Matthew 14:13
What does Matthew 14:13 mean?
A plain-English look at Matthew 14:13 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Matthew 14:13 means
Upon hearing the news of John's death, Jesus withdrew by boat to a desolate place to be alone. This was likely a time for grief, reflection, and prayer. However, the multitudes, upon hearing of His withdrawal, followed Him on foot from the surrounding cities. Their persistent pursuit demonstrates their deep need for Him, even as He sought solitude. This highlights Jesus' constant availability to those who seek Him, even in moments of personal sorrow.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Now when Jesus heardit, 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.
KJV
King James Version · 1611When 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.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Now when Jesus heardit, 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.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Now when it came to the ears of Jesus, he went away from there in a boat, to a waste place by himself: and the people hearing of it, went after him on foot from the towns.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and 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.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Which when Jesus had heard, he retired from thence by a boat, into a desert place apart, and the multitudes having heard of it, followed him on foot out of the cities.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And Jesus, having heard it, went away thence by ship to a desert place apart. And the crowds having heard [of it] followed him on foot from the cities.
Context
This verse immediately follows the disciples of John informing Jesus of his death, representing Jesus' direct response to the tragic news. His withdrawal sets up a significant journey across the sea, creating a new backdrop for His ministry. The unexpected arrival of the multitudes then establishes the context for the miraculous feeding that is about to occur, revealing Jesus' compassion even in His grief.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Mark 6:30
And the apostles gather themselves together unto Jesus; and they told him all things, whatsoever they had done, and whatsoever they had taught.
- Luke 9:10
And the apostles, when they were returned, declared unto him what things they had done. And he took them, and withdrew apart to a city called Bethsaida.
- John 6:1
After these things Jesus went away to the other side of the sea of Galilee, which isthe seaof Tiberias.
- Matthew 14:1
At that season Herod the tetrarch heard the report concerning Jesus,
- Matthew 10:23
But when they persecute you in this city, flee into the next: for verily I say unto you, Ye shall not have gone through the cities of Israel, till the Son of man be come.
- Matthew 15:32
And Jesus called unto him his disciples, and said, I have compassion on the multitude, because they continue with me now three days and have nothing to eat: and I would not send them away fasting, lest haply they faint on the way.
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Want to dig deeper? Explore Matthew 14
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Devotionals
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