Matthew 14:13Now when Jesus heard this, he withdrew from there in a boat, to a deserted place apart. When the multitudes heard it, they followed him on foot from the cities.
The setting
Sea of Galilee, northern Israel, ~29 AD. Jesus has just learned of John the Baptist's brutal execution by Herod. He seeks solitude but crowds track His movements around the lake.
The emotion here: recording Jesus's very human need to process grief privately
The original word
anachōreō (ἀνεχώρησεν) — strategic withdrawal, not retreat in defeat but purposeful repositioning
Why it matters
The crowds followed on foot around the northern shore while Jesus crossed by boat - about 8 miles of walking
Read with care
What most readers miss in Matthew 14:13
Jesus was grieving His cousin John's death when thousands interrupted His solitude
Common misconceptionPeople think Jesus withdrew because He was weak or avoiding ministry. He withdrew to process John's death - showing us that grief requires intentional space, not constant availability.
The thread continues
Verses that echo Matthew 14:13
Bible Genome reading
Matthew 14:13 — Bible Genome reading
Emotional genome
Matthew 14:13 comes from the book of Matthew, written during the gospel period. These words are attributed to Matthew. The dominant emotion in this verse is grieving, with a comfort power of 40% and a tone that is reflective. It belongs to the narrative genre of biblical literature. Key themes include Jesus grieves, seeking solitude. Notable phrases: when Jesus heard this; withdrew from there; deserted place apart; multitudes followed.
Emotionally similar
Verses that meet the same grieving
“By the sweat of your face will you eat bread until you return to the ground, for out of it you were taken. For you are dust, and to dust you…”
— Genesis 3:19
“Jesus wept.”
— John 11:35
“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from helping me, and from the words of my groaning?”
— Psalms 22:1
“They divide my garments among them. They cast lots for my clothing.”
— Psalms 22:18
“for all have sinned, and fall short of the glory of God;”
— Romans 3:23
Your reflection
What does Matthew 14:13 mean to you, today?
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