Mark 6:39

KJV

And he commanded them to make all sit down by companies upon the green grass.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} he commanded {G2004} them {G846} to make {G347} all {G3956} sit down {G347} by companies {G4849}{G4849} upon {G1909} the green {G5515} grass {G5528}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then he ordered all the people to sit down in groups on the green grass.

Berean Standard Bible

Then Jesus directed them to have the people sit in groups on the green grass.

American Standard Version

And he commanded them that all should sit down by companies upon the green grass.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mark 6:39 provides a pivotal detail in the narrative of Jesus' miraculous feeding of the five thousand, highlighting His divine authority and meticulous compassion. Following a period of intense ministry and the disciples' return, Jesus sought a secluded place for rest and teaching, yet a vast multitude pursued them. This verse describes Jesus' orderly instruction to His disciples to arrange the large crowd into groups, preparing them to receive the miraculous provision, thereby underscoring His care for their physical well-being and the structured nature of His divine work.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the broader narrative of Jesus' Galilean ministry, specifically following the return of the disciples from their mission trip and the tragic news of John the Baptist's death in [Mark 6:14-29](/mark/6-14-29 "Mark 6:14-29 - The Death of John the Baptist"). Jesus, seeing the overwhelming crowds as "sheep not having a shepherd," was moved with compassion and began to teach them many things ([Mark 6:34](/mark/6-34 "Mark 6:34 - Jesus' Compassion for the Crowds")). As evening approached, the disciples, concerned about the logistics of feeding such a multitude, suggested sending the people away to procure food for themselves ([Mark 6:35-36](/mark/6-35-36 "Mark 6:35-36 - Disciples' Suggestion to Send Crowds Away")). Jesus' response, "Give ye them to eat" ([Mark 6:37](/mark/6-37 "Mark 6:37 - Jesus Challenges His Disciples")), sets the stage for the miracle. Mark 6:39 then details the first crucial step in Jesus' plan: the command for the people to sit down in an organized manner, which directly precedes the distribution of the miraculously multiplied food in [Mark 6:41-44](/mark/6-41-44 "Mark 6:41-44 - The Miraculous Feeding").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In first-century Galilee, large public gatherings were common, especially around influential teachers like Jesus. However, feeding such a vast, impromptu crowd (estimated at five thousand men, not counting women and children, in [Mark 6:44](/mark/6-44 "Mark 6:44 - Five Thousand Men Fed")) was an immense logistical challenge, particularly in a desolate place. The instruction to "sit down by companies" reflects a common practice for communal meals, where guests would recline in groups, often on mats or directly on the ground. This arrangement not only facilitated serving but also allowed for an accurate count, as seen in [Mark 6:40](/mark/6-40 "Mark 6:40 - Groups of Hundreds and Fifties"). The "green grass" indicates a time of year when vegetation was lush, likely spring, which aligns with the Passover season often associated with this miracle in other Gospel accounts (e.g., [John 6:4](/john/6-4 "John 6:4 - Passover Near")). This detail provides a vivid, peaceful backdrop, contrasting with the potential chaos of an unorganized crowd.