Luke 9:12 - 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.”

Generated Verse: Luke 9:12

What does "Luke 9:12" mean?


This verse from Luke 9:12 describes a situation where Jesus and his twelve disciples are with a large crowd of people in a remote, desolate area. The day is drawing to a close, and the disciples are concerned about the practical needs of the multitude.

Here's a breakdown of the meaning:

"The day began to wear away...": This signifies the end of the day and the approaching darkness. It emphasizes the urgency of the situation, as travel and finding resources would become more difficult after dark.

"...and the twelve came, and said to him...": The twelve disciples, Jesus' closest followers, act as intermediaries between the crowd and Jesus. They are observing the situation and recognizing the potential problem.

"Send the multitude away...": The disciples' proposal is to dismiss the crowd. Their primary concern is the well-being of the people.

"...that they may go into the surrounding villages and farms...": They suggest sending the people to nearby populated areas where they can find lodging (a place to stay overnight) and food.

"...and lodge, and get food...": This highlights the basic necessities that the crowd would need - shelter and sustenance.

"...for we are here in a deserted place.": This underlines the reason for their concern. They are in an isolated area where resources are scarce. There's no readily available food or accommodation for such a large gathering.

In essence, the verse reveals the disciples' pragmatic concern for the physical needs of the crowd. They recognize that the group is in a difficult situation and propose a logical solution: send them to where they can find the resources they need. It sets the stage for the miracle that follows in the subsequent verses, where Jesus miraculously feeds the five thousand.

The verse also highlights a contrast: The disciples focus on a practical, logistical solution, while Jesus will demonstrate a solution that transcends ordinary human capabilities. It also provides a glimpse into the disciples' role as managers and overseers of Jesus' ministry.