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.
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.
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."
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.
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