John 6:10

KJV

And Jesus said, Make the men sit down. Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, in number about five thousand.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} Jesus {G2424} said {G2036}, Make {G4160} the men {G444} sit down {G377}. Now {G1161} there was {G2258} much {G4183} grass {G5528} in {G1722} the place {G5117}. So {G3767} the men {G435} sat down {G377}, in number {G706} about {G5616} five thousand {G4000}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Yeshua said, “Have the people sit down.” There was a lot of grass there, so they sat down. The number of men was about five thousand.

Berean Standard Bible

“Have the people sit down,” Jesus said. Now there was plenty of grass in that place, so the men sat down, about five thousand of them.

American Standard Version

Jesus said, Make the people sit down. Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, in number about five thousand.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
John 6:10 sets the immediate scene for Jesus' miraculous feeding of the five thousand, showcasing His divine authority and meticulous order even amidst a vast crowd. Jesus commands the men to recline, noting the abundant grass in the location, and records the precise number of men who sat down, establishing the foundational elements for the extraordinary provision that is about to unfold.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of the larger narrative of the feeding of the five thousand, which begins in [John 6:1](/john/6-1 "John 6:1 - Jesus Crosses the Sea of Galilee"). Prior to this, Jesus has crossed the Sea of Galilee, and a great multitude has followed Him, drawn by His healing miracles ([John 6:2](/john/6-2 "John 6:2 - Crowds Follow Jesus")). Jesus, knowing what He was about to do, tests Philip concerning how to feed such a vast crowd ([John 6:5-6](/john/6-5-6 "John 6:5-6 - Jesus Tests Philip")). Andrew then points out a boy with five barley loaves and two small fish, highlighting the inadequacy of human resources for such a task ([John 6:8-9](/john/6-8-9 "John 6:8-9 - Andrew Points Out the Boy's Lunch")). John 6:10 immediately follows this, demonstrating Jesus' transition from assessing the human dilemma to enacting His divine solution, emphasizing His sovereign control and the orderly nature of His impending miracle.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The event takes place on the eastern side of the Sea of Galilee, likely in a solitary place near Bethsaida or Capernaum, where large, open grassy areas were common. The mention of the [Passover feast drawing near](/john/6-4 "John 6:4 - Passover is Near") is significant, as it explains the presence of such a large gathering of people, many of whom would have been pilgrims traveling to Jerusalem. Culturally, the command to "sit down" (Greek: _anapíptō'_) implies reclining, which was the customary posture for guests at a formal meal or banquet in the ancient Near East. This detail subtly elevates the impending miraculous feeding from a mere provision of food to a divine banquet, echoing the messianic feasting prophecies in the Old Testament. The counting of "five thousand" men also reflects a common practice of the time, where women and children were often not enumerated in such public counts, implying the total number of attendees was considerably higher.
* **Key Themes:** John 6:10 contributes to several key themes within the Gospel of John and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores **Jesus' Divine Authority and Sovereignty**. His simple, direct command to "Make the men sit down" demonstrates His absolute control over the situation and the crowd, even before the miracle takes place. This highlights His role as the one who brings order out of potential chaos, a characteristic consistent with His divine nature. Secondly, the detail of "much grass in the place" introduces the theme of **Abundant Provision and Divine Hospitality**. The comfortable, suitable setting for reclining foreshadows the lavish and more-than-sufficient provision Jesus is about to offer, echoing the imagery of God's provision in the wilderness for Israel (e.g., [Exodus 16](/exodus/16 "Exodus 16 - Manna and Quail")). Lastly, the sheer number of "about five thousand" men emphasizes the **Immense Human Need** that Jesus is uniquely able to meet. This sets the stage for the revelation of Jesus as the [Bread of Life](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus the Bread of Life"), the ultimate satisfier of spiritual hunger, a theme further developed throughout [John 6](/john/6 "John 6 - Jesus the Bread of Life").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **said (Greek, _épō'_):** This verb denotes a direct, authoritative utterance. It's not merely a suggestion but a command, highlighting Jesus' initiative and control over the situation. The use of this specific verb emphasizes the weight and power of Jesus' words, which are immediately obeyed.
* **Make (Greek, _poiéō'_):** This verb is broad in its application, meaning "to make or do." In this context, it signifies Jesus' active instruction to His disciples to arrange the crowd. It implies a deliberate action and organization on His part, not a passive observation of the situation. Jesus is actively orchestrating the scene for the miracle.
* **sit down (Greek, _anapíptō'_):** This word specifically means "to fall back" or "to recline," particularly in the context of taking one's place at a meal. It's not just about sitting on the ground, but about assuming a posture of rest and readiness for a banquet. This detail is crucial for understanding the symbolic nature of the feeding as a divine feast.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Jesus said, 'Make the men sit down.'":** This opening clause immediately establishes Jesus' leadership and authority. Faced with a vast, hungry crowd and limited resources, Jesus does not express concern or confusion. Instead, He issues a clear, direct command to His disciples, initiating a process of order and preparation. This command is a prelude to the miracle, demonstrating that divine provision often follows human obedience and organization.
* **"Now there was much grass in the place.":** This seemingly incidental detail provides important context and foreshadowing. The presence of "much grass" indicates a suitable, comfortable, and perhaps even picturesque setting for a large gathering to recline. It implies a place of rest and abundance, subtly preparing the reader for the lavish provision that is about to occur. It also contrasts with the scarcity of food, highlighting the divine ability to transform any environment into a place of blessing.
* **"So the men sat down, in number about five thousand.":** This concluding clause confirms the immediate obedience to Jesus' command and quantifies the scale of the impending miracle. The fact that "the men sat down" indicates the disciples' successful execution of Jesus' order, bringing order to the multitude. The precise number of "about five thousand" men (excluding women and children, as noted in parallel accounts) underscores the immense scale of the human need and, consequently, the magnitude of Jesus' miraculous power to satisfy it.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices. **Setting** is crucial, with the "much grass" providing a pastoral, almost idyllic backdrop that contrasts with the urgent need, subtly hinting at the abundance to come and evoking images of the Lord as a shepherd leading His flock to green pastures. **Foreshadowing** is evident in the command to "sit down" and the mention of the grass, preparing the audience for a meal, specifically a banquet, rather than just a quick bite. This posture of reclining anticipates the messianic banquet. The precise numerical detail of "five thousand" men functions as **Hyperbole** or **Emphasis**, highlighting the immense scale of the crowd and thereby magnifying the subsequent miracle. It also serves as a factual anchor, lending credibility to the extraordinary event that follows. Furthermore, the direct command from Jesus exemplifies **Divine Authority**, showcasing His power to command both nature and humanity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 6:10 is a powerful testament to Jesus' divine nature, demonstrating His sovereign authority not only over creation but also over human circumstances. It reveals a God who is not chaotic but orderly, who prepares the way for His miraculous provision, and who meets needs on an unimaginable scale. The act of making the crowd recline on the grass evokes the imagery of a shepherd leading his flock to green pastures, foreshadowing Jesus' role as the Good Shepherd who provides for His sheep. This scene lays the groundwork for understanding Jesus as the ultimate provider, the one who satisfies both physical and spiritual hunger, pointing towards the greater spiritual sustenance He offers as the Bread of Life.

