King James Version

What Does Luke 9:10 Mean?

Luke 9:10 in the King James Version says “And the apostles, when they were returned, told him all that they had done. And he took them, and went aside privately i... — study this verse from Luke chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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.

Luke 9:10 · KJV


Context

8

And of some, that Elias had appeared; and of others, that one of the old prophets was risen again.

9

And Herod said, John have I beheaded: but who is this, of whom I hear such things? And he desired to see him.

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.

11

And the people, when they knew it, followed him: and he received them, and spake unto them of the kingdom of God, and healed them that had need of healing.

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.


Commentary

KJV Study 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.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural 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).

Reflection Questions

  1. What does Jesus's concern for the apostles' rest teach about balancing ministry activity with spiritual renewal and reflection?
  2. How does the practice of reporting back to Jesus model accountability in Christian service?
  3. Why is private time with Jesus essential after public ministry, and how can believers maintain this rhythm today?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 20 words
καὶ1 of 20

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ὑποστρέψαντες2 of 20

when they were returned

G5290

to turn under (behind), i.e., to return (literally or figuratively)

οἱ3 of 20
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἀπόστολοι4 of 20

the apostles

G652

a delegate; specially, an ambassador of the gospel; officially a commissioner of christ ("apostle") (with miraculous powers)

διηγήσαντο5 of 20

told

G1334

to relate fully

αὐτοὺς6 of 20

him

G846

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

ὅσα7 of 20

all that

G3745

as (much, great, long, etc.) as

ἐποίησαν8 of 20

they had done

G4160

to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)

καὶ9 of 20

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

παραλαβὼν10 of 20

he took

G3880

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

αὐτοὺς11 of 20

him

G846

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

ὑπεχώρησεν12 of 20

and went aside

G5298

to vacate down, i.e., retire quietly

κατ'13 of 20

privately

G2596

(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)

ἰδίαν14 of 20
G2398

pertaining to self, i.e., one's own; by implication, private or separate

εἰς15 of 20

into

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

τόπον16 of 20

place

G5117

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

ἔρημον17 of 20

a desert

G2048

lonesome, i.e., (by implication) waste (usually as a noun, g5561 being implied)

πόλεως18 of 20

belonging to the city

G4172

a town (properly, with walls, of greater or less size)

καλουμένης19 of 20

called

G2564

to "call" (properly, aloud, but used in a variety of applications, directly or otherwise)

Βηθσαϊδά20 of 20

Bethsaida

G966

fishing-house; bethsaida, a place in palestine


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Luke. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Luke 9:10 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Luke 9:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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