King James Version

What Does Mark 6:40 Mean?

Mark 6:40 in the King James Version says “And they sat down in ranks , by hundreds, and by fifties.” — study this verse from Mark chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And they sat down in ranks , by hundreds, and by fifties.”

Mark 6:40 · KJV

Context

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.

42

And they did all eat, and were filled.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And they sat down in ranks, by hundreds, and by fifties. The precise organization facilitates distribution and establishes the miracle's credibility. 'They sat down in ranks' (ἀνέπεσαν πρασιαὶ πρασιαὶ, anepesan prasiai prasiai)—the Greek prasiai prasiai literally means 'garden beds garden beds,' suggesting orderly rows like planted vegetables. This vivid imagery describes organized groups seated in rows across the green grass. 'By hundreds, and by fifties' (κατὰ ἑκατὸν καὶ κατὰ πεντήκοντα, kata hekaton kai kata pentēkonta) specifies group sizes, echoing Moses' organization of Israel (Exodus 18:21-25) and reinforcing the new exodus typology. These precise numbers enabled accurate crowd count, establishing that approximately 5000 men actually received food. The organization demonstrated divine wisdom: orderly distribution prevented chaos, ensured everyone received provision, and created witnesses who could testify to the miracle's reality. This pattern appears throughout Scripture—God works through order and structure, not disorder. Even miraculous provision follows principles of wisdom and organization. The military-like organization (companies, ranks, numbered groups) suggested kingdom authority—Jesus commanded, disciples obeyed, crowds complied, provision followed.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The organization by hundreds and fifties recalls Jethro's advice to Moses (Exodus 18:21) about organizing Israel's leadership. This parallel reinforced Jesus as greater than Moses—organizing God's people to receive provision in wilderness. Ancient readers familiar with Exodus would recognize the deliberate echo. The precision of these numbers (5000 men, groups of 50 and 100) served apologetic function: specific details increased credibility. Vague claims ('many people') were easier to dismiss as exaggeration; precise numbers demanded explanation. Mark's noting both group organization and grass color provides eyewitness detail suggesting Peter's testimony (Mark's likely source) included vivid memories. The military connotations of ranked seating by numbered companies may have concerned Roman authorities if they knew—suggesting organized movement, potential rebellion. Yet Jesus' kingdom was not of this world (John 18:36). Early church saw significance in the organization: Christ as head organizing His body (church), distributing provision (grace) through ordained means (ministry, sacraments) to gathered people. The miracle thus prefigured ecclesiastical order: organized community receiving divine provision through Christ's appointed servants.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the military-style organization by hundreds and fifties illustrate that God's kingdom, while not of this world, operates with order and structure rather than chaotic individualism?
  2. What does the precision of these numbers teach about the value of accurate testimony and specific details in establishing the credibility of God's miraculous works?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 9 words
καὶ1 of 9

“And”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἀνέπεσον2 of 9

“they sat down”

G377

to fall back, i.e., lie down, lean back

πρασιαὶ3 of 9

“in ranks”

G4237

a garden plot, i.e., (by implication, of regular beds) a row (repeated in plural by hebraism, to indicate an arrangement)

πρασιαὶ4 of 9

“in ranks”

G4237

a garden plot, i.e., (by implication, of regular beds) a row (repeated in plural by hebraism, to indicate an arrangement)

ἀνὰ5 of 9

“by”

G303

properly, up; but (by extension) used (distributively) severally, or (locally) at (etc.)

ἑκατὸν6 of 9

“hundreds”

G1540

a hundred

καὶ7 of 9

“And”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἀνὰ8 of 9

“by”

G303

properly, up; but (by extension) used (distributively) severally, or (locally) at (etc.)

πεντήκοντα9 of 9

“fifties”

G4004

fifty

Study Guide

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 6:40 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 6:40 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Luke 9:14-15

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