Devine Scripture

Matthew 14:23

What does Matthew 14:23 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 14:23 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 14:23 means

After dismissing the multitudes, Jesus went up a mountain by Himself to pray. This reveals His consistent practice of seeking solitude for communion with His Father, especially after demanding ministry. In the quiet of the mountain, He spent time in prayer, demonstrating His reliance on heavenly resources and providing a model for spiritual leadership that balances public service with private devotion. He was alone as evening came.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And after he had sent the people away, he went up into the mountain by himself for prayer: and when evening was come, he was there by himself.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and having let away the multitudes, he went up to the mountain by himself to pray, and evening having come, he was there alone,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And having dismissed the multitude, he went into a mountain alone to pray. And when it was evening, he was there alone.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And having dismissed the crowds, he went up into the mountain apart to pray. And when even was come, he was alone there,

Context

This verse explains Jesus' actions immediately after sending away the crowds and His disciples. His withdrawal to a mountain to pray sets the stage for His solitary communion with the Father. This period of prayer is important for understanding His later appearance to the disciples on the sea, providing the spiritual context for His subsequent divine intervention and further revelation of His nature.

v.22And straightway he constrained the disciples to enter into the boat, and to go before him unto the other side, till he should send the multitudes away.

v.23This passage

v.24But the boat was now in the midst of the sea, distressed by the waves; for the wind was contrary.

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.

  • Luke 9:28

    And it came to pass about eight days after these sayings, that he took with him Peter and John and James, and went up into the mountain to pray.

  • Mark 6:46

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

  • Matthew 26:36

    Then cometh Jesus with them unto a place called Gethsemane, and saith unto his disciples, Sit ye here, while I go yonder and pray.

  • Acts 6:4

    But we will continue stedfastly in prayer, and in the ministry of the word.

  • 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.

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