### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **sympósion**, represented by `{{G4849}}`, refers to a "drinking-party" or, by extension, a "room of guests," and is translated as **company**. It appears 2 times in 1 unique verse, indicating its highly specific usage within the biblical text. Its definition suggests an organized gathering of people.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its sole biblical context, `{{G4849}}` is used to describe the orderly arrangement of the crowd before Jesus miraculously fed the five thousand. The word appears twice in [[Mark 6:39]], where Jesus **commanded** `{{G2004}}` his disciples to make **all** `{{G3956}}` the people sit down "by **companies** upon the green grass." This repetition emphasizes the deliberate grouping of the multitude, transforming a vast crowd into a series of organized table fellowships.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words from its single scriptural appearance help paint a fuller picture of the scene:
* `{{G2004}}` **epitássō** (to arrange upon, i.e. order:--charge, command, injoin): This verb establishes the authority with which Jesus initiated the event. He **commandeth** even unclean spirits, and they obey him [[Mark 1:27]].
* `{{G347}}` **anaklínō** (to lean back:--lay, (make) sit down): This word describes the action of the people. It is used in parallel accounts where Jesus commanded the multitude to **sit down** on the grass [[Matthew 14:19]].
* `{{G1909}}` **epí** (a primary preposition; properly, meaning superimposition... upon): This preposition specifies the location of the people, seated **upon** the grass. It is similarly used to describe how the power of Christ may rest **upon** a believer [[2 Corinthians 12:9]].
* `{{G5515}}` **chlōrós** (greenish, i.e. verdant, dun-colored:--green, pale): This adjective specifies the condition of the grass, painting a picture of a verdant, living setting for the miracle [[Mark 6:39]].
* `{{G5528}}` **chórtos** (a "court" or "garden", i.e. (by implication, of pasture) herbage or vegetation:--blade, grass, hay): This is the noun for the ground covering. The temporary nature of **grass** is often used metaphorically, as in [[1 Peter 1:24]], which states that "all flesh is as **grass**."
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{G4849}}` is derived entirely from its singular, powerful context.
* **Divine Order:** The instruction to form **companies** demonstrates that God's miraculous works are not chaotic. By first commanding `{{G2004}}` the people to **sit down** `{{G347}}` in an organized fashion, Jesus establishes order before providing for their needs.
* **Communal Provision:** The term, suggesting a "room of guests," highlights that the miracle was a communal experience. The blessing was not received by scattered individuals but by a community gathered in fellowship.
* **Sacred Gathering:** Although the word's root implies a secular "drinking-party," its use in [[Mark 6:39]] re-frames the concept. The gathering is not for revelry but to receive a sacred, life-sustaining meal directly from God, turning a simple field of **green** `{{G5515}}` **grass** `{{G5528}}` into a divine banquet hall.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G4849}}` is a specific term whose biblical meaning is defined by the context of the feeding of the five thousand. While its definition points to a party or a guest-room, its application in scripture transforms this into a profound image of divine order and miraculous provision. The word illustrates how Jesus organized the people into **companies**, emphasizing the importance of structure and community in receiving God's blessings.
TRV