A.T. Robertson Commentary Matthew 14:15

"And when even was come, the disciples came to him, saying, The place is desert, and the time is already past; send the multitudes away, that they may go into the villages, and buy themselves food." — Matthew 14:15 (ASV)

When even was come (οψιας γενομενης). 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 (ερημος εστιν ο τοπος). Not a desolate region, simply lonely, comparatively uninhabited with no large towns near. There were "villages" (κωμας) 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 (η ωρα ηδη παρηλθεν). They must hurry.