Luke 9:12
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Luke 9:12
12 And when the day began to wear away, then came the twelve, and said unto him, Send the multitude away, that they may go into the towns and country round about, and lodge, and get victuals: for we are here in a desert place.
Chapter Context
Luke 9 is a historical gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of worship, love, creation. Written during the late first century CE (c. 80-85 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Written when Christians needed to understand their place in the Roman world.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-62: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it provides guidance for worship and spiritual devotion. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Luke and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Luke 9:12
12 And when the day began to wear away, then came the twelve, and said unto him, Send the multitude away, that they may go into the towns and country round about, and lodge, and get victuals: for we are here in a desert place.
Analysis
And when the day began to wear away (ἡ δὲ ἡμέρα ἤρξατο κλίνειν, hē de hēmera ērxato klinein)—literally "the day began to decline," indicating late afternoon approaching evening. Then came the twelve, and said unto him, Send the multitude away—The disciples' request seems reasonable: it's getting late, people need food and lodging, and this is a remote area. Their logic is purely practical.
That they may go into the towns and country round about, and lodge, and get victuals (ἵνα πορευθέντες εἰς τὰς κύκλῳ κώμας καὶ ἀγροὺς καταλύσωσιν καὶ εὕρωσιν ἐπισιτισμόν, hina poreuthentes eis tas kyklō kōmas kai agrous katalysōsin kai heurōsin episitismon)—The disciples propose dispersing the crowd to nearby villages for shelter and food. For we are here in a desert place (ὅτι ὧδε ἐν ἐρήμῳ τόπῳ ἐσμέν, hoti hōde en erēmō topō esmen)—the Greek erēmos means uninhabited, not necessarily arid. Their assessment is accurate but incomplete—they see the problem clearly but haven't yet learned to look to Jesus for impossible solutions. This sets up the miracle: Jesus will demonstrate that His resources are unlimited.
Historical Context
The disciples' concern reflects practical realities of first-century Palestine. Villages were scattered across Galilee, and travelers needed to reach them before nightfall for safety and hospitality. Food wasn't available in uninhabited areas—no restaurants or stores existed. The crowd numbered about 5,000 men (v. 14), plus women and children, possibly 10,000-15,000 total. Feeding such a multitude seemed impossible, yet Jesus had just taught them about the kingdom of God—and the kingdom operates by different rules than earthly logic.
Reflection
- How do the disciples' reasonable-sounding concerns reveal a failure to grasp Jesus's power and resources?
- In what situations do you tend to see problems clearly but fail to look to Christ for solutions beyond natural means?
- What does this passage teach about the relationship between human logic and divine provision in addressing seemingly impossible needs?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Hosea 13:5, Matthew 15:23