And they went away in the boat to a desolate place by themselves.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus intended to find a quiet place to rest with his disciples after their intense ministry. However, the text subtly highlights that their departure "by ship privately" was not entirely secret, as the crowds quickly found them, setting the stage for the miracle of feeding the multitude.
And they went away in the boat to a desolate place by themselves.
English Standard Version (ESV)
After a busy period of ministry, Jesus and his disciples tried to find some private time to rest, heading out in a boat to a secluded area. However, crowds who had seen them leaving followed them by land, eager for more teaching and healing. Jesus, seeing their need, put aside his own plans for rest and compassionately began to teach them.
Jesus and his disciples just finished an intense period of ministry. They've seen amazing things happen, but they're exhausted. What does Jesus do?
The disciples have returned from their mission, full of reports about what they've done and taught. Jesus, seeing their exhaustion and the constant demands, offers a solution: 'Come away by yourselves to a secluded place and rest a while.' (Mark 6:31). The key here is 'secluded place.' In a world constantly buzzing with activity, notifications, and expectations, Jesus calls us to intentionally seek out times and places of quiet. This isn't about escaping responsibility, but about refueling so we can better serve. It’s a recognition that even the most dedicated can be depleted without intentional periods of withdrawal.
They set out for a 'desert place.' What exactly does that mean, and why was it so important?
The term 'desert place' here refers to a remote, unpopulated, or wild area – essentially, a place devoid of the usual crowds and demands. The commentators note it was likely across the Sea of Galilee, near Bethsaida. This wasn't just an empty space; it was a deliberate choice to find a location where they could be undisturbed. It's significant that even this attempt at privacy was quickly interrupted by the throngs of people who recognized them and followed. Yet, the initial intention for solitude was crucial. It's in these 'desert places' that we can escape the noise, hear God more clearly, process our experiences, and prepare for what's next. It’s a space for deep connection with God and with each other, away from the pressure of performance.
Ask a follow-up
Jesus' desire for a private retreat with his disciples was thwarted by the persistent crowds, highlighting the tension between his need for rest and his compassionate mission to a spiritually hungry people.
c. AD 28
Jesus commissions the Twelve Apostles
Jesus sends out the twelve apostles in pairs to preach, heal, and cast out demons, giving them authority and instructions for their mission.
c. AD 28
Return of the Twelve Apostles
The apostles return from their mission, eager to report their successes and experiences to Jesus.
c. AD 28
Death of John the Baptist
John the Baptist is beheaded by Herod Antipas, a significant event that likely caused distress and concern for Jesus and his disciples.
c. AD 28— this verse
Jesus and disciples seek private rest
Jesus, noticing the constant crowds and the disciples' exhaustion, decides to take them away to a quiet place to rest.
c. AD 28
Crowds follow Jesus
Despite Jesus' attempt to go away privately by boat, large crowds recognize them and follow, gathering at the desolate place.
c. AD 28
Jesus feeds the five thousand
Moved by compassion, Jesus miraculously feeds over five thousand men (plus women and children) with five loaves and two fish.
This passage describes Jesus' retreat to a desolate place after hearing of John the Baptist's death, highlighting the theme of seeking solitude in response to overwhelming circumstances.
Luke 9:10This verse specifies that the desolate place was near the city of Bethsaida, providing geographical context to Jesus' departure and underscoring the idea of going to a less populated area.
John 6:1This verse also places the event by the Sea of Galilee (Sea of Tiberias), emphasizing the journey across the water to reach a remote location, which was a common way to find seclusion.
Mark 6:31This verse immediately preceding the one in question shows Jesus' intention to rest because of the constant activity, revealing that the desire for a 'desolate place' was for respite, not just avoidance.
pooleMark 6:32: "And they departed into a desert place by ship privately."
See Poole on "Mark 6:31"
calvinMark 6:30-44: "And the apostles gathered themselves together unto Jesus, and told him all things, both what they had done, and what they had taught."
- When Jesus heard this, he departed thence to a ship to a desert place apart; and when the multitudes heard it, they followed him on foot out of the cities. 14. And Jesus, when leaving (the ship,) saw a great multitude, and was moved with compassion towards them, and healed of such of them as were diseased. 15. And when the evening was drawing…
Jesus intended to find a quiet place to rest with his disciples after their intense ministry. However, the text subtly highlights that their departure "by ship privately" was not entirely secret, as the crowds quickly found them, setting the stage for the miracle of feeding the multitude.
After a busy period of ministry, Jesus and his disciples tried to find some private time to rest, heading out in a boat to a secluded area. However, crowds who had seen them leaving followed them by land, eager for more teaching and healing. Jesus, seeing their need, put aside his own plans for rest and compassionately began to teach them.
After a busy period of ministry, Jesus and his disciples tried to find some private time to rest, heading out in a boat to a secluded area. However, crowds who had seen them leaving followed them by land, eager for more teaching and healing. Jesus, seeing their need, put aside his own plans for rest and compassionately began to teach them.
"And they went away in the boat to a desolate place by themselves." — Jesus intended to find a quiet place to rest with his disciples after their intense ministry. However, the text subtly highlights that their departure "by ship privately" was not entirely secret, as…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026