Matthew 14:13
New International Version
When Jesus heard what had happened, he withdrew by boat privately to a solitary place. Hearing of this, the crowds followed him on foot from the towns.

New Living Translation
As soon as Jesus heard the news, he left in a boat to a remote area to be alone. But the crowds heard where he was headed and followed on foot from many towns.

English Standard Version
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.

Berean Standard Bible
When Jesus heard about John, He withdrew by boat privately to a solitary place. But the crowds found out about it and followed Him on foot from the towns.

Berean Literal Bible
And Jesus having heard, withdrew from there by boat to a secluded place by Himself. And the crowds having heard of it, followed Him on foot from the towns.

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
When Jesus heard it, He departed from there by boat to a deserted place by Himself. But when the multitudes heard it, they followed Him on foot from the cities.

New American Standard Bible
Now when Jesus heard about John, He withdrew from there in a boat to a secluded place by Himself; and when the people heard about this, they followed Him on foot from the cities.

NASB 1995
Now when Jesus heard about John, He withdrew from there in a boat to a secluded place by Himself; and when the people heard of this, they followed Him on foot from the cities.

NASB 1977
Now when Jesus heard it, He withdrew from there in a boat, to a lonely place by Himself; and when the multitudes heard of this, they followed Him on foot from the cities.

Legacy Standard Bible
Now when Jesus heard about John, He withdrew from there in a boat to a desolate place by Himself; and when the crowds heard of this, they followed Him on foot from the cities.

Amplified Bible
When Jesus heard about John, He left there privately in a boat and went to a secluded place. But when the crowds heard of this, they followed Him on foot from the cities.

Christian Standard Bible
When Jesus heard about it, he withdrew from there by boat to a remote place to be alone. When the crowds heard this, they followed him on foot from the towns.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
When Jesus heard about it, He withdrew from there by boat to a remote place to be alone. When the crowds heard this, they followed Him on foot from the towns.

American Standard Version
Now when Jesus heard it, he withdrew from thence in a boat, to a desert place apart: and when the multitudes heard thereof, they followed him on foot from the cities.

Contemporary English Version
After Jesus heard about John, he crossed Lake Galilee to go to some place where he could be alone. But the crowds found out and followed him on foot from the towns.

English Revised Version
Now when Jesus heard it, he withdrew from thence in a boat, to a desert place apart: and when the multitudes heard thereof, they followed him on foot from the cities.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
When Jesus heard about John, he left in a boat and went to a place where he could be alone. The crowds heard about this and followed him on foot from the cities.

Good News Translation
When Jesus heard the news about John, he left there in a boat and went to a lonely place by himself. The people heard about it, and so they left their towns and followed him by land.

International Standard Version
When Jesus heard this, he left that place and went by boat to a deserted place by himself. The crowds heard of it and followed him on foot from the neighboring towns.

Majority Standard Bible
When Jesus heard about John, He withdrew by boat privately to a solitary place. But the crowds found out about it and followed Him on foot from the towns.

NET Bible
Now when Jesus heard this he went away from there privately in a boat to an isolated place. But when the crowd heard about it, they followed him on foot from the towns.

New Heart English Bible
Now when Jesus heard this, he withdrew from there in a boat, to a secluded place to be alone. When the crowds heard it, they followed him on foot from the cities.

Webster's Bible Translation
When Jesus heard of it, he departed thence in a boat, into a desert place apart: and when the people had heard of it, they followed him on foot out of the cities.

Weymouth New Testament
Upon receiving these tidings, Jesus went away by boat to an uninhabited and secluded district; but the people heard of it and followed Him in crowds from the towns by land.

World English Bible
Now when Jesus heard this, he withdrew from there in a boat to a deserted place apart. When the multitudes heard it, they followed him on foot from the cities.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and Jesus having heard, withdrew from there in a boat to a desolate place by Himself, and the multitudes having heard followed Him on land from the cities.

Berean Literal Bible
And Jesus having heard, withdrew from there by boat to a secluded place by Himself. And the crowds having heard of it, followed Him on foot from the towns.

Young's Literal Translation
and Jesus having heard, withdrew thence in a boat to a desolate place by himself, and the multitudes having heard did follow him on land from the cities.

Smith's Literal Translation
And Jesus having heard, withdrew from thence into a desert place apart: and the crowds, having heard, followed him on foot from the cities.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Which when Jesus had heard, he retired from thence by boat, into a desert place apart, and the multitudes having heard of it, followed him on foot out of the cities.

