Mark 6 39

Mark 6:39 kjv

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

Mark 6:39 nkjv

Then He commanded them to make them all sit down in groups on the green grass.

Mark 6:39 niv

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

Mark 6:39 esv

Then he commanded them all to sit down in groups on the green grass.

Mark 6:39 nlt

Then Jesus told the disciples to have the people sit down in groups on the green grass.

Mark 6 verses

Mark 6 39 Meaning

Mark 6:39 depicts Jesus commanding the large multitude to be organized and seated in groups on the verdant grass. This instruction reveals Jesus' deliberate intent to bring order and prepare for the miraculous feeding that would soon follow. It highlights His authoritative care for the crowd, transforming a potentially chaotic gathering into a structured assembly ready to receive His provision. The detail of the "green grass" signifies the abundant and fresh provision available even in a "deserted place," symbolizing divine care and an oasis of rest.

Mark 6 39 Context

Mark 6:39 occurs within the account of the feeding of the five thousand, a pivotal event in Jesus' ministry. The chapter begins with Jesus being rejected in Nazareth (Mark 6:1-6a) and sending out the Twelve on their mission (Mark 6:7-13). Following this, John the Baptist is tragically executed by Herod Antipas (Mark 6:14-29). When the disciples return, they report to Jesus. Jesus, seeing the large crowd that has gathered and is "like sheep without a shepherd" (Mark 6:34), feels compassion for them. Despite the remote location and the disciples' desire to send the hungry multitude away to buy food, Jesus commands His disciples to "you give them something to eat" (Mark 6:37). Mark 6:39, therefore, is the very next action, marking the crucial first step in Jesus' supernatural provision. It transforms a scattered, leaderless crowd into an organized, attentive assembly, poised to receive His divine abundance, showcasing Jesus' immediate and practical care for their physical needs.

Mark 6 39 Word analysis

• Then (καὶ - kai): A common Greek conjunction meaning "and," "but," or "then." Here, it functions as a simple connective, indicating a sequential action. It links Jesus' compassion and command to feed with the immediate instruction for the crowd to sit, marking the progression towards the miracle.

• he commanded (διέταξεν - dietaxen): From diatasso, a strong verb implying ordering, arranging, commanding, or giving instructions. It conveys Jesus' inherent authority and His precise, intentional actions. It's not a suggestion but an authoritative directive, demonstrating His sovereignty over both His disciples and the large crowd.

• them all (αὐτοὺς πάντας - autous pantas): "Them" (autous) refers to the multitude; "all" (pantas) emphasizes the entirety of the crowd, approximately five thousand men plus women and children. This highlights the scale of Jesus' concern and the universal reach of His command, underscoring that none were overlooked or excluded from His provision.

• to sit down (ἀνακλιθῆναι - anaklithēnai): To recline, lie back, or sit at table. This posture, commonly adopted for meals in that culture, signifies relaxation, preparedness for eating, and hospitality. It suggests a restful state, inviting the multitude to cease their weary standing and anticipate nourishment.

• in groups (πρασιάς - prasias): This is a unique and vivid term in the New Testament, used only by Mark here. It literally means "garden plots" or "flower beds," implying rows, sections, or divisions. Mark's detailed imagery suggests that the groups were arranged in an orderly fashion, perhaps in quadrangular shapes like partitioned garden beds. This highly organized arrangement facilitated the disciples' service and distribution of food, symbolizing God's order and design even amidst a large number of people.

• on the green (ἐπὶ τῷ χλωρῷ - epi tō chlōrō): "Upon the green." The word chlōros refers to something light green, fresh, verdant, or newly sprouted. Its inclusion underscores the vibrant, fresh, and abundant natural setting for the miracle. It also implicitly connects to Psalm 23, evoking imagery of green pastures, symbolizing rest, provision, and God's gentle shepherding.

• grass (χόρτῳ - chortō): Grass, pasture, or hay. The detail of "green grass" contrasts sharply with the "deserted place" (Mark 6:35), emphasizing God's ability to provide abundantly even where resources appear scarce. It sets a pastoral scene, reinforcing Jesus as the compassionate shepherd who leads His flock to places of sustenance and rest.

• Words-group Analysis:

  • he commanded them all to sit down: This phrase illustrates Jesus' definitive leadership and the immediate obedience of the large crowd. It is a powerful display of authority (δίέταξεν) transforming a potentially chaotic multitude into an organized assembly, reflecting the divine order.
  • in groups on the green grass: This imagery is rich with theological significance. The specific term "groups" (prasias – like garden plots) signifies remarkable order and precision, perhaps recalling Israel's organized camps or divisions by tribes. The "green grass" (chlorō chortō) further emphasizes divine provision, peace, and abundance in what was initially perceived as a desolate area. This detail foreshadows the immense amount of food that Jesus is about to multiply and signifies God's care in supplying fresh sustenance.

Mark 6 39 Bonus section

The detail of the "green grass" (Ps 23:2) is significant beyond mere descriptive language. It can be seen as an intentional contrast to the barren wilderness typically associated with miraculous provision (Ex 16). This lush setting reinforces the idea of Jesus providing not just enough, but lavishly, even making the desolate fruitful. The orderly arrangement "in groups" could also subtly hint at the tribal organization of Israel in the wilderness (Num 2), suggesting Jesus' work as a re-gathering and renewal of God's people under His divine leadership. Some scholars also interpret the act of sitting as preparation for a fellowship meal, possibly foreshadowing the communal meal of the Kingdom of God, or even the future Holy Communion where believers partake of Christ. The structured approach by Jesus also demonstrates sound leadership principles that transition chaos into a manageable environment.

Mark 6 39 Commentary

Mark 6:39 acts as a vital bridge between Jesus' compassionate recognition of the crowd's needs and the breathtaking miracle of feeding them. The verse underscores Jesus' divine authority, evident in His clear command to organize such a vast assembly. The command to "sit down" is not merely practical; it signifies a transition from their weary state to a position of reception and rest, a hallmark of Jesus' ministry. The vivid detail of the crowd being arranged "in groups" like "garden plots" highlights Jesus' meticulous planning and desire for order, efficiency, and individual care amidst the masses. This meticulousness serves both a logistical purpose (easier distribution by the disciples) and a symbolic one, demonstrating the shepherd's careful arrangement of His flock. The mention of "green grass" reinforces the theme of abundant, refreshing provision, setting the stage for the feast that defies natural limitations. It's a reminder that Jesus can bring comfort and supply even in the most desolate circumstances, leading His people to true nourishment.