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.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
When
G2532
καὶ
When
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 23
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
4 of 23
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
εἰς
into
G1519
εἰς
into
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
9 of 23
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
ἔρημον
a desert
G2048
ἔρημον
a desert
Strong's:
G2048
Word #:
10 of 23
lonesome, i.e., (by implication) waste (usually as a noun, g5561 being implied)
τόπον
place
G5117
τόπον
place
Strong's:
G5117
Word #:
11 of 23
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
κατ'
apart
G2596
κατ'
apart
Strong's:
G2596
Word #:
12 of 23
(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 #:
13 of 23
pertaining to self, i.e., one's own; by implication, private or separate
καὶ
When
G2532
καὶ
When
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
14 of 23
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
16 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὄχλοι
when the people
G3793
ὄχλοι
when the people
Strong's:
G3793
Word #:
17 of 23
a throng (as borne along); by implication, the rabble; by extension, a class of people; figuratively, a riot
ἠκολούθησαν
thereof they followed
G190
ἠκολούθησαν
thereof they followed
Strong's:
G190
Word #:
18 of 23
properly, to be in the same way with, i.e., to accompany (specially, as a disciple)
αὐτῷ
him
G846
αὐτῷ
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
19 of 23
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
ἀπὸ
out of
G575
ἀπὸ
out of
Strong's:
G575
Word #:
21 of 23
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
Historical Context
John the Baptist's martyrdom signaled escalating opposition that would culminate in Jesus' own death. The desert place east of Bethsaida provided temporary refuge. The crowds' foot journey around the lake (possibly 5-10 miles) demonstrated desperate hunger for Jesus' teaching and healing.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Jesus' example of ministry despite personal grief challenge you?
- When have you had to set aside your needs to serve others?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Jesus' response to John the Baptist's death—'he departed thence by ship into a desert place apart'—shows His humanity. He needed solitude to grieve and pray. Yet 'when the people had heard thereof, they followed him on foot' demonstrates His compassion overriding personal need. This sets the context for the feeding miracle—Jesus' grief interrupted by needy multitudes whom He received with compassion rather than irritation.