Catholic Public Domain Version
When Jesus had heard it, he withdrew from there by boat, to a deserted place by himself. And when the crowds had heard of it, they followed him on foot from the cities.

New American Bible
When Jesus heard of it, he withdrew in a boat to a deserted place by himself. The crowds heard of this and followed him on foot from their towns.

New Revised Standard Version
Now when Jesus heard this, he withdrew from there in a boat to a deserted place by himself. But when the crowds heard it, they followed him on foot from the towns.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
When Jesus heard it, he departed thence by boat, alone to a desert place; and when the people heard of it, they followed him by land from the cities.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
But when Yeshua heard, he departed from there by ship to a desert region alone, and when the crowds heard, they went after him by land from the cities.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
And when Jesus heard of it, he withdrew from that place, by ship, into a desert place apart: and the multitudes, when they heard of his departure, followed him, on foot, from the cities.

Godbey New Testament
And Jesus hearing, departed thence in a ship privately into a desert place. And the multitudes hearing, followed Him on foot from the cities.

Haweis New Testament
And when Jesus heard it, he withdrew from thence in a vessel into a desert place apart: and when the multitudes heard it, they followed him on foot from the cities.

Mace New Testament
When Jesus heard that, he embark'd, to retire privately to a desert place: of which the people being inform'd, they followed him on foot out of the cities.

Weymouth New Testament
Upon receiving these tidings, Jesus went away by boat to an uninhabited and secluded district; but the people heard of it and followed Him in crowds from the towns by land.

Worrell New Testament
And Jesus, having heard it, withdrew thence, in a boat, into a desert, apart. And the multitudes, hearing of it, followed Him on foot from the cities.

Worsley New Testament
And when Jesus heard it, He departed from thence in a ship to a solitary place of retirement: but the people hearing where He was followed Him on foot from the cities:

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Feeding of the Five Thousand
12Then John’s disciples came and took his body and buried it. And they went and informed Jesus. 13When Jesus heard about John, He withdrew by boat privately to a solitary place. But the crowds found out about it and followed Him on foot from the towns. 14When He stepped ashore and saw a large crowd, He had compassion on them and healed their sick.…

Cross References
Mark 6:31-32
And He said to them, “Come with Me privately to a solitary place, and let us rest for a while.” For many people were coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat. / So they went away in a boat by themselves to a solitary place.

Luke 9:10
Then the apostles returned and reported to Jesus all that they had done. Taking them away privately, He withdrew to a town called Bethsaida.

John 6:1-2
After this, Jesus crossed to the other side of the Sea of Galilee (that is, the Sea of Tiberias). / A large crowd followed Him because they saw the signs He was performing on the sick.

Matthew 4:12
When Jesus heard that John had been imprisoned, He withdrew to Galilee.

Matthew 12:15
Aware of this, Jesus withdrew from that place. Large crowds followed Him, and He healed them all,

John 6:15
Then Jesus, realizing that they were about to come and make Him king by force, withdrew again to a mountain by Himself.

Mark 1:35
Early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up and went out to a solitary place to pray.

Luke 5:16
Yet He frequently withdrew to the wilderness to pray.

John 11:54
As a result, Jesus no longer went about publicly among the Jews, but He withdrew to a town called Ephraim in an area near the wilderness. And He stayed there with the disciples.

Matthew 8:18
When Jesus saw a large crowd around Him, He gave orders to cross to the other side of the sea.

Matthew 15:29
Moving on from there, Jesus went along the Sea of Galilee. Then He went up on a mountain and sat down.

Mark 3:7
So Jesus withdrew with His disciples to the sea, accompanied by a large crowd from Galilee, Judea,

Luke 6:12
In those days Jesus went out to the mountain to pray, and He spent the night in prayer to God.

John 4:1-3
When Jesus realized that the Pharisees were aware He was gaining and baptizing more disciples than John / (although it was not Jesus who baptized, but His disciples), / He left Judea and returned to Galilee.

Exodus 33:7
Now Moses used to take the tent and pitch it at a distance outside the camp. He called it the Tent of Meeting, and anyone inquiring of the LORD would go to the Tent of Meeting outside the camp.


Treasury of Scripture

When Jesus heard of it, he departed there by ship into a desert place apart: and when the people had heard thereof, they followed him on foot out of the cities.

