Luke 9:12
New International Version
Late in the afternoon the Twelve came to him and said, “Send the crowd away so they can go to the surrounding villages and countryside and find food and lodging, because we are in a remote place here.”

New Living Translation
Late in the afternoon the twelve disciples came to him and said, “Send the crowds away to the nearby villages and farms, so they can find food and lodging for the night. There is nothing to eat here in this remote place.”

English Standard Version
Now the day began to wear away, and the twelve came and said to him, “Send the crowd away to go into the surrounding villages and countryside to find lodging and get provisions, for we are here in a desolate place.”

Berean Standard Bible
As the day neared its end, the Twelve came to Jesus and said, “Dismiss the crowd so they can go to the surrounding villages and countryside for lodging and provisions. For we are in a desolate place here.”

Berean Literal Bible
And the day began to decline, and the Twelve having come, said to Him, "Dismiss the crowd, that having gone into the surrounding villages and countryside, they might lodge and might find provisions; for we are in a desolate place here."

King James Bible
And when the day began to wear away, then came the twelve, and said unto him, Send the multitude away, that they may go into the towns and country round about, and lodge, and get victuals: for we are here in a desert place.

New King James Version
When the day began to wear away, the twelve came and said to Him, “Send the multitude away, that they may go into the surrounding towns and country, and lodge and get provisions; for we are in a deserted place here.”

New American Standard Bible
Now the day was ending, and the twelve came up and said to Him, “Dismiss the crowd, so that they may go into the surrounding villages and countryside and find lodging and get something to eat; because here, we are in a secluded place.”

NASB 1995
Now the day was ending, and the twelve came and said to Him, “Send the crowd away, that they may go into the surrounding villages and countryside and find lodging and get something to eat; for here we are in a desolate place.”

NASB 1977
And the day began to decline, and the twelve came and said to Him, “Send the multitude away, that they may go into the surrounding villages and countryside and find lodging and get something to eat; for here we are in a desolate place.”

Legacy Standard Bible
Now the day was ending, and the twelve came and said to Him, “Send the crowd away, that they may go into the surrounding villages and countryside and obtain lodging and find provisions, for here we are in a desolate place.”

Amplified Bible
Now the day was ending, and the twelve [disciples] came and said to Him, “Send the crowd away, so that they may go into the surrounding villages and countryside and find lodging, and get provisions; because here we are in an isolated place.”

Christian Standard Bible
Late in the day, the Twelve approached and said to him, “Send the crowd away, so that they can go into the surrounding villages and countryside to find food and lodging, because we are in a deserted place here.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Late in the day, the Twelve approached and said to Him, “Send the crowd away, so they can go into the surrounding villages and countryside to find food and lodging, because we are in a deserted place here.”

American Standard Version
And the day began to wear away; and the twelve came, and said unto him, Send the multitude away, that they may go into the villages and country round about, and lodge, and get provisions: for we are here in a desert place.

Contemporary English Version
Late in the afternoon the twelve apostles came to Jesus and said, "Send the crowd to the villages and farms around here. They need to find a place to stay and something to eat. There is nothing in this place. It's like a desert!"

English Revised Version
And the day began to wear away; and the twelve came, and said unto him, Send the multitude away, that they may go into the villages and country round about, and lodge, and get victuals: for we are here in a desert place.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Toward the end of the day, the twelve apostles came to him. They said to him, "Send the crowd to the closest villages and farms so that they can find some food and a place to stay. No one lives around here."

Good News Translation
When the sun was beginning to set, the twelve disciples came to him and said, "Send the people away so that they can go to the villages and farms around here and find food and lodging, because this is a lonely place."

International Standard Version
As the day was drawing to a close, the Twelve came to him and said, "Send the crowd away to the neighboring villages and farms so they can rest and get some food, because we are here in a deserted place."

Majority Standard Bible
As the day neared its end, the Twelve came to Jesus and said, ?Dismiss the crowd so they can go to the surrounding villages and countryside for lodging and provisions. For we are in a desolate place here.?

NET Bible
Now the day began to draw to a close, so the twelve came and said to Jesus, "Send the crowd away, so they can go into the surrounding villages and countryside and find lodging and food, because we are in an isolated place."

New Heart English Bible
The day began to wear away; and the twelve came, and said to him, "Send the crowd away, that they may go into the surrounding villages and farms, and lodge, and get food, for we are here in a deserted place."

