Luke 9:10
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.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 20
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ὑποστρέψαντες
when they were returned
G5290
ὑποστρέψαντες
when they were returned
Strong's:
G5290
Word #:
2 of 20
to turn under (behind), i.e., to return (literally or figuratively)
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀπόστολοι
the apostles
G652
ἀπόστολοι
the apostles
Strong's:
G652
Word #:
4 of 20
a delegate; specially, an ambassador of the gospel; officially a commissioner of christ ("apostle") (with miraculous powers)
αὐτοὺς
him
G846
αὐτοὺς
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
6 of 20
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
ἐποίησαν
they had done
G4160
ἐποίησαν
they had done
Strong's:
G4160
Word #:
8 of 20
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
9 of 20
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
παραλαβὼν
he took
G3880
παραλαβὼν
he took
Strong's:
G3880
Word #:
10 of 20
to receive near, i.e., associate with oneself (in any familiar or intimate act or relation); by analogy, to assume an office; figuratively, to learn
αὐτοὺς
him
G846
αὐτοὺς
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
11 of 20
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
κατ'
privately
G2596
κατ'
privately
Strong's:
G2596
Word #:
13 of 20
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
ἰδίαν
G2398
ἰδίαν
Strong's:
G2398
Word #:
14 of 20
pertaining to self, i.e., one's own; by implication, private or separate
εἰς
into
G1519
εἰς
into
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
15 of 20
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τόπον
place
G5117
τόπον
place
Strong's:
G5117
Word #:
16 of 20
a spot (general in space, but limited by occupancy; whereas g5561 is a large but participle locality), i.e., location (as a position, home, tract, etc
ἔρημον
a desert
G2048
ἔρημον
a desert
Strong's:
G2048
Word #:
17 of 20
lonesome, i.e., (by implication) waste (usually as a noun, g5561 being implied)
πόλεως
belonging to the city
G4172
πόλεως
belonging to the city
Strong's:
G4172
Word #:
18 of 20
a town (properly, with walls, of greater or less size)
Cross References
Matthew 11:21Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works, which were done in you, had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes.Hebrews 13:17Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.Luke 10:17And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name.
Historical Context
Bethsaida ("house of fishing") was rebuilt and renamed Bethsaida Julias by Philip the tetrarch in honor of Augustus's daughter Julia (circa AD 30). It lay just outside Herod Antipas's jurisdiction in the tetrarchy of Philip, providing a safer location given Herod's growing interest in Jesus. The "desert place" was likely the uninhabited grasslands near the lake—not arid wilderness but countryside away from towns. Jesus regularly withdrew from crowds for prayer and teaching His disciples (Luke 5:16, 6:12, 9:18).
Questions for Reflection
- What does Jesus's concern for the apostles' rest teach about balancing ministry activity with spiritual renewal and reflection?
- How does the practice of reporting back to Jesus model accountability in Christian service?
- Why is private time with Jesus essential after public ministry, and how can believers maintain this rhythm today?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And the apostles, when they were returned, told him all that they had done (ὑπέστρεψαν οἱ ἀπόστολοι διηγήσαντο αὐτῷ ὅσα ἐποίησαν, hypestrepsan hoi apostoloi diēgēsanto autō hosa epoiēsan)—The Twelve reported comprehensively. The verb diēgēsanto ("explained, narrated in detail") suggests thorough debriefing. This models accountability in ministry—those sent out must report back to the one who sent them.
And he took them, and went aside privately into a desert place (παραλαβὼν αὐτοὺς ὑπεχώρησεν κατ' ἰδίαν, paralabōn autous hypechōrēsen kat' idian)—Jesus intentionally withdrew with His disciples. The phrase kat' idian ("privately, by themselves") indicates Jesus's pastoral concern for the apostles' rest and reflection after intensive ministry (see Mark 6:31: "Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest a while"). Belonging to the city called Bethsaida—Bethsaida Julias, on the northeastern shore of Galilee, was home to Peter, Andrew, and Philip (John 1:44). Ironically, this retreat will be interrupted by crowds seeking Jesus (v. 11), leading to the feeding of the five thousand.