Matthew 14:1,2
At that time Herod the tetrarch heard of the fame of Jesus, …

Matthew 10:23
But when they persecute you in this city, flee ye into another: for verily I say unto you, Ye shall not have gone over the cities of Israel, till the Son of man be come.

Matthew 12:15
But when Jesus knew it, he withdrew himself from thence: and great multitudes followed him, and he healed them all;

Jump to Previous
Apart Boat Cities Crowds Departed Desert Deserted District Ears Followed Foot Heard Jesus Multitudes Privately Receiving Secluded Ship Solitary Thence Thereof Tidings Towns Uninhabited Withdrew
Jump to Next
Apart Boat Cities Crowds Departed Desert Deserted District Ears Followed Foot Heard Jesus Multitudes Privately Receiving Secluded Ship Solitary Thence Thereof Tidings Towns Uninhabited Withdrew
Matthew 14
1. Herod's opinion of Jesus.
3. Wherefore John Baptist was beheaded.
13. Jesus departs into a solitary place,
15. where he feeds five thousand men with five loves and two fishes.
22. He walks on the sea to his disciples;
34. and landing at Gennesaret,
35. heals the sick who touch of the hem of his garment.














When Jesus heard about it
This phrase refers to the news of John the Baptist's death, which deeply affected Jesus. The Greek word for "heard" is "ἀκούω" (akouo), which implies not just hearing but understanding and processing the information. In the context of Jesus' ministry, this moment marks a significant emotional and strategic point. Jesus, fully human, experiences grief and loss, reminding us of His empathy and connection to human suffering. Historically, John the Baptist's death was a pivotal event, signaling the increasing hostility towards Jesus and His message.

He withdrew from there
The Greek word "ἀναχωρέω" (anachoreo) means to depart or withdraw, often used in the context of seeking refuge or retreat. Jesus' withdrawal is not an act of fear but a strategic retreat for reflection, prayer, and preparation. It highlights the importance of solitude in spiritual life, a time to seek God's guidance away from the chaos of the world. This action also reflects Jesus' awareness of timing in His ministry, knowing when to engage and when to step back.

by boat
The use of a boat indicates the geographical setting of Jesus' ministry around the Sea of Galilee. Boats were common means of transportation, emphasizing the practical aspects of Jesus' ministry. This detail also underscores the accessibility of Jesus to the people, as He often taught from boats to accommodate large crowds. Archaeological findings of first-century fishing boats provide insight into the daily life and technology of the time, grounding the Gospel narratives in historical reality.

privately
The Greek word "κατ' ἰδίαν" (kat' idian) means privately or alone. This emphasizes Jesus' need for personal space and time with His disciples, away from the demands of the crowds. It reflects the balance between public ministry and private devotion, a model for Christian leaders to follow. Jesus' private moments were often spent in prayer, highlighting the necessity of communion with the Father for strength and guidance.

to a solitary place
The term "ἔρημος" (eremos) refers to a deserted or uninhabited place. In biblical terms, the wilderness or solitary places are often where significant spiritual encounters occur. This setting provides a backdrop for reflection and divine revelation, reminiscent of the Israelites' wilderness journey and Jesus' own temptation. It symbolizes a place of testing, renewal, and preparation for what lies ahead.

But the crowds found out
Despite Jesus' intention for solitude, the crowds' determination to find Him illustrates their deep spiritual hunger and need for His teaching and healing. The Greek word "ἀκούω" (akouo) again implies that they not only heard but actively sought Him out. This reflects the growing popularity and impact of Jesus' ministry, as well as the people's recognition of His authority and compassion.

and followed Him on foot
The phrase "on foot" indicates the lengths to which the people went to be near Jesus, showing their desperation and commitment. This physical pursuit is symbolic of the spiritual pursuit of Christ, a call to follow Him despite obstacles. It also highlights the communal aspect of faith, as people from various towns came together, united in their desire to encounter Jesus.

from the towns
This detail underscores the widespread influence of Jesus' ministry, reaching beyond individual villages to entire regions. The towns represent diverse communities, each bringing their unique needs and expectations. Historically, this movement of people reflects the socio-political climate of the time, where hope for a Messiah was fervent. It also foreshadows the expansive reach of the Gospel, transcending local boundaries to impact the world.

