Mark 6:39

And he commanded them to make all sit down by companies upon the green grass.

And {G2532} he commanded {G2004} them {G846} to make {G347} all {G3956} sit down {G347} by companies {G4849}{G4849} upon {G1909} the green {G5515} grass {G5528}.

Then he ordered all the people to sit down in groups on the green grass.

Then Jesus directed them to have the people sit in groups on the green grass.

And he commanded them that all should sit down by companies upon the green grass.

Commentary

Mark 6:39 provides a crucial detail in the prelude to Jesus' miraculous feeding of the five thousand. After a busy period of ministry and the disciples' return from their own mission, Jesus sought a quiet place for rest and teaching, but a large crowd followed them. This verse highlights Jesus' methodical approach to meet their immediate needs, demonstrating both His divine authority and His compassion.

Context

This verse is part of the narrative of the feeding of the five thousand, one of Jesus' most significant miracles recorded in all four Gospels. Prior to this, Jesus saw the multitude as "sheep not having a shepherd" (Mark 6:34) and began to teach them. As evening approached, the disciples suggested sending the people away to find food. However, Jesus challenged them, saying, "Give ye them to eat" (Mark 6:37). This command to sit down was the first step in an orderly process leading to the miraculous provision.

Key Themes

  • Order and Organization: Jesus commanded the disciples to arrange the vast crowd "by companies" (Mark 6:40 specifies groups of hundreds and fifties). This was not a chaotic feeding but a deliberate, orderly act. This organization allowed for an accurate count and ensured everyone was served, demonstrating divine wisdom even in the midst of a miracle.
  • Divine Provision: The detail "upon the green grass" emphasizes a setting of abundance and rest, contrasting with the disciples' initial concern about scarcity. It foreshadows the abundant provision Jesus was about to give, not just spiritually but physically. God provides for His people's needs, often in ways that exceed human expectation.
  • Compassion and Care: Jesus' instruction to seat the people reflects His deep concern for their physical comfort and well-being. He didn't just provide food; He cared for the manner in which it was received, ensuring an orderly and dignified distribution.
  • Discipleship and Obedience: The disciples, initially perplexed by the task of feeding such a large crowd, obeyed Jesus' command to organize the people. This act of obedience was crucial for the miracle to unfold, highlighting their role as instruments in God's work.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "companies" used here is symposia (συμπόσια). While it can mean "drinking parties," in this context, it refers to groups or dinner parties arranged in an orderly fashion, much like guests at a banquet. This word choice suggests a communal, structured gathering, emphasizing the organized nature of the event rather than a disorderly mob. The phrase "green grass" (Greek: chlōros, χλωρός) vividly paints a picture of lush, fresh pasture, adding to the imagery of a peaceful and plentiful environment.

Practical Application

Mark 6:39 reminds us that God is a God of order, even when performing extraordinary miracles. For believers today, this verse can encourage us to:

  • Trust in God's Provision: Even when resources seem scarce, God is capable of providing abundantly.
  • Embrace Order in Service: Whether in ministry or daily life, organization and thoughtfulness can enhance our ability to serve others effectively.
  • Exhibit Compassion: Like Jesus, we are called to be attentive to the physical and spiritual needs of those around us, seeking to meet them with care and wisdom.
This miracle ultimately points to Jesus as the true Bread of Life, who satisfies both our physical hunger and our deepest spiritual longings.

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Cross-References

  • 1 Corinthians 14:40 (2 votes)

    Let all things be done decently and in order.

  • Matthew 15:35 (2 votes)

    And he commanded the multitude to sit down on the ground.

  • 1 Corinthians 14:33 (2 votes)

    For God is not [the author] of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.

  • 1 Kings 10:5 (1 votes)

    And the meat of his table, and the sitting of his servants, and the attendance of his ministers, and their apparel, and his cupbearers, and his ascent by which he went up unto the house of the LORD; there was no more spirit in her.

  • Esther 1:5 (1 votes)

    And when these days were expired, the king made a feast unto all the people that were present in Shushan the palace, both unto great and small, seven days, in the court of the garden of the king's palace;

  • Esther 1:6 (1 votes)

    [Where were] white, green, and blue, [hangings], fastened with cords of fine linen and purple to silver rings and pillars of marble: the beds [were of] gold and silver, upon a pavement of red, and blue, and white, and black, marble.