{When even was come} (opsias genomen(8873)). Genitive
absolute. Not sunset about 6 P.M. as in  8:16  and as in  14:23 ,
but the first of the two "evenings" beginning at 3 P.M. {The
place is desert} (er(886d)os estin ho topos). Not a desolate
region, simply lonely, comparatively uninhabited with no large
towns near. There were "villages" (k(936d)as) where the people
could buy food, but they would need time to go to them. Probably
this is the idea of the disciples when they add: {The time is
already past} (h(8820)h(9372)a (8864)(8820)par(886c)then). They must hurry.