New Testament
Luke 5:16
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this verse, Jesus takes time away from the crowds and the demands of his ministry to find solitude in a deserted place.
- Author
- Luke the physician
- Written
- Around AD 60-62
- Genre
- Gospel and history
- Original Audience
- Gentile Christians (addressed to Theophilus)
And he withdrew to a deserted place and prayed.
And he withdrew himself into the wilderness, and prayed.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus takes time away from the crowds and the demands of his ministry to find solitude in a deserted place. This act of withdrawing signifies the importance of prayer and personal connection with God. Jesus, despite his busy life and the many people seeking his help, prioritizes time alone to pray. This shows us that even in the midst of our responsibilities, it is crucial to step back and recharge spiritually. By seeking solitude, Jesus models for us the need to cultivate our relationship with God through prayer. It highlights the balance between serving others and nurturing our own spiritual health. This verse encourages believers to find their own quiet spaces to pray and reflect, emphasizing that prayer is essential for guidance and strength in our daily lives.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Luke 5:16 to your life
To apply this verse, set aside regular time for solitude and prayer in your life. Find a quiet place where you can connect with God without distractions. Use this time to reflect, seek guidance, and strengthen your relationship with Him, just as Jesus did.
Curated for this public verse page. Luke Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Luke 5:16 mean?
Luke 5:16 shows Jesus withdrawing to a deserted place to pray, highlighting the importance of solitude and prayer in maintaining a personal connection with God. It emphasizes that even amidst busy lives, taking time for spiritual recharge is essential.
What is the significance of Jesus praying in Luke 5:16?
In Luke 5:16, Jesus' act of praying signifies his reliance on God for strength and guidance. It serves as a model for believers to prioritize prayer and solitude in their own lives.
Why did Jesus withdraw to a deserted place in Luke 5:16?
Jesus withdrew to a deserted place to escape the crowds and distractions, allowing him to focus on prayer and his relationship with God. This illustrates the need for personal time away from responsibilities.
How can I apply Luke 5:16 to my life?
To apply Luke 5:16, set aside regular time for solitude and prayer in your daily routine. Find a quiet space to reflect and connect with God, just as Jesus did.

The Book of Luke
Luke 1: The Births of John the Baptist and Jesus Foretold
In the days of Herod, king of Judaea, a priest named Zacharias serves in the temple. He and his wife Elisabeth are both righteous but have no children because Elisabeth is barren, and they are both old. While Zacharias burns incense, the angel Gabriel appears to him and says Elisabeth will bear a son who is to be named John. The child will be great before the Lord, will drink no wine or strong drink, and will be filled with the Holy Ghost from his mother's womb. He will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God. Zacharias asks how he can know this, since he and his wife are old. Gabriel says Zacharias will be unable to speak until these things come to pass because he did not believe.
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