### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term συμπόσιον (sympósion, `{{G4849}}`) is derived from the verb συμπίνω (sympínō), which literally means "to drink together." Its primary semantic range encompasses "a drinking-party" or "banquet," reflecting the classical Greek "symposium" which was a gathering for communal drinking, feasting, and often intellectual discussion. By extension, the word can refer to the "company" or "group of guests" attending such an event, or even the specific "place" where the gathering occurs. In its biblical usage, the emphasis shifts from the nature of the "drinking" to the simple "company" or "group" of people gathered, particularly for a meal. The Strong's definition rightly highlights "a room of guests" or "company," underscoring this extended meaning.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term συμπόσιον (sympósion, `{{G4849}}`) appears only once in the New Testament, specifically in the Gospel of Mark:
* [[Mark 6:39]]: "And he commanded them to make all sit down by companies upon the green grass."
This sole occurrence is found within the narrative of Jesus feeding the five thousand. In this context, Jesus instructs His disciples to arrange the vast multitude into συμπόσια upon the green grass. This usage clearly denotes "groups" or "companies" of people, rather than a literal "drinking party." The purpose of this arrangement was to bring order to the large crowd, facilitating the organized distribution of the miraculous bread and fish. The disciples were able to manage the immense number of people by having them sit down in manageable groups of fifty and a hundred (as indicated in the subsequent verse, [[Mark 6:40]]). This precise instruction highlights Jesus' attention to detail, His desire for order, and His practical approach to ministry, ensuring that all could be fed efficiently and equitably.
### Related Words & Concepts
The etymological root of συμπόσιον (sympósion, `{{G4849}}`) is συμπίνω, meaning "to drink together," which itself is composed of the prefix σύν (syn, "with" or "together") and πίνω (pínō, "to drink" `{{G4095}}`). While συμπίνω does not appear in the New Testament in this form, the constituent parts are foundational.
A closely related concept in the feeding narratives is κλισία (klisía, `{{G2828}}`), which also denotes "a reclining company" or "mess" and is used similarly in [[Luke 9:14-15]] to describe the groups into which the crowd was divided. Both terms emphasize the orderly arrangement of people for a meal.
Other related concepts include:
* ὄχλος (ochlos, `{{G3793}}`): The "multitude" or "crowd" that συμπόσια serve to organize.
* ἄριστον (ariston, `{{G712}}`) or δεῖπνον (deipnon, `{{G1173}}`): General terms for meals, though συμπόσιον specifically refers to the gathering for such a meal.
* The broader theological themes of communal eating, fellowship, and divine provision are also intrinsically linked to the context in which συμπόσιον is found.
### Theological Significance
While συμπόσιον (sympósion, `{{G4849}}`) itself is a descriptive term for an organized group, its singular occurrence within the miraculous feeding of the five thousand imbues it with profound theological significance. The act of Jesus commanding the disciples to arrange the multitude into συμπόσια is not merely a logistical detail; it underscores several key theological insights:
1. **Divine Order and Providence**: The structured arrangement of the crowd demonstrates Christ's divine order and foresight. In the midst of a vast multitude, chaos is averted through deliberate organization. This reflects the orderly nature of God's creation and His methodical approach to meeting the needs of His people.
2. **Compassionate Provision**: The purpose of the συμπόσια was to facilitate the equitable distribution of food. This highlights Jesus' deep compassion for the physical well-being of the people and His power to provide abundantly for them. It is a tangible demonstration of God's care for humanity's most basic needs.
3. **Foreshadowing of the Kingdom Banquet**: The communal meal, organized into groups by divine command, serves as a powerful foreshadowing of the Messianic banquet in the Kingdom of God (e.g., [[Luke 14:15-24]], [[Revelation 19:9]]). It points to a future reality where God's people will gather in fellowship, fully satisfied by His gracious provision.
4. **Communal Aspect of Grace**: The συμπόσια represent a community blessed by Christ's presence and miraculous provision. It emphasizes that God's grace is often experienced within a communal setting, where believers share in His blessings together.
### Summary
The Greek word συμπόσιον (sympósion, `{{G4849}}`) primarily denotes "a drinking-party" or "banquet," but in its sole biblical occurrence in [[Mark 6:39]], it refers to "companies" or "groups of guests." In the context of Jesus feeding the five thousand, it describes the orderly arrangement of the multitude into manageable groups. This seemingly simple logistical detail carries significant theological weight, emphasizing Christ's divine order, His compassionate provision for His people, and the communal nature of God's grace. The formation of συμπόσια for the miraculous meal serves as a powerful illustration of God's methodical care and a foreshadowing of the eschatological banquet in His Kingdom.
TRV