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.

MATTHEW 14:23KJV
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Matthew 14:23 (KJV)

What does Matthew 14:23 mean?

Matthew 14:23 describes Jesus sending the crowds away and then going up a mountain by himself to pray, remaining there alone as evening came. This verse shows Jesus intentionally seeking solitude to pray after a busy time with many people.

In this scene, Jesus has just finished ministering to a large crowd—this follows the feeding of the five thousand. The verse highlights that Jesus, even with his demanding public ministry, made time to be alone and pray. The setting is quiet and personal, emphasizing Jesus’ need for private time with God apart from others.

The Greek behind Matthew 14:23

  • ὄρος (oros, “mountain”): The use of “mountain” in the Greek often points to a place set apart for important moments, suggesting that Jesus chose a location away from distractions for focused prayer.
  • κατ’ ἰδίαν (kat’ idian, “apart”): This phrase means “by himself” or “in private,” stressing that Jesus was intentionally alone, not just physically separated but seeking true solitude.
  • προσεύξασθαι (proseuxasthai, “to pray”): The Greek word for “pray” here is the standard term for speaking to God, highlighting that Jesus’ solitude was purposeful—he was not just resting but actively praying.

Why Matthew 14:23 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Jesus valued time alone with God, even when surrounded by constant demands, showing the importance of personal prayer and reflection.
  • The detail that Jesus was alone “when the evening was come” connects to the following events, setting the stage for the disciples’ experience on the lake and Jesus walking on water.
  • The verse helps correct the idea that spiritual leaders are always with people; it shows that even Jesus needed quiet moments away from the crowds.

Where else these words appear

“evening” Greek G3798 · used in 15 verses

  • Matthew 8:16 When the even was come, they brought unto him many that were possessed with devils: and he cast out the spirits with his word, and healed all that were sick:
  • Matthew 26:20 Now when the even was come, he sat down with the twelve.
  • Mark 11:11 And Jesus entered into Jerusalem, and into the temple: and when he had looked round about upon all things, and now the eventide was come, he went out unto Bethany with the twelve.

“alone” Greek G3441 · used in 46 verses

  • Matthew 4:4 But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.
  • Luke 24:12 Then arose Peter, and ran unto the sepulchre; and stooping down, he beheld the linen clothes laid by themselves, and departed, wondering in himself at that which was come to pass.
  • 1 Corinthians 14:36 What? came the word of God out from you? or came it unto you only?

“sent” Greek G630 · used in 63 verses

  • Matthew 1:19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily.
  • Mark 8:9 And they that had eaten were about four thousand: and he sent them away.
  • Luke 23:22 And he said unto them the third time, Why, what evil hath he done? I have found no cause of death in him: I will therefore chastise him, and let him go.

“mountain” Greek G3735 · used in 65 verses

  • Matthew 4:8 Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them;
  • Mark 11:1 And when they came nigh to Jerusalem, unto Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount of Olives, he sendeth forth two of his disciples,
  • John 6:15 When Jesus therefore perceived that they would come and take him by force, to make him a king, he departed again into a mountain himself alone.