Webster's Bible Translation
And when the day began to decline, then came the twelve, and said to him, Send the multitude away, that they may go into the towns and country around, and lodge, and get victuals: for we are here in a desert place.

Weymouth New Testament
Now when the day began to decline, the Twelve came to Him and said, "Send the people away, that they may go to the villages and farms round about and find lodging and a supply of food; because here we are in an uninhabited district."

World English Bible
The day began to wear away; and the twelve came and said to him, “Send the multitude away, that they may go into the surrounding villages and farms and lodge and get food, for we are here in a deserted place.”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And the day began to decline, and the Twelve having come near, said to Him, “Let away the multitude, that having gone into the surrounding villages and the fields, they may lodge and may find provision, because here we are in a desolate place.”

Berean Literal Bible
And the day began to decline, and the Twelve having come, said to Him, "Dismiss the crowd, that having gone into the surrounding villages and countryside, they might lodge and might find provisions; for we are in a desolate place here."

Young's Literal Translation
And the day began to decline, and the twelve having come near, said to him, 'Let away the multitude, that having gone to the villages and the fields round about, they may lodge and may find provision, because here we are in a desert place.'

Smith's Literal Translation
And the day began to decline: and the twelve having come near, said to him, Loose the crowd, that having departed into the towns round about and the fields, they might rest, and might find provisions; for here are we in a deserted place.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Now the day began to decline. And the twelve came and said to him: Send away the multitude, that going into the towns and villages round about, they may lodge and get victuals; for we are here in a desert place.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Then the day began to decline. And drawing near, the twelve said to him: “Dismiss the crowds, so that, by going into the surrounding towns and villages, they may separate and find food. For we are here in a deserted place.”

New American Bible
As the day was drawing to a close, the Twelve approached him and said, “Dismiss the crowd so that they can go to the surrounding villages and farms and find lodging and provisions; for we are in a deserted place here.”

New Revised Standard Version
The day was drawing to a close, and the twelve came to him and said, “Send the crowd away, so that they may go into the surrounding villages and countryside, to lodge and get provisions; for we are here in a deserted place.”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And when the day began to wane, his disciples came up and said to him, Dismiss the people, that they may go to the villages around us and to the farms, to lodge there, and find food for themselves; because we are in a lonely place.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
But when the day began to decline, his disciples came and they were saying to him, “Dismiss the crowds that they go to the surrounding villages and hamlets to lodge in them and to find provisions for themselves, because we are in a deserted place.”
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
And the day began to decline; and the twelve came and said to him: Send the multitude away, that they may go into the villages, and the country round about, and lodge, and find food; for we are here in a desert place.

Godbey New Testament
And the day began to decline; and the twelve coming to Him, said, Send away the multitude, in order that having gone into the surrounding villages and countries, they may lodge, and find food: because we are here in a desert place.

Haweis New Testament
Now the day began to decline: and the twelve coming to him, said, Dismiss the multitude, that going away into the villages and farms round about, they may lodge and find provision; for here we are in a desert place.

Mace New Testament
As the day began to decline, the twelve came to him, and said, dismiss the multitude, that they may go to the nearest towns and villages for lodging and provisions: for here we are in a desart place.

Weymouth New Testament
Now when the day began to decline, the Twelve came to Him and said, "Send the people away, that they may go to the villages and farms round about and find lodging and a supply of food; because here we are in an uninhabited district."

Worrell New Testament
And the day began to decline. And the twelve, coming near, said to Him, "Send away the multitudes; that, going into the villages and country round about, they may lodge and find food; because we are here in a desert place."

Worsley New Testament
And when the day began to decline, the twelve came and said to Him, Dismiss the people, that they may go into the villages and country-places round about, and bait, and get food: for here we are in a desert place.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Feeding of the Five Thousand
11But the crowds found out and followed Him. He welcomed them and spoke to them about the kingdom of God, and He healed those who needed healing. 12As the day neared its end, the Twelve came to Jesus and said, “Dismiss the crowd so they can go to the surrounding villages and countryside for lodging and provisions. For we are in a desolate place here.” 13But Jesus told them, “You give them something to eat.” “We have only five loaves of bread and two fish,” they answered, “unless we go and buy food for all these people.”…

Cross References
Matthew 14:15-21
When evening came, the disciples came to Him and said, “This is a desolate place, and the hour is already late. Dismiss the crowds so they can go to the villages and buy themselves some food.” / “They do not need to go away,” Jesus replied. “You give them something to eat.” / “We have here only five loaves of bread and two fish,” they answered. ...