* [Matthew 14:13-21](/matthew/14-13-21 "Matthew's Account of the Feeding of the Five Thousand")
* [Mark 6:30-44](/mark/6-30-44 "Mark's Account of the Feeding of the Five Thousand")
* [Luke 9:10-17](/luke/9-10-17 "Luke's Account of the Feeding of the Five Thousand")
* [Psalm 23:2](/psalm/23-2 "Psalm 23:2 - He Makes Me Lie Down in Green Pastures")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
John 6:10 offers profound insights for our spiritual journey, reminding us that even in overwhelming situations, Jesus is a God of order, not chaos. When faced with seemingly insurmountable challenges or vast needs, our first inclination might be to panic or feel overwhelmed by the inadequacy of our resources. However, Jesus' command to "Make the men sit down" teaches us the importance of preparation, obedience, and trust. Before the miracle, there was order. This implies that while God performs the miraculous, He often calls us to participate in the process through faithful obedience and practical preparation. We are invited to surrender our limited resources and trust His boundless power to meet our needs, just as He did for the vast crowd on the grassy plain. This verse encourages us to create space, both physically and spiritually, for God to work, believing that His provision will not only be sufficient but abundant, far exceeding our expectations. It calls us to rest in His authority, knowing that He is fully aware of our circumstances and has a perfect plan for provision.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jesus' command to "Make the men sit down" challenge our tendency to rush into solutions when faced with overwhelming problems?**
* **In what areas of your life do you need to invite Jesus' order and authority before you can expect His miraculous provision?**
* **How does the detail of "much grass" encourage you to trust in God's ability to provide comfort and abundance even in seemingly barren situations?**
* **What "limited resources" are you holding onto that Jesus might be asking you to surrender and prepare for His multiplication?**

