And he withdrew himself into the wilderness, and prayed.

LUKE 5:16KJV
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Luke 5:16 (KJV)

What does Luke 5:16 mean?

Luke 5:16 describes how Jesus would often withdraw to lonely or quiet places, away from the crowds, in order to pray. This verse highlights Jesus’s regular practice of seeking solitude for personal prayer.

In the context of Luke’s Gospel, this verse comes just after Jesus heals a man with leprosy, which causes his fame to spread and crowds to gather around him. Despite the growing attention and demands, Luke 5:16 shows that Jesus made it a priority to step away from the busyness and spend time alone in prayer, emphasizing his dependence on God and the importance he placed on spiritual connection.

The Greek behind Luke 5:16

  • The word for “withdrew” (ὑπεχώρει, hupechōrei) is often understood as moving away or retreating, suggesting that Jesus intentionally separated himself from others, not just physically but for a purpose.
  • The word for “wilderness” (ἐρήμους, erēmous) means a deserted or uninhabited place, which could be a literal wilderness or simply a quiet, solitary area. This detail shows that Jesus sought out places where he could be alone, away from distractions.
  • The word for “prayed” (προσηύχετο, proseuchomai) is the common Greek word for prayer, but the verb tense here points to an ongoing or habitual action, indicating that this was something Jesus did regularly, not just once.

Why Luke 5:16 matters

  • Luke 5:16 helps clear up the idea that Jesus was always surrounded by crowds; instead, he made time for solitude and prayer even during busy periods.
  • This verse emphasizes the importance of regular, intentional prayer in Jesus’s life, showing that even he needed time alone with God.
  • The verse connects to the wider passage by showing a rhythm in Jesus’s ministry: public action followed by private prayer, highlighting both his compassion for people and his reliance on God.

Where else these words appear

“withdrew” Greek G5298 · used in 2 verses

  • Luke 9:10 And the apostles, when they were returned, told him all that they had done. And he took them, and went aside privately into a desert place belonging to the city called Bethsaida.

“wilderness” Greek G2048 · used in 50 verses

  • Matthew 3:1 In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea,
  • Mark 6:35 And when the day was now far spent, his disciples came unto him, and said, This is a desert place, and now the time is far passed:
  • John 11:54 Jesus therefore walked no more openly among the Jews; but went thence unto a country near to the wilderness, into a city called Ephraim, and there continued with his disciples.

“prayed” Greek G4336 · used in 82 verses

  • Matthew 5:44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
  • Luke 6:12 And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God.
  • Acts 20:36 And when he had thus spoken, he kneeled down, and prayed with them all.