Luke 9:12
And when the day began to wear away, then came the twelve, and said unto him, Send the multitude away, that they may go into the towns and country round about, and lodge, and get victuals: for we are here in a desert place.
Luke 9:12 · King James Version
Meaning
In this verse from the Bible, the disciples approach Jesus as the day begins to fade, expressing concern for the large crowd that had gathered to hear him speak. They suggest that Jesus send the multitude away so they can find food and lodging in the surrounding towns and countryside, as they are in a desert place. This passage highlights the disciples' practical nature and their awareness of the physical needs of the people following Jesus. It also reveals their concern for the well-being of the crowd, showing their compassion and desire to ensure that everyone is taken care of. Additionally, this verse sets the stage for the miraculous feeding of the five thousand that follows, demonstrating Jesus' compassion, power, and ability to provide for his followers in ways that surpass human understanding. Overall, this verse serves as a reminder of the importance of caring for others and trusting in God's provision even in seemingly desolate places.
Theological Overview
When examining the theological interpretation of this verse from the book of Luke, it is important to consider the disciples' request to Jesus to send the multitude away to find food and lodging in the towns and countryside nearby. This passage highlights the disciples' concern for the physical needs of the people who had gathered to hear Jesus speak. The disciples were acknowledging the desert location and the practical challenges of providing sustenance for such a large group of people. However, Jesus uses this opportunity to demonstrate his power by performing the miracle of feeding the five thousand with just five loaves of bread and two fish. This miracle serves as a reminder of Jesus' ability to provide for our needs, both physical and spiritual, even in seemingly impossible situations. It also points to the importance of trusting in Jesus' provision and recognizing that he is able to do abundantly more than we can ask or imagine.
Luke 9:12 in other translations
American Standard Version
And the day began to wear away; and the twelve came, and said unto him, Send the multitude away, that they may go into the villages and country round about, and lodge, and get provisions: for we are here in a desert place.
World English Bible
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.”
Douay-Rheims
Now the day began to decline. And the twelve came and said to him: Send away the multitude, that, going into the towns and villages round about, they may lodge and get victuals; for we are here in a desert place.
Geneva Bible (1599)
And when the day began to weare away, the twelue came, and sayd vnto him, Sende the people away, that they may goe into the townes and villages round about, and lodge, and get meate: for we are here in a desart place.