Breakdown of Matthew 14:13

"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." — Jesus intentionally seeks a desolate place apart, not to hide, but to provide a space for himself and his disciples to process difficult news and find rest. The immediate pursuit by the crowds, follo…

Matthew 14:13 Meaning Explained

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Matthew 14:13

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.

English Standard Version (ESV)

Jesus intentionally seeks a desolate place apart, not to hide, but to provide a space for himself and his disciples to process difficult news and find rest. The immediate pursuit by the crowds, following "on foot" by land while He traveled by boat, highlights their desperate need and the stark contrast between Jesus' desire for quiet reflection and the relentless demands placed upon Him.

What Matthew 14:13 means

Fresh off their disciples' successful mission and hearing the tragic news of John the Baptist's execution, Jesus and his followers sought a quiet place by the Sea of Galilee to reflect. However, news spread like wildfire, and the crowds, eager for healing and teaching, followed them by land, overwhelming their attempt at solitude. This sets the stage for Jesus' compassion and the miraculous feeding of over five thousand people.

Wisdom in Withdrawal, Not Fear

Why did Jesus sail away to a desolate place? Was he afraid of Herod, or was there another motive at play?

Jesus' decision to withdraw by boat to a desolate place wasn't an act of cowardice. Several factors likely converged:

Strategic Prudence: Knowing Herod's character and his potential threat (as seen when John the Baptist was beheaded), Jesus wisely chose to avoid unnecessary danger, preserving his life until the appointed time for his sacrifice.
Intention for His Disciples: The disciples had just returned from a demanding mission. Jesus desired to give them a space for rest, reflection, and deeper instruction away from the constant demands of the crowds. This wasn't about avoiding people, but about prioritizing the equipping of his core team.
Privacy for Grief: The news of John the Baptist's death was significant. Jesus, though divine, also experienced human emotions. This retreat offered a private space to process this news with his closest followers.

Jesus didn't court danger, but he also didn't shrink from his mission. His movements were strategic, balancing self-preservation with divine purpose.

The Pull of Compassion Over Personal Need

Even when seeking solitude, Jesus' heart was moved. What does this reveal about his priorities?

Despite Jesus’ intention to find a private, desolate place, the crowds discovered his whereabouts and followed him. The text emphasizes Jesus’ response: 'he was moved with compassion toward them.'

Unwavering Empathy: Even in his personal need for rest, Jesus' empathy for the crowds was overwhelming. They were 'like sheep without a shepherd' – lost, seeking guidance, and needing care.
Prioritizing Ministry: His desire for personal space was instantly set aside by his compassionate mission. He didn't turn them away; instead, he began to teach them and heal their sick.

Understand the original words

Original language

desolate placeἔρημος

erēmos · Greek Adjective/Noun

A place remote from civilization or human habitation. In a biblical context, such places are frequently associated with periods of solitude, prayer, and testing, often serving as settings for divine encounters away from the distractions of the world.

crowdsὄχλος

ochlos · Greek Noun

A term indicating large groups of people who gathered around Jesus during his ministry. These individuals were often representative of the lost sheep of Israel, representing a variety of needs, expectations, and levels of understanding regarding the Kingdom of God.

Historical context

Written: Likely between 60-70 AD, though some propose earlier dates.
Author: Matthew the Apostle, one of Jesus' twelve disciples. While traditionally attributed to him, some scholars suggest it might have been compiled later by followers.
Location: Written likely in Antioch, Syria, or Galilee, with events primarily set around the Sea of Galilee.
Genre: Gospel narrative, characterized by its theological arrangement of Jesus' teachings and life events, including detailed accounts of miracles and parables.

Historical background

The withdrawal of Jesus to a desolate place, triggered by the death of John the Baptist and the constant pressure of crowds, sets the stage for the miracle of the feeding of the five thousand, highlighting Jesus' compassion amidst personal grief and public demand.

c. AD 28-30
John the Baptist's Ministry and Imprisonment
John the Baptist preached a message of repentance and baptized people in the Jordan River. He later criticized Herod Antipas, leading to his imprisonment.
c. AD 28-30
Jesus' Early Ministry and Disciples' Mission
Jesus began his public ministry, gathering disciples. He sent out the twelve apostles on a mission, during which they performed miracles and preached.
c. AD 28-30— this verse
Death of John the Baptist
Herod Antipas, influenced by his wife Herodias and her daughter, beheaded John the Baptist in prison. This event deeply affected Jesus and his disciples.
c. AD 28-30
Jesus Withdraws to a Desolate Place
Upon hearing of John's death, Jesus took his disciples by boat to a secluded area across the Sea of Galilee to grieve and reflect, and to avoid Herod.

