Luke 5:16

16 And *he* withdrew himself, and was about in the desert [places] and praying.

Luke 5:16 Meaning and Commentary

Luke 5:16

And he withdrew himself into the wilderness
Into a desert place, that he might have rest from the fatigues of preaching and healing diseases; and being alone, and free from company, might have an opportunity for private prayer to God, for so it lows:

and prayed;
this is to be understood of Christ, as man: as God, he is the object of prayer, and petitions are often addressed unto him; and as mediator, he offers up the prayers of all saints, and presents them to his Father; which are acceptable to him, through the incense of his mediation; and as man, he prayed himself: what he now prayed for, is not known; sometimes he prayed for his disciples, and for all that should believe; for their conversion, sanctification, union, perseverance, and glorification; and sometimes for himself, that the cup might pass from him, and he be saved from death; but always with submission to the will of his Father.

Luke 5:16 In-Context

14 And he enjoined him to tell no one; but go, shew thyself to the priest, and offer for thy cleansing as Moses ordained, for a testimony to them.

15 But the report concerning him was spread abroad still more, and great crowds came together to hear, and to be healed from their infirmities.

16 And *he* withdrew himself, and was about in the desert [places] and praying.

17 And it came to pass on one of the days, that *he* was teaching, and there were Pharisees and doctors of the law sitting by, who were come out of every village of Galilee and Judaea and [out of] Jerusalem; and [the] Lord's power was [there] to heal them.

18 And lo, men bringing upon a couch a man who was paralysed; and they sought to bring him in, and put [him] before him.

Footnotes

• [a]. Lit. 'And (or 'But') he was withdrawing himself in the deserts and praying.' He was at that time waiting, occupied with prayer.