perhaps from (a leek, and so an onion-patch); a garden plot, i.e. (by implication, of regular beds) a row (repeated in plural by Hebraism, to indicate an arrangement):--in ranks.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun πρασιά (prasiá, `{{G4237}}`) carries the primary meaning of a "garden plot" or "garden bed." Its etymological root is thought to be connected to words for leeks or onion-patches, suggesting an agricultural context. Crucially, the term implies not merely an unkempt area, but a cultivated space arranged in "regular beds" or "rows." The nuance of order and arrangement is paramount, as indicated by its extended meaning of "a row" or "ranks." When used in the plural and repeated (as in a "Hebraism"), it emphatically conveys a sense of precise, organized arrangement, much like neatly laid out garden beds.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term πρασιά (prasiá, `{{G4237}}`) appears only once in the New Testament, in the Gospel of Mark:
* [[Mark 6:40]]: "And they sat down in ranks, by hundreds and by fifties." (καὶ ἀνέπεσον πρασιαὶ πρασιαὶ κατὰ ἑκατὸν καὶ κατὰ πεντήκοντα.)
This sole occurrence is found within the narrative of Jesus feeding the five thousand. Prior to the miraculous provision, Jesus instructs His disciples to have the vast crowd sit down. The repeated plural, "πρασιαὶ πρασιαὶ," vividly depicts the orderly arrangement of the multitude. They were seated not haphazardly, but in distinct, organized groups, like well-tended garden plots or rows of crops. The subsequent specification, "by hundreds and by fifties," further underscores this meticulous order. This detail highlights a deliberate act of organization in the face of a potentially chaotic situation, preparing the immense crowd to receive the miraculous sustenance. It speaks to a divine intention for order even amidst great numbers and immediate need.
### Related Words & Concepts
While πρασιά (prasiá, `{{G4237}}`) is unique in its specific application, its semantic field connects to several broader biblical concepts and related terms:
* **Order and Arrangement:** The core implication of πρασιά relates to order (τάξις, `{{G5010}}`), discipline, and structure. This concept is pervasive in Scripture, reflecting God's character as a God of order, not chaos (cf. [[1 Corinthians 14:33]]).
* **Cultivation and Growth:** The foundational meaning of "garden plot" or "beds" implicitly links to themes of cultivation, growth, and provision, reminiscent of God's care for His creation and His people.
* **Shepherding and Leadership:** The act of organizing the crowd falls under the purview of wise leadership and pastoral care, akin to a shepherd arranging his flock. This resonates with terms like ποιμήν (poimēn, `{{G4166}}`, shepherd) and concepts of guidance and oversight.
* **Old Testament Echoes:** The arrangement "by hundreds and by fifties" strongly echoes the organizational structures established for Israel in the wilderness (e.g., [[Exodus 18:21]], [[Deuteronomy 1:15]]), where Moses appointed leaders over groups of this size. This subtle intertextual link suggests Jesus' actions resonate with God's historical ordering of His people.
### Theological Significance
The singular use of πρασιά (prasiá, `{{G4237}}`) in [[Mark 6:40]] carries profound theological significance:
1. **Divine Order and Providence:** The meticulous arrangement of the crowd by Jesus' command underscores God's nature as a God of order. Even in the midst of a wilderness setting and an urgent need, chaos is averted through divine instruction. This order facilitates the miraculous provision, demonstrating that God's blessings are often given within a framework of divine design and preparation. It testifies to His sovereign control and purposeful action.
2. **Preparation for Blessing:** The act of seating the people in an orderly fashion serves as a preparatory step for the miracle. It signifies readiness and receptivity on the part of the recipients. This can be seen as a spiritual principle: often, God calls for a measure of human obedience and order before unleashing His supernatural power and blessing.
3. **Pastoral Care and Stewardship:** Jesus, through His disciples, demonstrates exemplary pastoral care. Organizing the vast crowd ensures that everyone can be seen, counted, and ultimately fed. It reflects a compassionate and responsible approach to ministry, ensuring that the needs of the many are met efficiently and equitably.
4. **New Covenant Israel:** The echo of Old Testament organizational patterns (hundreds and fifties) subtly links the gathered multitude to the people of Israel. In this context, Jesus is portrayed as the new Moses, leading and feeding God's people in a new wilderness, signifying the establishment of a new community under His authority.
### Summary
The Greek term πρασιά (prasiá, `{{G4237}}`), meaning "a garden plot" or "a row," is singularly employed in [[Mark 6:40]] to describe the orderly seating of the five thousand before their miraculous feeding. This precise detail emphasizes the deliberate arrangement of the crowd "in ranks, by hundreds and by fifties," akin to neatly organized garden beds. Theologically, its use highlights God's character as a God of meticulous order, even in the midst of large-scale, spontaneous events. It underscores the importance of preparation for divine blessing, exemplifies compassionate pastoral care, and subtly connects the gathered multitude to the ordered community of Old Testament Israel. Thus, πρασιά (prasiá) serves as a small but potent word, revealing profound truths about divine providence, human readiness, and the structured nature of God's redemptive work.
TRV