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 sent them away, 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 sent them away, 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
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 sent them away
This phrase indicates a deliberate action by Jesus to dismiss the crowds and His disciples. The Greek word for "sent away" is "ἀπολύσας" (apolysas), which implies a release or letting go. This action reflects Jesus' intentionality in creating space for solitude and prayer. In a historical context, this demonstrates Jesus' understanding of the need for balance between ministry and personal communion with God. It serves as a model for believers to prioritize time alone with God amidst the demands of life.

He went up on the mountain
The act of going up on a mountain is significant in biblical narratives, often symbolizing a place of divine encounter and revelation. Mountains are frequently depicted as places where God reveals Himself, as seen with Moses on Mount Sinai. The Greek word "ὄρος" (oros) for "mountain" suggests a place set apart, elevated above the ordinary. This setting underscores the sacredness of Jesus' prayer time, highlighting the importance of seeking God in places of quiet and separation from daily distractions.

by Himself
The emphasis on Jesus being "by Himself" underscores the value of solitude in spiritual practice. The Greek "κατ' ἰδίαν" (kat' idian) conveys a sense of privacy and personal space. This solitude is not loneliness but a purposeful withdrawal to focus on communion with the Father. It reflects the necessity for believers to find moments of solitude to deepen their relationship with God, free from external influences and interruptions.

to pray
Prayer is central to Jesus' life and ministry, serving as a vital connection with the Father. The Greek word "προσεύξασθαι" (proseuxasthai) for "to pray" indicates an ongoing, intentional dialogue with God. This act of prayer is not merely a ritual but a profound expression of dependence and relationship. Jesus' example teaches the importance of prayer as a source of strength, guidance, and renewal, encouraging believers to cultivate a consistent prayer life.

When evening came
The mention of "evening" sets the scene and indicates the passage of time. In the Jewish context, evening marks the beginning of a new day, symbolizing transition and reflection. The Greek "ὀψίας" (opsias) for "evening" suggests a time of winding down and introspection. This timing highlights the rhythm of Jesus' life, balancing active ministry with reflective prayer, and serves as a reminder for believers to incorporate moments of reflection and prayer into their daily routines.

He was there alone
The repetition of Jesus being "alone" reinforces the theme of solitude. The Greek "μόνος" (monos) for "alone" emphasizes the intentional withdrawal from others to focus on God. This solitude is portrayed not as isolation but as a necessary aspect of spiritual discipline. It challenges believers to embrace times of aloneness with God as opportunities for growth, clarity, and spiritual renewal, following Jesus' example of prioritizing personal communion with the Father.

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)
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