New Testament
Luke 4:42
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
At daybreak, Jesus left and went to a remote place. The crowds searched for him, and when they found him, they tried to keep him from leaving.
Compare translations
And when it was day, he departed and went into a desert place: and the people sought him, and came unto him, and stayed him, that he should not depart from them.
What Luke 4:42 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, we see Jesus rising early in the morning to find a quiet place to pray and recharge. Despite his desire for solitude, the crowds actively seek him out, demonstrating their need for his teachings and miracles. They find him and try to persuade him to stay with them, showing their desperation for his presence and the hope he brings. This moment highlights the tension between Jesus' need for rest and the demands of the people who are eager for his help. It reflects the human tendency to cling to what brings us hope and healing, even when it may not be in the best interest of the one we seek. Jesus' response to this situation is significant, as it sets the stage for his mission to spread the message of the Kingdom of God beyond just one location, emphasizing the importance of his purpose over personal comfort.
How to apply Luke 4:42 to your life
This verse encourages us to seek quiet moments for reflection and prayer, even amidst life's demands. It reminds us that while we may feel pulled in many directions, prioritizing our spiritual health is essential for effective service to others.
Curated for this public verse page. Luke Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: An Angel Visits Mary (Luke 1:26–38)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Jesus
Photo: Gary Todd (Gary Lee Todd, Ph.D.), via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication. Source. Location: Southern end of the Temple Mount, Jerusalem Old City. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Jerusalem
David's capital, the city of the temple, and the place where Jesus died and rose again.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Luke 4:42
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Luke 4:42
At a Glance — the Book of Luke
- Author
- Luke the physician
- Written
- Around AD 60-62
- Genre
- Gospel and history
- Original Audience
- Gentile Christians (addressed to Theophilus)
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Luke 4:42 teach about Jesus' need for solitude?
Luke 4:42 illustrates that even Jesus, despite his divine mission, sought moments of solitude for prayer and reflection. This emphasizes the importance of taking time away from the demands of life to recharge spiritually. It shows that rest and connection with God are vital for maintaining strength and focus in our responsibilities.
Why did the crowds seek Jesus in Luke 4:42?
The crowds sought Jesus because they were desperate for his teachings and miracles. His presence brought hope and healing, and they wanted to keep him close to continue receiving his guidance. This reflects a common human desire to cling to sources of hope, especially during times of need.
How can we apply the lessons from Luke 4:42 in our lives?
We can apply the lessons from Luke 4:42 by prioritizing our spiritual health through regular moments of solitude and prayer. Just as Jesus took time to recharge, we should also carve out time in our busy lives to reflect and connect with God, ensuring we are spiritually equipped to serve others effectively.
What is the significance of Jesus leaving the crowd in Luke 4:42?
Jesus leaving the crowd signifies his commitment to his mission over personal comfort. While the people wanted him to stay, he understood that his purpose was to spread the message of the Kingdom of God to more places. This teaches us about the importance of following our calling, even when it means stepping away from immediate demands.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.