And straightway he constrained his disciples to get into the ship, and to go to the other side before unto Bethsaida, while he sent away the people.
And straightway he constrained his disciples to get into the ship, and to go to the other side before (Him) unto Bethsaida - Bethsaida of Galilee (John 12:21). John says they "went over the sea toward Capernaum" - the wind, probably, occasioning this slight deviation from the direction of Bethsaida.
While he sent away the people, х ton (G3588) ochlon (G3793)] - 'the multitude.' His object in this was to put an end to the misdirected excitement in His favour (John 6:15), into which the disciples themselves my have been somewhat drawn. The word "constrained" х eenangkasen (G315)] implies reluctance on their part, perhaps from unwillingness to part with their Master and embark at night, leaving Him alone on the mountain.