Key themes

01Jesus' strategic withdrawal
02Persistent, eager crowds
03Compassion amidst avoidance
04Divine plan overrides human plans

Cross-references

John 6:1

This passage describes the same event of Jesus feeding the five thousand, emphasizing Jesus crossing the Sea of Galilee to a 'mountainous place' and the crowds following him, highlighting the persistent desire of people to be near Jesus.

Mark 6:30-34

Mark's account of this event details Jesus' motivation for withdrawing ('Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest') after the disciples' return, adding a layer to Jesus' and the disciples' need for reflection amidst overwhelming crowds.

Luke 9:10-11

Luke focuses on Jesus receiving the disciples back and then going to a desolate place, where he speaks to them about the Kingdom of God and heals those in need, showing Jesus' continuous ministry even in a secluded location.

Matthew 14:22-23

Immediately following this verse, Jesus sends the disciples away by boat and goes up on a mountain to pray alone, demonstrating a pattern of seeking solitude and communion with God, even when surrounded by needs.

Scholarly commentary

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."

A full narrative of the feeding the five thousand is given in each of the other evangelists: in Mark 6:32-44 ; in Luke 9:10-17 ; in John 6:1-14 . Matthew 14:13 And when Jesus heard of it, he departed - He went to a place of safety. He never threw himself unnecessarily into danger. It was proper that he should secure hi…
barnes

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."

On foot (πεζῇ)Rev., by land in margin, which is better; for the contrast is between Jesus' journey by ship and that of the multitude by land.
vincent

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What Matthew 14:13 means

Original language

desolate placeἔρημος

erēmos · Greek Adjective/Noun

crowdsὄχλος

ochlos · Greek Noun

Historical context

Written: Likely between 60-70 AD, though some propose earlier dates.
Author: Matthew the Apostle, one of Jesus' twelve disciples. While traditionally attributed to him, some scholars suggest it might have been compiled later by followers.
Location: Written likely in Antioch, Syria, or Galilee, with events primarily set around the Sea of Galilee.
Genre: Gospel narrative, characterized by its theological arrangement of Jesus' teachings and life events, including detailed accounts of miracles and parables.

Historical background

c. AD 28-30

John the Baptist's Ministry and Imprisonment

John the Baptist preached a message of repentance and baptized people in the Jordan River. He later criticized Herod Antipas, leading to his imprisonment.

c. AD 28-30

Jesus' Early Ministry and Disciples' Mission

Jesus began his public ministry, gathering disciples. He sent out the twelve apostles on a mission, during which they performed miracles and preached.

c. AD 28-30— this verse

Death of John the Baptist

Herod Antipas, influenced by his wife Herodias and her daughter, beheaded John the Baptist in prison. This event deeply affected Jesus and his disciples.

c. AD 28-30

Jesus Withdraws to a Desolate Place

Upon hearing of John's death, Jesus took his disciples by boat to a secluded area across the Sea of Galilee to grieve and reflect, and to avoid Herod.

Scholarly commentary

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."

A full narrative of the feeding the five thousand is given in each of the other evangelists: in Mark 6:32-44 ; in Luke 9:10-17 ; in John 6:1-14 . Matthew 14:13 And when Jesus heard of it, he departed - He went to a place of safety. He never threw himself unnecessarily into danger. It was proper that he should secure hi…
barnes

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."

On foot (πεζῇ)Rev., by land in margin, which is better; for the contrast is between Jesus' journey by ship and that of the multitude by land.
vincent

Frequently asked questions

What does Matthew 14:13 mean?

Explain the meaning of Matthew 14:13

What is the context of Matthew 14:13?

Ask Sola about this verse

Ask Sola things like:

“What does "desolate place" mean in the original Greek?”
“Why did Matthew the Apostle, one of Jesus' twelve disciples. While traditionally attributed to him, some scholars suggest it might have been compiled later by followers. write Matthew 14:13?”
“How does jesus' strategic withdrawal show up in Matthew 14:13?”

Ask in the Sola app Get the app

Live chat about Matthew 14:13 is available in the Sola app.