(13) When Jesus heard of it.--We may, I think reverently trace as the motives of this withdrawal, (1) the strong personal emotion which the death of one whom Jesus had known and loved could not fail to cause, and (2) the wish to avoid being the centre of the popular excitement which the death of John was likely to cause, and which we know, as a matter of fact (Jos. Ant. xviii. 5, ? 2), was so strong that men looked on all the subsequent troubles of Antipas and his wife as a retributive judgment for it. This was, indeed, sufficiently shown by the eagerness with which the people followed Him into His retirement. Two other circumstances, named by the other Evangelists, tended to increase the crowd that thronged around Him. (1) The Twelve had just returned from their missionary circuit (Mark 6:30-31; Luke 9:10), and it was, indeed, partly to give them, too, an interval of repose that He thus withdrew from His public work; and (2) the Passover was coming on (John 6:4), and all the roads of Galilee were thronged with companies of pilgrims hastening to keep the feast at Jerusalem.

Into a desert place.--St. Luke names this as "a city called Bethsaida," i.e., one of the two towns bearing that name on the coast of the Sea of Galilee. The name (which signified House of Fish=Fish-town) was a natural one for villages so placed, and the topography of all countries, our own included, presents too many instances of two or more places bearing the same name. with some distinctive epithet, to make the fact at all strange here. In St. Mark's account the disciples sail, after the feeding of the five thousand, to the other Bethsaida (Mark 6:45); and as this appears in John 6:17 to have been in the direction of Capernaum, the scene of the miracle must have been Bethsaida-Julias. on the north-east shore of the lake. . . .

Verses 13-21. - The feeding of the five thousand. Parallel passages: Mark 6:30-44; Luke 9:10-17; John 6:1-13. The miracle was deemed so characteristic of our Lord's work, in his care for men and his power to sustain them, and more especially in its being a parable of his readiness to supply spiritual food, that it was recorded not only by each of the three evangelists who used the framework, but also by the one who depended entirely upon his own materials. But though St. John's account of it is on the whole independent, yet even this has expressions which are certainly due to the influence of the source used by the synoptists, or, less probably, of one or other of our present Gospels. The evangelist relates

(1) the occasion of the miracle (vers. 13, 140;

(2) the preparation of the disciples (vers. 15-18);

(3) the miracle itself (vers. 19, 20); . . .

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
When
δὲ (de)
Conjunction
Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc.

Jesus
Ἰησοῦς (Iēsous)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2424: Of Hebrew origin; Jesus, the name of our Lord and two other Israelites.

heard [ about John ],
Ἀκούσας (Akousas)
Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 191: To hear, listen, comprehend by hearing; pass: is heard, reported. A primary verb; to hear.

He withdrew
ἀνεχώρησεν (anechōrēsen)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 402: From ana and choreo; to retire.

by
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

boat
πλοίῳ (ploiō)
Noun - Dative Neuter Singular
Strong's 4143: A ship, vessel, boat. From pleo; a sailer, i.e. Vessel.

privately
ἰδίαν (idian)
Adjective - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 2398: Pertaining to self, i.e. One's own; by implication, private or separate.

to
εἰς (eis)
Preposition
Strong's 1519: A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.

a solitary
ἔρημον (erēmon)
Adjective - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2048: Lonesome, i.e. waste.

place.
τόπον (topon)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5117: Apparently a primary word; a spot, i.e. Location; figuratively, condition, opportunity; specially, a scabbard.

But
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

the
οἱ (hoi)
Article - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

crowds
ὄχλοι (ochloi)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3793: From a derivative of echo; a throng; by implication, the rabble; by extension, a class of people; figuratively, a riot.

found out
ἀκούσαντες (akousantes)
Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 191: To hear, listen, comprehend by hearing; pass: is heard, reported. A primary verb; to hear.

[and] followed
ἠκολούθησαν (ēkolouthēsan)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 190: To accompany, attend, follow. Properly, to be in the same way with, i.e. To accompany.

Him
αὐτῷ (autō)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

on foot
πεζῇ (pezē)
Adverb
Strong's 3979: On foot, by land. Dative case feminine of a derivative of pous; foot-wise, i.e. By walking.

from
ἀπὸ (apo)
Preposition
Strong's 575: From, away from. A primary particle; 'off, ' i.e. Away, in various senses.

the
τῶν (tōn)
Article - Genitive Feminine Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

towns.
πόλεων (poleōn)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Plural
Strong's 4172: A city, the inhabitants of a city. Probably from the same as polemos, or perhaps from polus; a town.


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NT Gospels: Matthew 14:13 Now when Jesus heard this he withdrew (Matt. Mat Mt)
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