Devine Scripture

Luke 5:16

What does Luke 5:16 mean?

A plain-English look at Luke 5:16 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Luke 5:16 means

Jesus withdraws to deserted places and prays. Luke highlights Jesus’ regular practice of prayer even amid growing popularity, showing dependence on the Father and a pattern of spiritual replenishment. The choice of solitude after intense public ministry indicates that Jesus’ power and compassion flowed from an intimate relationship with God, not from human acclaim. This verse reassures readers that public ministry should be sustained by private communion with God and models discipline: Jesus seeks the Father’s direction and renewal before and between acts of service.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

But he withdrew himself in the deserts, and prayed.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And he withdrew himself into the wilderness, and prayed.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

But he withdrew himself in the deserts, and prayed.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But he went away by himself to a waste place for prayer.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and he was withdrawing himself in the desert places and was praying.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And he retired into the desert; and prayed.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And he withdrew himself, and was about in the desert [places] and praying.

Context

This action follows the surge of crowds and precedes another large teaching moment in which Pharisees and doctors of the law arrive. The withdrawal explains why Jesus can sustain long seasons of ministry without being consumed. It also contrasts with later scenes where he faces hostile questions: prayer is the source of his strength and authority. Readers should see this as Luke’s theological claim about the rhythm of ministry—service fed by solitude and prayer.

v.15But so much the more went abroad the report concerning him: and great multitudes came together to hear, and to be healed of their infirmities.

v.16This passage

v.17And it came to pass on one of those days, that he was teaching; and there were Pharisees and doctors of the law sitting by, who were come out of every village of Galilee and Judæa and Jerusalem: and the power of the Lord was with him to heal.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Luke 6:12

    And it came to pass in these days, that he went out into the mountain to pray; and he continued all night in prayer to God.

  • Mark 6:46

    And after he had taken leave of them, he departed into the mountain to pray.

  • Mark 1:35

    And in the morning, a great while before day, he rose up and went out, and departed into a desert place, and there prayed.

  • John 6:15

    Jesus therefore perceiving that they were about to come and take him by force, to make him king, withdrew again into the mountain himself alone.

  • Matthew 14:23

    And after he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into the mountain apart to pray: and when even was come, he was there alone.

Related questions readers ask

Keep reading

Want to dig deeper? Explore Luke 5

Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Luke 5.

Keep exploring

Follow this verse across Scripture

Topics, devotionals, original-language word studies, and figures connected to Luke 5:16.

Browse every hub

BibleTopicsBible answersDevotionalsFamous passagesWord studiesPeoplePlacesVerses for…Reading plansCommentary