BibleWord.ai› Bible› Matthew› Chapter 14› Verse 13

Matthew 14:13

New Testament Gospel ASV (1901)

What does Matthew 14:13 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “Now when Jesus heard [it], 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.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

Now when Jesus heard [it], 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.
Matthew 14:13 — American Standard Version

Context — Matthew 14

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
10and he sent and beheaded John in the prison.
11And his head was brought on a platter, and given to the damsel: and she brought it to her mother.
12And his disciples came, and took up the corpse, and buried him; and they went and told Jesus.
13Now when Jesus heard [it], 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.
14And he came forth, and saw a great multitude, and he had compassion on them, and healed their sick.
15And when even was come, the disciples came to him, saying, The place is desert, and the time is already past; send the multitudes away, that they may go into the villages, and buy themselves food.
16But Jesus said unto them, They have no need to go away; give ye them to eat.
← Matthew 14:12Matthew 14:14 →
← Full Chapter 14 Matthew Overview

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“When Jesus heard of it, etc.] Of the death of John, and of the cruel usage he had met with; and particularly, that his fame had reached the court of Herod, and that he was talked of there, and said by Herod himself to be John the Baptist, that was risen from the dead; he departed thence by ship, into a desert place apart; to avoid Herod, though not through fear of death; but because his time was not yet come: which may teach us, that it is lawful to shun dangers, when there is an opportunity; which may be done, without betraying truth, or sacrificing a good conscience. The other evangelists, Mark and Luke, assign another reason of this departure of Christ’s, that it was upon the return of…”
Read attributed excerpt →
Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“A full narrative of the feeding the five thousand is given in each of the other evangelists: in Mark 6:32-44; in Luke 9:10-17; in John 6:1-14. Matthew 14:13 And when Jesus heard of it, he departed - He went to a place of safety. He never threw himself unnecessarily into danger. It was proper that he should secure his life until the appointed time had come for him to die. By a ship into a desert place - That is, he crossed the Sea of Galilee. He went to the country east of the sea, into a place little inhabited. Luke says Luke 9:10 he went to a place called Bethsaida. See the notes at Matthew 11:21. “A desert place” means a place little cultivated, where there were few or no inhabitants. On…”
Read attributed excerpt →
Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Jesus withdrew into a desert place - To avoid Herod: Because of the multitude pressing upon him, Mar 6:32 and To talk with his disciples, newly returned from their progress, Luk 9:10 apart - From all but his disciples. Joh 6:1. Matthew 14:15”
Read attributed excerpt →
Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“14:13-21 Jesus’ actions consistently fulfilled Old Testament promises regarding the Kingdom and the Messiah (11:5-6; 12:28). Here Jesus evoked the memory of God’s provision of manna for the Israelites (Exod 16; see John 6:32), demonstrating that he is the promised end-time prophet (see Deut 18:15-16).”
Read attributed excerpt →
Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“Mat 14:1, Mat 14:2, Mat 10:23, Mat 12:15; Mar 6:30-33; Luk 9:10-17; Joh 6:1-15 Matthew 14:14”
Read attributed excerpt →

Related study paths

Read Matthew 14 in contextBrowse Greek word studiesOpen this verse in the study reader

Sources and verification