Matthew 14:23
New International Version
After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. Later that night, he was there alone,

New Living Translation
After sending them home, he went up into the hills by himself to pray. Night fell while he was there alone.

English Standard Version
And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone,

Berean Standard Bible
After He had dismissed them, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray. When evening came, He was there alone,

Berean Literal Bible
And having dismissed the crowds, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray. And evening having arrived, He was there alone,

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
And when He had sent the multitudes away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray. Now when evening came, He was alone there.

New American Standard Bible
After He had sent the crowds away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray; and when it was evening, He was there alone.

NASB 1995
After He had sent the crowds away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray; and when it was evening, He was there alone.

NASB 1977
And after He had sent the multitudes away, He went up to the mountain by Himself to pray; and when it was evening, He was there alone.

Legacy Standard Bible
And after He had sent the crowds away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray; and when it was evening, He was there alone.

Amplified Bible
After He had dismissed the crowds, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray. When it was evening, He was there alone.

Christian Standard Bible
After dismissing the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. Well into the night, he was there alone.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
After dismissing the crowds, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray. When evening came, He was there alone.

American Standard Version
And after he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into the mountain apart to pray: and when even was come, he was there alone.

Contemporary English Version
Then he went up on a mountain where he could be alone and pray. Later in the evening, he was still there.

English Revised Version
And after he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into the mountain apart to pray: and when even was come, he was there alone.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
After sending the people away, he went up a mountain to pray by himself. When evening came, he was there alone.

Good News Translation
After sending the people away, he went up a hill by himself to pray. When evening came, Jesus was there alone;

International Standard Version
After dismissing the crowds, he went up on a hillside by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone.

Majority Standard Bible
After He had dismissed them, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray. When evening came, He was there alone,

NET Bible
And after he sent the crowds away, he went up the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone.

New Heart English Bible
And after he had sent the crowds away, he went up into the mountain by himself to pray. When evening had come, he was there alone.

Webster's Bible Translation
And when he had sent the multitudes away, he ascended a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone.

Weymouth New Testament
When He had done this, He climbed the hill to pray in solitude. Night came on, and he was there alone.

World English Bible
After he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into the mountain by himself to pray. When evening had come, he was there alone.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and having let away the multitudes, He went up to the mountain by Himself to pray, and evening having come, He was there alone,

Berean Literal Bible
And having dismissed the crowds, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray. And evening having arrived, He was there alone,

Young's Literal Translation
and having let away the multitudes, he went up to the mountain by himself to pray, and evening having come, he was there alone,

Smith's Literal Translation
And having loosed the crowds, he went up into a mount apart to pray: and being evening, he was there alone.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And having dismissed the multitude, he went into a mountain alone to pray. And when it was evening, he was there alone.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And having dismissed the multitude, he ascended alone onto a mountain to pray. And when evening arrived, he was alone there.

New American Bible
After doing so, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When it was evening he was there alone.

New Revised Standard Version
And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone,
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And when he had dismissed the people, he went up to the mountain alone to pray; and when darkness fell he was still there alone.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
And when he had sent the crowds away, he went up to a mountain alone to pray and when it was dark he was there alone.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into the mountain apart to pray. And when evening came, he was there alone.

Godbey New Testament
And having dismissed the multitudes He went up into the mountain alone, to pray. And it being evening He was there alone.

Haweis New Testament
And when he had sent away the multitude, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when evening came, he was there alone.

Mace New Testament
and when he had dismiss'd them, he retired by himself to a mountain to pray: where he stay'd all alone till the latter part of the evening.

Weymouth New Testament
When He had done this, He climbed the hill to pray in solitude. Night came on, and he was there alone.

Worrell New Testament
And, having dismissed the multitudes, He went up into the mountain, apart, to pray; and, evening coming on, He was there alone.