Mark 6:35-44
By now the hour was already late. So the disciples came to Jesus and said, “This is a desolate place, and the hour is already late. / Dismiss the crowd so they can go to the surrounding countryside and villages and buy themselves something to eat.” / But Jesus told them, “You give them something to eat.” They asked Him, “Should we go out and spend two hundred denarii to give all of them bread to eat?” ...

John 6:5-13
When Jesus looked up and saw a large crowd coming toward Him, He said to Philip, “Where can we buy bread for these people to eat?” / But He was asking this to test him, for He knew what He was about to do. / Philip answered, “Two hundred denarii would not buy enough bread for each of them to have a small piece.” ...

2 Kings 4:42-44
Now a man from Baal-shalishah came to the man of God with a sack of twenty loaves of barley bread from the first ripe grain. “Give it to the people to eat,” said Elisha. / But his servant asked, “How am I to set twenty loaves before a hundred men?” “Give it to the people to eat,” said Elisha, “for this is what the LORD says: ‘They will eat and have some left over.’” / So he set it before them, and they ate and had some left over, according to the word of the LORD.

Exodus 16:4-15
Then the LORD said to Moses, “Behold, I will rain down bread from heaven for you. Each day the people are to go out and gather enough for that day. In this way I will test whether or not they will follow My instructions. / Then on the sixth day, when they prepare what they bring in, it will be twice as much as they gather on the other days.” / So Moses and Aaron said to all the Israelites, “This evening you will know that it was the LORD who brought you out of the land of Egypt, ...

Numbers 11:13-23
Where can I get meat for all these people? For they keep crying out to me, ‘Give us meat to eat!’ / I cannot carry all these people by myself; it is too burdensome for me. / If this is how You are going to treat me, please kill me right now—if I have found favor in Your eyes—and let me not see my own wretchedness.” ...

Matthew 15:32-38
Then Jesus called His disciples to Him and said, “I have compassion for this crowd, because they have already been with Me three days and have nothing to eat. I do not want to send them away hungry, or they may faint along the way.” / The disciples replied, “Where in this desolate place could we find enough bread to feed such a large crowd?” / “How many loaves do you have?” Jesus asked. “Seven,” they replied, “and a few small fish.” ...

Mark 8:1-9
In those days the crowd once again became very large, and they had nothing to eat. Jesus called the disciples to Him and said, / “I have compassion for this crowd, because they have already been with Me three days and have nothing to eat. / If I send them home hungry, they will faint along the way. For some of them have come a great distance.” ...

John 6:1-4
After this, Jesus crossed to the other side of the Sea of Galilee (that is, the Sea of Tiberias). / A large crowd followed Him because they saw the signs He was performing on the sick. / Then Jesus went up on the mountain and sat down with His disciples. ...

John 6:14-15
When the people saw the sign that Jesus had performed, they began to say, “Truly this is the Prophet who is to come into the world.” / Then Jesus, realizing that they were about to come and make Him king by force, withdrew again to a mountain by Himself.

Psalm 78:19-25
They spoke against God, saying, “Can God really prepare a table in the wilderness? / When He struck the rock, water gushed out and torrents raged. But can He also give bread or supply His people with meat?” / Therefore the LORD heard and was filled with wrath; so a fire was kindled against Jacob, and His anger flared against Israel, ...

Psalm 132:15
I will bless her with abundant provisions; I will satisfy her poor with bread.

Isaiah 55:1-2
“Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you without money, come, buy, and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost! / Why spend money on that which is not bread, and your labor on that which does not satisfy? Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good, and your soul will delight in the richest of foods.

Deuteronomy 8:3
He humbled you, and in your hunger He gave you manna to eat, which neither you nor your fathers had known, so that you might understand that man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of the LORD.

1 Kings 17:12-16
But she replied, “As surely as the LORD your God lives, I have no bread—only a handful of flour in a jar and a little oil in a jug. Look, I am gathering a couple of sticks to take home and prepare a meal for myself and my son, so that we may eat it and die.” / “Do not be afraid,” Elijah said to her. “Go and do as you have said. But first make me a small cake of bread from what you have, and bring it out to me. Afterward, make some for yourself and your son, / for this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: ‘The jar of flour will not be exhausted and the jug of oil will not run dry until the day the LORD sends rain upon the face of the earth.’” ...


