Luke 9:12 (KJV)

What does Luke 9:12 mean?

Luke 9:12 describes how, as the day was ending, Jesus’ twelve disciples came to him and asked him to send the large crowd away so they could find places to stay and food to eat, since they were in a remote area. The disciples were concerned about the practical needs of the people who had followed Jesus far from towns and villages.

In this scene, the twelve (Jesus’ closest followers) speak directly to Jesus, highlighting the growing size of the crowd and the isolation of their location. The disciples’ request shows their awareness of the crowd’s needs and their assumption that the only solution was for everyone to leave and find provisions elsewhere. This sets up the context for the miracle that follows, where Jesus responds in an unexpected way.

The Greek behind Luke 9:12

• The word for “desert place” is ἐν ἐρήμῳ τόπῳ (en erēmō topō), which means a deserted or uninhabited area, not necessarily a sandy desert but simply a place away from settlements. This emphasizes how far the crowd was from resources.
• The Greek word for “victuals” is ἐπισιτισμόν (episitismon), meaning food or provisions. The disciples are specifically concerned about the crowd’s basic needs for sustenance, not just lodging.
• The verb “send away” is ἀπόλυσον (apolysōn), which often means to release or dismiss. The disciples are asking Jesus to let the people go, showing they see the situation as beyond their ability to help.

Why Luke 9:12 matters

• This verse clarifies that the disciples were not expecting Jesus to provide for the crowd; they assumed the only option was for everyone to leave and fend for themselves.
• The setting in a “desert place” highlights the impossibility of the situation from a human perspective, preparing the reader for the significance of the miracle that follows.
• Luke 9:12 connects to the wider passage by showing the disciples’ practical mindset and setting up Jesus’ teaching moment about trust and provision.