Luke 5:16 Meaning and Explanation
“And he withdrew himself into the wilderness, and prayed.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →As the crowds grow, Jesus withdraws into the wilderness and prays.
What Does Luke 5:16 Mean?
Luke describes a habit, not a single event: as demand surges, Jesus keeps withdrawing to deserted places to pray. At the very peak of his popularity — multitudes gathering, fame spreading — he steps away from the crowd to be alone with his Father, where no one is asking anything of him and everything he gives is replenished.
The verse is brief, and it carries a whole theology of prayer. If the Son of God met overwhelming demand by seeking his Father's presence, then prayer is not the luxury of empty hours; it is the spring from which the work flows. The pattern stands for every servant of God since: the busier the season, the deeper the need for the quiet place.
Frequently Asked Questions About Luke 5:16
What does Luke 5:16 mean?
As the crowds grow, Jesus withdraws into the wilderness and prays.