Treasury of Scripture

And when the day began to wear away, then came the twelve, and said to him, Send the multitude away, that they may go into the towns and country round about, and lodge, and get victuals: for we are here in a desert place.

when.

Matthew 14:15
And when it was evening, his disciples came to him, saying, This is a desert place, and the time is now past; send the multitude away, that they may go into the villages, and buy themselves victuals.

Mark 6:35,36
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 6:1,5
After these things Jesus went over the sea of Galilee, which is the sea of Tiberias…

Send.

Matthew 15:23,32
But he answered her not a word. And his disciples came and besought him, saying, Send her away; for she crieth after us…

for.

Psalm 78:19,20
Yea, they spake against God; they said, Can God furnish a table in the wilderness? …

Ezekiel 34:25
And I will make with them a covenant of peace, and will cause the evil beasts to cease out of the land: and they shall dwell safely in the wilderness, and sleep in the woods.

Hosea 13:5
I did know thee in the wilderness, in the land of great drought.

Jump to Previous
Afternoon Country Countryside Crowd Decline Desert Deserted Desolate District Eat Ending Farms Find Food Lodge Lonely Multitude Provisions Remote Round Something Surrounding Towns Twelve Uninhabited Victuals Villages Wear
Jump to Next
Afternoon Country Countryside Crowd Decline Desert Deserted Desolate District Eat Ending Farms Find Food Lodge Lonely Multitude Provisions Remote Round Something Surrounding Towns Twelve Uninhabited Victuals Villages Wear
Luke 9
1. Jesus sends his apostles to work miracles, and to preach.
7. Herod desires to see Jesus.
10. The apostles return.
12. Jesus feeds five thousand;
18. inquires what opinion the world had of him; foretells his passion;
23. proposes to all the pattern of his patience.
28. The transfiguration.
37. He heals the lunatic;
43. again forewarns his disciples of his passion;
46. commends humility;
51. bids them to show mildness toward all, without desire of revenge.
57. Many would follow him, but upon conditions.














As the day neared its end
This phrase indicates the time of day, suggesting that the events took place in the late afternoon or early evening. In the context of first-century Palestine, this would be a time when people would begin to seek shelter and food for the night. The setting sun would also symbolize the end of a day's work and the need for rest, reflecting the human need for physical sustenance and spiritual renewal. This moment foreshadows the miraculous provision that Jesus is about to perform, highlighting His role as the provider.

the Twelve came to Jesus and said
The Twelve refers to the twelve apostles, who were chosen by Jesus to be His closest followers and to carry on His mission. Their coming to Jesus shows their dependence on Him for guidance and solutions, emphasizing the relationship between the disciples and their Master. This interaction also demonstrates the apostles' growing awareness of the logistical challenges of ministry, as they are concerned about the practical needs of the crowd.

Dismiss the crowd so they can go to the surrounding villages and countryside
The apostles suggest sending the crowd away to find food and lodging, which reflects their concern for the people's well-being. This request also highlights the limitations of human resources and understanding, as the disciples see the solution in terms of natural means. The mention of "surrounding villages and countryside" indicates the rural setting of the event, likely in the region of Bethsaida, as mentioned earlier in the chapter. This area was sparsely populated, which would make finding provisions more challenging.

for lodging and provisions
Lodging and provisions refer to the basic necessities of shelter and food. In the cultural context of the time, hospitality was a significant social value, and travelers often relied on the kindness of strangers for these needs. The disciples' suggestion underscores the importance of these essentials and sets the stage for Jesus to demonstrate His divine ability to provide abundantly beyond human expectations.

For we are in a desolate place here
The description of the location as a "desolate place" emphasizes the isolation and lack of resources available to the crowd. This setting is significant as it mirrors the wilderness experiences of Israel, such as the Exodus journey, where God provided manna from heaven. It also serves as a backdrop for Jesus to reveal His identity as the Bread of Life, drawing a parallel to God's provision in the Old Testament. The desolation underscores the miraculous nature of the feeding that is about to occur, as Jesus transforms scarcity into abundance.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jesus
Central figure in the passage, who is approached by the Twelve for guidance.

2. The Twelve
Refers to the twelve apostles, who are concerned about the crowd's need for food and lodging.

3. The Crowd
A large group of people who have been following Jesus, eager to hear His teachings and witness His miracles.

