Lk 9:10).
• Avoiding premature popular acclamation: At times, Jesus withdrew when crowds sought to make Him king (Jn 6:15), preventing political upheaval that could derail His ultimate mission.
• Navigating danger or opposition: Sometimes, withdrawal was a strategic move to avoid capture or direct confrontation until the appointed time (Mt 2:14, Mt 2:22, Mt 12:15).In Matthew 14:13, the withdrawal is multifaceted, encompassing elements of personal grief, the pursuit of quiet reflection, and a temporary escape from the incessant demands, showcasing Jesus' very human need for retreat, which then yields to His divine compassion.

Matthew 14 13 Commentary

Matthew 14:13 paints a poignant picture of Jesus' humanity and divine compassion. Upon learning of John the Baptist's tragic death, Jesus, Himself fully man, feels the profound sorrow of loss. His immediate reaction is to seek solitude, a deserted place, by Himself, highlighting His need for private space for grief, reflection, and communion with His Father. This withdrawal also demonstrates Jesus' practical wisdom in navigating His ministry, discerning when to retreat from the demands of the crowds and the escalating threats, thereby exemplifying healthy spiritual boundaries. Yet, even in His deep personal sorrow and desire for seclusion, the magnetic pull of His ministry and the sheer desperation of the crowds override His personal need. The "multitudes," driven by their own needs—whether for healing, teaching, or simply witnessing His miracles—demonstrate remarkable persistence by following Him on foot across the challenging terrain. This sets the stage for the miraculous feeding of the five thousand, where Jesus, moved by compassion for the sheep without a shepherd (Mk 6:34), prioritizes their immediate physical and spiritual hunger over His own personal need for solitude. It's a powerful lesson in Christ's selfless, sacrificing nature, which never turns away from human suffering despite His own burdens.