Worsley New Testament
and when He had dismissed them, He went up to a hill in private to pray.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Jesus Walks on Water
22Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of Him to the other side, while He dismissed the crowds. 23After He had sent them away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray. When evening came, He was there alone, 24but the boat was already far from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it.…

Cross References
Mark 6:46
After bidding them farewell, He went up on the mountain to pray.

Luke 6:12
In those days Jesus went out to the mountain to pray, and He spent the night in prayer to God.

John 6:15
Then Jesus, realizing that they were about to come and make Him king by force, withdrew again to a mountain by Himself.

Matthew 6:6
But when you pray, go into your inner room, shut your door, and pray to your Father, who is unseen. And your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

Matthew 26:36
Then Jesus went with His disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and He told them, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.”

Luke 5:16
Yet He frequently withdrew to the wilderness to pray.

Luke 9:18
One day as Jesus was praying in private and the disciples were with Him, He questioned them: “Who do the crowds say I am?”

Luke 22:41
And He withdrew about a stone’s throw beyond them, where He knelt down and prayed,

John 17:1
When Jesus had spoken these things, He lifted up His eyes to heaven and said, “Father, the hour has come. Glorify Your Son, that Your Son may glorify You.

Hebrews 5:7
During the days of Jesus’ earthly life, He offered up prayers and petitions with loud cries and tears to the One who could save Him from death, and He was heard because of His reverence.

Psalm 55:17
Morning, noon, and night, I cry out in distress, and He hears my voice.

Psalm 109:4
In return for my love they accuse me, but I am a man of prayer.

Psalm 5:3
In the morning, O LORD, You hear my voice; at daybreak I lay my plea before You and wait in expectation.

Psalm 88:13
But to You, O LORD, I cry for help; in the morning my prayer comes before You.

Daniel 6:10
Now when Daniel learned that the document had been signed, he went into his house, where the windows of his upper room opened toward Jerusalem, and three times a day he got down on his knees, prayed, and gave thanks to his God, just as he had done before.


Treasury of Scripture

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.

he went.

Matthew 6:6
But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.

Matthew 26:36
Then cometh Jesus with them unto a place called Gethsemane, and saith unto the disciples, Sit ye here, while I go and pray yonder.

Mark 6:46
And when he had sent them away, he departed into a mountain to pray.

he was.

John 6:15-17
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…

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Alone Apart Ascended Climbed Crowds Dismissed Evening Hill Mountain Mountainside Multitudes Night Solitude
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Alone Apart Ascended Climbed Crowds Dismissed Evening Hill Mountain Mountainside Multitudes Night Solitude
Matthew 14
1. Herod's opinion of Jesus.
3. Wherefore John Baptist was beheaded.
13. Jesus departs into a solitary place,
15. where he feeds five thousand men with five loves and two fishes.
22. He walks on the sea to his disciples;
34. and landing at Gennesaret,
35. heals the sick who touch of the hem of his garment.














After He had dismissed them
This phrase refers to Jesus dismissing the crowds after the miraculous feeding of the five thousand. This act of dismissal shows Jesus' authority and compassion, ensuring the people were fed both physically and spiritually before sending them away. It also highlights His understanding of the need for solitude and prayer, setting an example for His disciples and followers.

He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray
Mountains in biblical times were often seen as places of divine encounter and revelation. Jesus frequently sought solitude in such places to commune with the Father, demonstrating His dependence on God and the importance of prayer. This act underscores His dual nature as both fully God and fully man, needing time in prayer to align His human will with the divine purpose. It also prefigures the transfiguration, another significant event on a mountain.

When evening came
The mention of evening sets the scene for the subsequent events, emphasizing the passage of time and the transition from day to night. In biblical symbolism, evening can represent a time of reflection and preparation for what is to come. It also foreshadows the coming storm on the Sea of Galilee, setting the stage for Jesus' miraculous walk on water.

He was there alone
This emphasizes Jesus' intentional solitude, highlighting the importance of withdrawing from the busyness of ministry to seek God's presence. It reflects the biblical principle of finding strength and guidance in quietness and trust. Jesus' solitude also serves as a model for believers to seek personal time with God, away from distractions, to recharge spiritually and gain clarity for their mission.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jesus
The central figure in this passage, Jesus is depicted as seeking solitude for prayer, demonstrating His dependence on the Father and His need for spiritual renewal.

