New Testament
Matthew 14:23
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
After he had sent everyone away, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone.
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And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone.
What Matthew 14:23 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, we see Jesus taking time for solitude and prayer after a busy day of ministry. He had just fed the 5,000 and needed to recharge spiritually. By going up a mountainside, he sought a quiet place away from the crowds. This highlights the importance of personal prayer and reflection in our lives. Jesus, despite his divine nature, modeled the need for connection with God through prayer. The evening signifies a time of rest and contemplation, emphasizing that even in the midst of busyness, we should prioritize our spiritual well-being. Jesus' example teaches us that solitude can be a powerful way to reconnect with God and gain clarity. It reminds us that taking time alone to pray is essential for our spiritual health and growth.
How to apply Matthew 14:23 to your life
We can apply this verse by setting aside time in our busy lives for solitude and prayer. Just as Jesus did, we should find a quiet place to reflect and connect with God. This practice can help us gain clarity and strength for our daily challenges.
Curated for this public verse page. Matthew Summary
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Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: Walking on the Water (Matthew 14:22–33)
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Jesus
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725045). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nazareth, Israel; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
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Nazareth
The small town in Galilee where Jesus grew up.
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Keep studying Matthew 14:23
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Key themes
At a Glance — the Book of Matthew
- Author
- Matthew the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 60-70
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- Jewish Christians
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Matthew 14:23 mean?
Matthew 14:23 shows Jesus taking time alone to pray after a busy day of ministry. It emphasizes the importance of solitude and prayer for spiritual recharge.
Why did Jesus go to a mountainside to pray in Matthew 14:23?
Jesus went to a mountainside to pray to find a quiet place away from the crowds. This highlights his need for personal reflection and connection with God.
What is the significance of Jesus praying alone in Matthew 14:23?
The significance of Jesus praying alone in Matthew 14:23 is that it demonstrates the importance of personal prayer and solitude in maintaining spiritual health.
How can I apply the lesson from Matthew 14:23 in my life?
You can apply the lesson from Matthew 14:23 by setting aside time for solitude and prayer in your busy life, helping you to reflect and connect with God.
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