### FAQ
**Why did Jesus make them sit down, rather than just feeding them while standing?**

Answer: Jesus' command to "Make the men sit down" (specifically, to recline) was not merely for convenience but carried significant symbolic weight. In ancient Near Eastern culture, reclining was the customary posture for guests at a formal meal or banquet. By having the crowd recline, Jesus was transforming a simple act of feeding into a sacred, communal feast. This posture foreshadowed the messianic banquet, a common Old Testament image of God's abundant provision and fellowship in the kingdom (e.g., [Isaiah 25:6-9](/isaiah/25-6-9 "Isaiah 25:6-9 - The Lord's Feast for All Peoples")). It also demonstrated Jesus' authority and the orderly nature of His divine provision, ensuring that everyone was prepared to receive the blessing. It created a sense of peace and expectation, rather than chaotic scrambling for food.

**Why is the "much grass" in the place mentioned? Is it just a descriptive detail?**

Answer: While seemingly a simple descriptive detail, the mention of "much grass in the place" is highly significant. Firstly, it confirms the suitable environment for a large crowd to recline comfortably, reinforcing the idea of a banquet setting. Secondly, it adds to the imagery of abundance and provision, subtly contrasting with the initial scarcity of food. It evokes the pastoral imagery of [Psalm 23](/psalm/23 "Psalm 23 - The Lord is My Shepherd"), where the Lord "makes me lie down in green pastures," emphasizing Jesus' role as the Good Shepherd who provides rest and sustenance for His flock. This detail elevates the setting from a mere location to a symbolic space of divine care and forthcoming blessing, enriching the narrative's theological depth.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
John 6:10, in its meticulous detail and command for order, profoundly points to Jesus Christ as the ultimate fulfillment of God's provision and the host of the divine banquet. Jesus, the one who commands the multitude to recline on the grass, is the very [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), foreshadowing His ultimate sacrifice that provides spiritual nourishment for all eternity. His act of feeding the five thousand on the grassy plain is a tangible sign of His identity as the [Bread of Life](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life"), the true manna from heaven that gives life to the world ([John 6:33](/john/6-33 "John 6:33 - The True Bread from Heaven")). This miracle, orchestrated with divine order, anticipates the heavenly banquet, the [Marriage Supper of the Lamb](/revelation/19-9 "Revelation 19:9 - The Marriage Supper of the Lamb"), where believers will recline with Christ in eternal fellowship. Just as He provided for the physical hunger of thousands, He ultimately offers Himself as the spiritual food that satisfies the deepest longings of the human soul, inviting all to come and partake of His abundant grace and eternal life ([John 6:51](/john/6-51 "John 6:51 - Jesus Gives His Flesh for the Life of the World")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Luke 9:14

For they were about five thousand men. And he said to his disciples, Make them sit down by fifties in a company.

Luke 9:16

Then he took the five loaves and the two fishes, and looking up to heaven, he blessed them, and brake, and gave to the disciples to set before the multitude.

Matthew 14:18

He said, Bring them hither to me.

Matthew 14:19

And he commanded the multitude to sit down on the grass, and took the five loaves, and the two fishes, and looking up to heaven, he blessed, and brake, and gave the loaves to [his] disciples, and the disciples to the multitude.

Mark 8:6

And he commanded the people to sit down on the ground: and he took the seven loaves, and gave thanks, and brake, and gave to his disciples to set before [them]; and they did set [them] before the people.

Mark 8:7

And they had a few small fishes: and he blessed, and commanded to set them also before [them].

Matthew 15:35

And he commanded the multitude to sit down on the ground.