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several key themes within Mark's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. It highlights **Jesus' Divine Authority and Sovereignty**, as He takes complete control of a seemingly impossible situation, orchestrating the crowd with a simple command. The emphasis on "order" and "companies" underscores the theme of **Divine Order and Organization**, demonstrating that God's work, even miraculous, is not chaotic but structured and purposeful. The setting "upon the green grass" subtly introduces the theme of **Abundant Provision and Pastoral Care**, evoking imagery of a shepherd leading his flock to green pastures, foreshadowing the lavish provision Jesus is about to offer. Furthermore, the disciples' obedience to Jesus' seemingly strange command to organize the people, despite their initial perplexity, reinforces the theme of **Discipleship and Obedience**, showing their role as instruments in God's miraculous work.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **commanded (Greek, _epitássō_):** This verb signifies a strong, authoritative directive. It implies not merely a suggestion but an order that is expected to be obeyed. In this context, Jesus is not asking the disciples; He is instructing them with divine authority to organize the vast crowd. This highlights His position as the one in charge, capable of bringing order to potential chaos.
* **sit down (Greek, _anaklínō_):** This word literally means "to lean back" or "recline," which was the customary posture for eating in the ancient world, especially at banquets. By commanding them to "sit down," Jesus is inviting them to a meal, transforming a desperate crowd into guests at a divine banquet. This posture also implies rest and comfort, underscoring Jesus' compassionate concern for their well-being before providing food.
* **companies (Greek, _sympósion_):** This term, typically referring to a "drinking party" or "banquet," is used here to denote organized groups of people arranged for a meal. The repetition of the word in the Greek text (symposia symposia) emphasizes the distinct, orderly arrangement of the groups, likely in rows or sections. This choice of word reinforces the idea of a structured, communal gathering, much like a well-ordered feast, rather than a disorganized mob.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he commanded them":** This phrase immediately establishes Jesus' authority. He is not merely suggesting but issuing a direct order to His disciples. This command is the initiating action that sets the stage for the miraculous feeding, demonstrating His control over the situation and His disciples.
* **"to make all sit down":** Jesus' instruction is for the entire multitude, indicating His comprehensive care for every individual present. The verb "sit down" (or recline) signifies a posture of rest and readiness to receive, transforming a restless crowd into an attentive assembly prepared for a meal.
* **"by companies":** This crucial detail emphasizes the order and organization Jesus desired. The people were not to sit haphazardly but in distinct groups. This arrangement would facilitate the distribution of food, ensure everyone was served, and allow for an accurate count, highlighting divine wisdom and efficiency even in a miraculous act.
* **"upon the green grass":** This descriptive phrase paints a vivid picture of the setting. The "green grass" signifies a lush, fertile environment, suggesting abundance and peace. It stands in stark contrast to the disciples' initial concern about the "desert place" ([Mark 6:35](/mark/6-35 "Mark 6:35 - The Desert Place")) and scarcity, foreshadowing the abundant provision Jesus is about to give. It also evokes imagery of a shepherd leading his flock to verdant pastures, reinforcing Jesus' role as the Good Shepherd.

