King James Version
What Does Mark 6:39 Mean?
“And he commanded them to make all sit down by companies upon the green grass.”
Context
37
He answered and said unto them, Give ye them to eat. And they say unto him, Shall we go and buy two hundred pennyworth of bread, and give them to eat? pennyworth: the Roman penny is sevenpence halfpenny
38
He saith unto them, How many loaves have ye? go and see. And when they knew, they say, Five, and two fishes.
39
And he commanded them to make all sit down by companies upon the green grass.
40
And they sat down in ranks , by hundreds, and by fifties.
41
And when he had taken the five loaves and the two fishes, he looked up to heaven, and blessed, and brake the loaves, and gave them to his disciples to set before them; and the two fishes divided he among them all.
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(39) **By companies.**—The Greek expresses the distributive force of the English by simple repetition, *“*companies *and* companies.” The “green grass” may be noted as an example of St. Mark’s vividness, and serves as an indirect note of time pointing to the same season as that specified by St. John, *sc.,* a little before the Passover. (Comp. John 6:10.)
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
Historical Context
This verse is found in the book of Mark. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Theological Significance
Mark 6:39 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Cross-References
Verses related to Mark 6:39
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge