New Testament

Luke 5:16

Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.

ClearClear Bible Translation

And he withdrew to a deserted place and prayed.

Compare translations
KJVKing James Version

And he withdrew himself into the wilderness, and prayed.

What Luke 5:16 means

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.

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

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.

A painting of Andrew bringing his brother Simon to Jesus

Illustrated scene from Peter's story: Andrew Brings Simon to Jesus (John 1:40–42)

Meet the people of the Bible

Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.

Peter

An old color photograph of Bethlehem on a ridge above terraces of olive trees.

Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002724966). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Bethlehem, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. 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.

Bethlehem

David's hometown, and the town where Jesus was born.

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 Plans

Ask AI about Luke 5:16

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 5:16

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 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.

Daily Verse — straight to your inbox

A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.