King James Version

What Does Matthew 14:13 Mean?

Matthew 14:13 in the King James Version says “When Jesus heard of it, he departed thence by ship into a desert place apart : and when the people had heard thereof, th... — study this verse from Matthew chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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.

Matthew 14:13 · KJV


Context

11

And his head was brought in a charger, and given to the damsel: and she brought it to her mother.

12

And his disciples came, and took up the body, and buried it, and went and told Jesus.

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.

14

And Jesus went forth, and saw a great multitude, and was moved with compassion toward them, and he healed their sick.

15

And when it was evening, his disciples came to him, saying, This is a desert place, and the time is now past; send the multitude away, that they may go into the villages, and buy themselves victuals.


Commentary

KJV Study 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.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural 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.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Jesus' example of ministry despite personal grief challenge you?
  2. When have you had to set aside your needs to serve others?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 23 words
καὶ1 of 23

When

G2532

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

ἀκούσαντες2 of 23

had heard

G191

to hear (in various senses)

3 of 23
G3588

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

Ἰησοῦς4 of 23

Jesus

G2424

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

ἀνεχώρησεν5 of 23

of it he departed

G402

to retire

ἐκεῖθεν6 of 23

thence

G1564

thence

ἐν7 of 23

by

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

πλοίῳ8 of 23

ship

G4143

a sailer, i.e., vessel

εἰς9 of 23

into

G1519

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

ἔρημον10 of 23

a desert

G2048

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

τόπον11 of 23

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

κατ'12 of 23

apart

G2596

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

ἰδίαν·13 of 23
G2398

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

καὶ14 of 23

When

G2532

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

ἀκούσαντες15 of 23

had heard

G191

to hear (in various senses)

οἱ16 of 23
G3588

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

ὄχλοι17 of 23

when the people

G3793

a throng (as borne along); by implication, the rabble; by extension, a class of people; figuratively, a riot

ἠκολούθησαν18 of 23

thereof they followed

G190

properly, to be in the same way with, i.e., to accompany (specially, as a disciple)

αὐτῷ19 of 23

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

πεζῇ20 of 23

on foot

G3979

foot-wise, i.e., by walking

ἀπὸ21 of 23

out of

G575

"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)

τῶν22 of 23
G3588

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

πόλεων23 of 23

the cities

G4172

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


Study Guide

Historical Context

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

Theological Significance

Matthew 14:13 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 Matthew 14:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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