4. Desolate Place
The setting of the event, indicating a remote area without immediate access to food or shelter.

5. Surrounding Villages and Countryside
The nearby areas where the apostles suggest the crowd could find provisions and lodging.
Teaching Points
Dependence on Divine Provision
The apostles' concern highlights human limitations and the need to rely on God's provision. In times of need, we should turn to God, trusting in His ability to provide beyond our understanding.

Compassion and Responsibility
Jesus' response to the apostles' suggestion demonstrates His compassion and sense of responsibility. As followers of Christ, we are called to care for others, seeking practical ways to meet their needs.

Faith in Action
The apostles' initial reaction was to send the crowd away, but Jesus challenges them to take action. Our faith should lead us to step out in obedience, even when the solution is not immediately apparent.

God's Abundance in Desolation
The setting of a desolate place underscores that God's abundance is not limited by our circumstances. We can trust Him to provide, even in the most barren situations.(12) And when the day began . . .--Literally, and the day began to wear away, and the Twelve came . . .

Into the towns and country.--Better, as before (Luke 9:6, Luke 8:34), the villages and farms.

Verse 12. - And when the day began to wear away, then came the twelve, and said unto him, Send the multitude away, that they may go into the towns and country round about, and lodge, and get victuals: for we are here in a desert place. Simple consideration for the crowds, among whom we know were women and children, probably dictated this remark of the twelve, though it has been with some ingenuity suggested that the advice of the disciples was owing to their fear that, as darkness would soon creep over the scene, some calamity might happen which would give a fresh handle against Jesus to his many enemies.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
As
δὲ (de)
Conjunction
Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc.

the
(Hē)
Article - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

day
ἡμέρα (hēmera)
Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 2250: A day, the period from sunrise to sunset.

neared its end,
κλίνειν (klinein)
Verb - Present Infinitive Active
Strong's 2827: A primary verb; to slant or slope, i.e. Incline or recline.

the
οἱ (hoi)
Article - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

Twelve
δώδεκα (dōdeka)
Adjective - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 1427: Twelve; the usual way in which the Twelve apostles of Jesus are referred to. From duo and deka; two and ten, i.e. A dozen.

came
προσελθόντες (proselthontes)
Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 4334: From pros and erchomai; to approach, i.e. come near, visit, or worship, assent to.

to [Jesus]
αὐτῷ (autō)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

[and] said,
εἶπαν (eipan)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 2036: Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say.

“Dismiss
Ἀπόλυσον (Apolyson)
Verb - Aorist Imperative Active - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 630: From apo and luo; to free fully, i.e. relieve, release, dismiss, or let die, pardon or divorce.

the
τὸν (ton)
Article - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

crowd
ὄχλον (ochlon)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3793: From a derivative of echo; a throng; by implication, the rabble; by extension, a class of people; figuratively, a riot.

so
ἵνα (hina)
Conjunction
Strong's 2443: In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that.

they can go
πορευθέντες (poreuthentes)
Verb - Aorist Participle Passive - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 4198: To travel, journey, go, die.

to
εἰς (eis)
Preposition
Strong's 1519: A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.

the
τὰς (tas)
Article - Accusative Feminine Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

surrounding
κύκλῳ (kyklō)
Adverb
Strong's 2945: A circle, ring. As if dative case of kuklos; i.e. In a circle, i.e. all around.

villages
κώμας (kōmas)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Plural
Strong's 2968: A village, country town. From keimai; a hamlet.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

countryside
ἀγροὺς (agrous)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 68: From ago; a field; genitive case, the country; specially, a farm, i.e. Hamlet.

for lodging
καταλύσωσιν (katalysōsin)
Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 2647: From kata and luo; to loosen down, i.e. to demolish; specially to halt for the night.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

provisions.
ἐπισιτισμόν (episitismon)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1979: Provision, nourishment, food. From a compound of epi and a derivative of sitos; a provisioning, i.e. food.

For
ὅτι (hoti)
Conjunction
Strong's 3754: Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.

we are
ἐσμέν (esmen)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Plural
Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.

in
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

a desolate
ἐρήμῳ (erēmō)
Adjective - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2048: Lonesome, i.e. waste.

place
τόπῳ (topō)
Noun - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5117: Apparently a primary word; a spot, i.e. Location; figuratively, condition, opportunity; specially, a scabbard.

here.?
ὧδε (hōde)
Adverb
Strong's 5602: From an adverb form of hode; in this same spot, i.e. Here or hither.


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NT Gospels: Luke 9:12 The day began to wear away (Luke Lu Lk)
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