#### Literary Devices
Mark 6:39 is rich in **Imagery**, particularly with the phrase "upon the green grass," which evokes a pastoral scene of peace and abundance, contrasting with the initial desolate setting. This creates a powerful visual that underscores the miraculous nature of the provision to come. The command to sit "by companies" demonstrates **Order and Structure** as a narrative technique, highlighting Jesus' methodical approach and divine wisdom in organizing a chaotic situation. This organization also serves as a form of **Preparation**, setting the scene for the miracle and emphasizing that God's provision is not haphazard but deliberate. Furthermore, the entire scene, with Jesus as the host providing food in an orderly fashion, serves as **Foreshadowing** of the heavenly banquet and the ultimate provision found in Christ, the Bread of Life.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 6:39, though a seemingly simple instruction, is deeply theological, revealing aspects of God's character and His interaction with humanity. It underscores God's nature as a God of order, who brings structure to chaos, and His profound compassion, ensuring the dignity and well-being of His people even in their physical needs. Jesus' command to sit down in groups transforms a potentially unruly mob into an orderly congregation, preparing them to receive His abundant grace. This act of organization is not merely practical; it is indicative of the divine wisdom that governs all creation and the meticulous care with which God provides for His children, foreshadowing the spiritual nourishment He offers.

* [1 Corinthians 14:33](/1_corinthians/14-33 "1 Corinthians 14:33 - God is a God of Order")
* [Psalm 23:2](/psalms/23-2 "Psalm 23:2 - He Makes Me Lie Down in Green Pastures")
* [Matthew 14:19](/matthew/14-19 "Matthew 14:19 - Jesus Commands the Crowds to Sit Down")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Mark 6:39 offers profound insights for contemporary believers. Jesus' meticulous attention to detail, from commanding the crowd to sit down to organizing them "by companies" upon the "green grass," reveals a God who cares not only about the miraculous outcome but also about the process and the dignity of those He serves. This teaches us that even in moments of divine intervention, order, preparation, and compassion are paramount. For us, this means that our service to others, whether in ministry or daily life, should be characterized by thoughtfulness, organization, and a deep concern for the well-being of those we are seeking to help. It reminds us that God is capable of providing abundantly even when resources seem scarce, and He often uses our obedience to simple commands to facilitate His grand purposes. We are called to trust His provision, embrace His order, and extend His compassion, knowing that He is the ultimate provider who meets both our physical and spiritual needs.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jesus' emphasis on order and organization in this passage challenge our own approaches to ministry or service, especially when faced with overwhelming needs?**
* **What does the detail of "green grass" signify about Jesus' character and provision, and how can we apply this imagery to moments of scarcity or anxiety in our lives?**
* **In what ways might we be called to "make all sit down by companies" in our own contexts, bringing order and dignity to situations that might otherwise be chaotic or undignified?**

### FAQ
**Why was it important for Jesus to have the people sit down in companies?**

Answer: Jesus commanded the people to sit down "by companies" for several crucial reasons, demonstrating His divine wisdom and compassion. Firstly, it brought **order out of potential chaos**. A large, unorganized crowd could easily become unruly or lead to trampled individuals. Secondly, it facilitated **efficient and equitable distribution** of the food. By arranging them in groups, likely of hundreds and fifties as specified in [Mark 6:40](/mark/6-40 "Mark 6:40 - Groups of Hundreds and Fifties"), the disciples could systematically serve everyone, ensuring no one was missed and that the miraculous provision reached all. Thirdly, it allowed for an **accurate count** of those fed, confirming the magnitude of the miracle (5,000 men, besides women and children, as noted in [Matthew 14:21](/matthew/14-21 "Matthew 14:21 - The Number of Those Fed")). Finally, having them recline in "companies" transformed the scene from a desperate gathering into a communal, dignified meal, echoing the imagery of a **divine banquet** and highlighting Jesus' care for the comfort and well-being of His guests.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 6:39, with its seemingly simple instruction to organize a crowd for a meal, profoundly points to Christ's identity and future work. The image of Jesus commanding a vast multitude to recline "upon the green grass" evokes the imagery of the Good Shepherd leading His flock to verdant pastures, as prophesied in [Psalm 23:2](/psalms/23-2 "Psalm 23:2 - He Leads Me Beside Still Waters"). This scene foreshadows Jesus' ultimate role as the **Bread of Life**, who not only satisfies physical hunger but also provides eternal spiritual nourishment, as He declares in [John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life"). The orderly arrangement of the "companies" also serves as a prefigurement of the **heavenly banquet** and the ordered gathering of God's people in His kingdom, where Christ will preside over a multitude redeemed and satisfied (e.g., [Revelation 19:9](/revelation/19-9 "Revelation 19:9 - The Marriage Supper of the Lamb")). Thus, Mark 6:39 is not just about a practical step in a miracle; it is a rich tableau revealing Christ's compassionate authority, His abundant provision for His people, and His ultimate desire to gather them into His peaceful and well-ordered presence.

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

1 Corinthians 14:40

Let all things be done decently and in order.

Matthew 15:35

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

1 Corinthians 14:33

For God is not [the author] of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.

1 Kings 10:5

And the meat of his table, and the sitting of his servants, and the attendance of his ministers, and their apparel, and his cupbearers, and his ascent by which he went up unto the house of the LORD; there was no more spirit in her.

Esther 1:5

And when these days were expired, the king made a feast unto all the people that were present in Shushan the palace, both unto great and small, seven days, in the court of the garden of the king's palace;

Esther 1:6

[Where were] white, green, and blue, [hangings], fastened with cords of fine linen and purple to silver rings and pillars of marble: the beds [were of] gold and silver, upon a pavement of red, and blue, and white, and black, marble.