2. The Disciples
Although not directly mentioned in this verse, they are the ones Jesus sent away. They are likely on the Sea of Galilee, heading to the other side as instructed by Jesus.

3. The Mountain
A place of solitude and elevation, symbolizing a closer connection to God. Mountains are often depicted in Scripture as places of revelation and prayer.

4. Evening
The time of day when Jesus is alone, indicating a deliberate choice to spend significant time in prayer, possibly reflecting the Jewish practice of evening prayer.

5. Prayer
The act of communication with God, highlighting Jesus' example of seeking the Father’s presence and guidance.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Solitude in Prayer
Jesus models the necessity of withdrawing from daily distractions to focus on communion with God. Believers should seek regular times of solitude to deepen their relationship with the Father.

Prayer as a Source of Strength
Jesus' example shows that prayer is vital for spiritual strength and guidance. Christians are encouraged to prioritize prayer, especially during challenging times.

Following Jesus' Example
As followers of Christ, emulating His prayer life is crucial. This includes setting aside dedicated time for prayer and seeking God’s will in all aspects of life.

The Role of Prayer in Decision-Making
Jesus prayed before significant events, teaching us to seek God’s wisdom and direction before making important decisions.

The Peace of God in Prayer
Consistent prayer leads to peace and assurance, as believers entrust their concerns to God, aligning with the promise found in Philippians 4:6-7.Verse 23. - And when he had sent the multitudes away. Matthew speaks merely of the dismissal as such (ἀπολύσας τοὺς ὄχλους); Mark refers to his parting words (ἀποταξάμενος αὐτοῖς, i.e. probably to the multitude). He went up into a mountain - the mountain (Revised Version); Matthew 5:1, note - apart. Κατ ἰδίαν is to be joined with the preceding, and not to the following words (cf. ver. 13; Matthew 17:19). And when the evening was come (ver. 15, note), he was there alone. For some eight hours, if it was spring or autumn (ver. 25).

Parallel Commentaries ...


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

He had sent [them] away,
ἀπολύσας (apolysas)
Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 630: From apo and luo; to free fully, i.e. relieve, release, dismiss, or let die, pardon or divorce.

He went up
ἀνέβη (anebē)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 305: To go up, mount, ascend; of things: I rise, spring up, come up. From ana and the base of basis; to go up.

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

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

mountain
ὄρος (oros)
Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3735: A mountain, hill. Probably from an obsolete oro; a mountain: -hill, mount(-ain).

by
κατ’ (kat’)
Preposition
Strong's 2596: A primary particle; down, in varied relations (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined).

Himself
ἰδίαν (idian)
Adjective - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 2398: Pertaining to self, i.e. One's own; by implication, private or separate.

to pray.
προσεύξασθαι (proseuxasthai)
Verb - Aorist Infinitive Middle
Strong's 4336: To pray, pray for, offer prayer. From pros and euchomai; to pray to God, i.e. Supplicate, worship.

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

evening
ὀψίας (opsias)
Adjective - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 3798: Late, evening. From opse; late; feminine afternoon or nightfall.

came,
γενομένης (genomenēs)
Verb - Aorist Participle Middle - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 1096: A prolongation and middle voice form of a primary verb; to cause to be, i.e. to become, used with great latitude.

He was
ἦν (ēn)
Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.

there
ἐκεῖ (ekei)
Adverb
Strong's 1563: (a) there, yonder, in that place, (b) thither, there. Of uncertain affinity; there; by extension, thither.

alone,
μόνος (monos)
Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3441: Only, solitary, desolate. Probably from meno; remaining, i.e. Sole or single; by implication, mere.


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NT Gospels: Matthew 14:23 After he had sent the multitudes away (Matt. Mat Mt)
Matthew 14:22
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