### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun κλισία (klisía) `{{G2828}}` is derived from a derivative of the verb κλίνω (klínō) `{{G2827}}`, which fundamentally means "to lean," "to incline," or "to recline." Therefore, the primary sense of κλισία is "reclination" or "the act of reclining." However, in its concrete and specialized usage, it refers to a "company" or "party" of people gathered specifically for a meal, reflecting the ancient Near Eastern and Greco-Roman custom of reclining while eating. This semantic range emphasizes not just any group, but a gathering arranged with the specific purpose of sharing food, often implying an ordered arrangement.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term κλισία `{{G2828}}` appears only once in the New Testament, in the Gospel of Luke:
* **[[Luke 9:14]]**: "For there were about five thousand men. And He said to His disciples, 'Have them sit down in groups (κατὰ κλισίας) of about fifty each.'"
This occurrence is within the narrative of Jesus feeding the five thousand. Jesus instructs His disciples to organize the vast crowd into orderly "companies" or "groups" (κατὰ κλισίας), each comprising approximately fifty individuals. The context is explicitly one of preparing for a meal, where the people are to "sit down" (ἀνακλῖναι `{{G377}}`, a verb also related to reclining). The use of κλισία here precisely aligns with its specialized meaning: an ordered arrangement of people for the purpose of partaking in a meal. This meticulous organization highlights Jesus's deliberate and orderly approach to meeting the needs of the multitude.
### Related Words & Concepts
The meaning of κλισία `{{G2828}}` is deeply intertwined with its etymological root and related terms:
* **κλίνω (klínō) `{{G2827}}`**: The base verb meaning "to lean," "to recline," or "to incline." This verb sets the conceptual foundation for κλισία, emphasizing the posture adopted during a meal.
* **ἀνακλίνω (anaklinō) `{{G377}}`**: Meaning "to make lie down" or "to recline." This verb is frequently used in the Gospels when describing people reclining at meals, as seen in the broader context of the feeding of the five thousand in [[Luke 9:15]].
* **κατακλίνω (kataklinō) `{{G2625}}`**: Also meaning "to recline" or "to lie down," often used in the context of dining, such as in [[Luke 7:36]] where Jesus reclines at Simon's house.
* **Table Fellowship**: The concept of shared meals was profoundly significant in ancient Jewish and early Christian contexts, often symbolizing community, acceptance, and covenant. Jesus's frequent participation in meals, including with sinners and outcasts, demonstrated radical inclusivity. The term κλισία, in describing the physical arrangement of people for a meal, underscores the practical facilitation of this vital "table fellowship."
* **Order and Arrangement**: The use of κλισία in [[Luke 9:14]] speaks to the principle of divine order in provision and ministry. It is not a chaotic feeding, but an organized distribution, demonstrating a structured approach to meeting needs.
### Theological Significance
The singular appearance of κλισία `{{G2828}}` in the miraculous feeding narrative carries significant theological weight:
* **Divine Order and Provision**: Jesus's instruction to arrange the crowd into κλισίαι (companies) of fifty reveals His meticulous and orderly approach to provision. God does not provide haphazardly but with divine precision and care, ensuring that every individual within the vast multitude is accounted for and fed. This speaks to God's character as a God of order, not chaos.
* **Community and Inclusivity**: The formation of distinct "companies" for the meal emphasizes the communal aspect of God's provision. The miracle is experienced collectively, fostering a sense of shared experience and community among the recipients. This foreshadows the inclusive nature of the Kingdom of God, where all are invited to partake in the divine banquet.
* **Foreshadowing of the Messianic Banquet**: The feeding of the five thousand is widely interpreted as a foretaste of the eschatological Messianic banquet. The orderly gathering into κλισίαι evokes an image of a structured, communal feast under the direct provision of the Messiah. It points to a future reality where God's people will gather in an ordered assembly to partake in the abundance of His Kingdom.
* **Practicality in Ministry**: The disciples' role in organizing the people into these companies highlights the practical and organizational demands of ministry, even when divine power is at work. It underscores that spiritual acts often require human cooperation and orderly execution.
### Summary
The Greek word κλισία (klisía) `{{G2828}}`, derived from the concept of "reclination," specifically refers to a "company" or "group" of people gathered for a meal, reflecting ancient dining customs. Its sole New Testament occurrence in [[Luke 9:14]] powerfully illustrates Jesus's instruction to His disciples to organize the five thousand into orderly groups (κλισίαι) for the miraculous feeding. This term is closely linked to verbs of reclining like κλίνω `{{G2827}}` and ἀνακλίνω `{{G377}}`. Theologically, κλισία underscores God's divine order, meticulous provision for His people, and the importance of community in His care. It subtly foreshadows the communal and orderly nature of the future Messianic banquet, demonstrating Jesus's comprehensive concern for both the physical and spiritual well-being of the multitude.
TRV