Matthew 8:18
Now when Jesus saw great multitudes about him, he gave commandment to depart unto the other side.
Original Language Analysis
Ἰδὼν
saw
G1492
Ἰδὼν
saw
Strong's:
G1492
Word #:
1 of 13
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἰησοῦς
when Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦς
when Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
4 of 13
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
πολλοὺς
great
G4183
πολλοὺς
great
Strong's:
G4183
Word #:
5 of 13
(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely
ὄχλους
multitudes
G3793
ὄχλους
multitudes
Strong's:
G3793
Word #:
6 of 13
a throng (as borne along); by implication, the rabble; by extension, a class of people; figuratively, a riot
περὶ
about
G4012
περὶ
about
Strong's:
G4012
Word #:
7 of 13
properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas
αὐτὸν
G846
αὐτὸν
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
8 of 13
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
ἐκέλευσεν
he gave commandment
G2753
ἐκέλευσεν
he gave commandment
Strong's:
G2753
Word #:
9 of 13
"hail"; to incite by word, i.e., order
ἀπελθεῖν
to depart
G565
ἀπελθεῖν
to depart
Strong's:
G565
Word #:
10 of 13
to go off (i.e., depart), aside (i.e., apart) or behind (i.e., follow), literally or figuratively
εἰς
unto
G1519
εἰς
unto
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
11 of 13
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
Cross References
Luke 8:22Now it came to pass on a certain day, that he went into a ship with his disciples: and he said unto them, Let us go over unto the other side of the lake. And they launched forth.Mark 4:35And the same day, when the even was come, he saith unto them, Let us pass over unto the other side.John 6:15When Jesus therefore perceived that they would come and take him by force, to make him a king, he departed again into a mountain himself alone.
Historical Context
The Sea of Galilee is approximately 13 miles long and 8 miles wide. 'The other side' likely refers to the eastern shore, less populated and predominantly Gentile. Jesus often withdrew from crowds for rest, prayer, and focused teaching of the Twelve.
Questions for Reflection
- What does Jesus' withdrawal despite continuing needs teach about sustainable ministry rhythms and priorities?
- How can you discern between legitimate needs demanding response and when to strategically withdraw for rest and prayer?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Jesus' command to 'depart unto the other side' demonstrates His control over His ministry timing and movements. Despite great multitudes and ongoing ministry opportunities, He chose strategic withdrawal. This shows that effective ministry requires rhythm of engagement and rest, public ministry and private prayer. Christ wasn't driven by crowd demands but by the Father's will. This models that faithfulness to calling doesn't mean availability to every demand.