Mark 6 40

Mark 6:40 kjv

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

Mark 6:40 nkjv

So they sat down in ranks, in hundreds and in fifties.

Mark 6:40 niv

So they sat down in groups of hundreds and fifties.

Mark 6:40 esv

So they sat down in groups, by hundreds and by fifties.

Mark 6:40 nlt

So they sat down in groups of fifty or a hundred.

Mark 6 verses

Mark 6 40 Meaning

Mark 6:40 describes the orderly seating of the large crowd, facilitated by the disciples under Jesus' direction, just before the miraculous feeding of the five thousand. This verse emphasizes the systematic preparation, organization, and divine order established by Christ for the equitable distribution of food, highlighting a deliberate and controlled act rather than chaos. It signifies Jesus' forethought, the disciples' obedience, and God's principle of order, even amidst miraculous provision.

Mark 6 40 Context

Mark 6:40 is set during Jesus' public ministry in Galilee, specifically after the return of the disciples from their mission trip. Overwhelmed by the demands and the lack of rest, Jesus invites them to a secluded place (Mk 6:31). However, the crowds anticipated their movement and gathered. Upon seeing them, Jesus, moved with compassion because they were "like sheep without a shepherd" (Mk 6:34), began teaching them. As evening approached, the disciples suggested sending the crowd away to buy food. Jesus challenged them, "You give them something to eat" (Mk 6:37). After establishing they had only five loaves and two fish, Jesus then instructed the disciples in the preceding verse (Mk 6:39) to "make them all sit down in groups on the green grass." Verse 40 directly describes the implementation of this command, detailing the specific, ordered arrangement of the people. This precise organization sets the stage for the miraculous feeding that follows, demonstrating divine order and practicality preceding supernatural provision.

Mark 6 40 Word analysis

• And: A conjunction (kai, Greek: καὶ) connecting this action to the preceding instruction from Jesus (Mk 6:39). It signifies a direct, immediate, and compliant response from the disciples.
• they sat down: The Greek word is anepesan (ἀνέπεσαν), the aorist active indicative of anapipto (ἀναπίπτω), meaning "to recline," often as if at a meal. This is not merely sitting upright but denotes a posture of ease and relaxation, suitable for fellowship and receiving sustenance. This posture evokes the imagery of a banquet or a relaxed communal gathering, pointing towards the spiritual feasting that often accompanies physical provision.
• in ranks: The Greek phrase is prasiai prasiai (πρασιαὶ πρασιαί). This is a unique and evocative doubling of prasia (πρασιά), meaning "a garden bed" or "a plot of ground laid out for plants." The repetition emphasizes distinct, orderly sections, much like neatly divided garden plots. This imagery conveys precision, neatness, and systematic arrangement, presenting the large crowd as an ordered mosaic or tapestry, not a chaotic mob. It speaks to intentional structure.
• by hundreds and by fifties: The numerical divisions of kata hekatontas kai kata pentekontas (κατὰ ἑκατοντάς καὶ κατὰ πεντήκοντα). These specific groupings are practical for management, distribution, and later, for counting and verifying the miracle. These numbers echo the organizational structures seen in the Old Testament for managing large populations (e.g., Moses' appointment of leaders over thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens in Exod 18:21-25 and Deut 1:15), indicating a divine blueprint for orderly assembly. This numerical arrangement is a feature mentioned in multiple Synoptic parallels of this miracle (e.g., Lk 9:14 specifies "fifties").

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• they sat down in ranks: The combination of reclining (anepesan) and structured ranks (prasiai prasiai) creates a picture of organized tranquility. It highlights that the great multitude, usually prone to disarray, submitted to a divine order. This was not a chaotic free-for-all but a disciplined arrangement, allowing for efficient service and making the vastness of the crowd and the sufficiency of the provision clearly observable. The act of sitting down suggests a readiness to receive and wait for what God would provide.
• by hundreds and by fifties: This numerical specificity emphasizes the meticulous planning and precision involved. It reflects not just human ingenuity but divine foresight. The segmentation would have allowed the disciples to move systematically among the groups, ensuring that every person was accounted for and served. It implies accountability and effective distribution, serving as both an organizational tool and a way to underscore the completeness of the miracle (everyone ate and was satisfied). It also signifies that even in a miracle of mass provision, individual attention and care were paramount.

Mark 6 40 Bonus section

• The imagery of "garden beds" (prasiai prasiai) is striking. It might subtly connect the provision of physical food in this green setting to themes of the paradisaical ideal or a Messianic banquet, where humanity is in peaceful, ordered relationship with divine abundance.
• The exact numerical divisions ("hundreds and fifties") suggest a connection to military and administrative structures of the ancient world, particularly reminiscent of Israel's tribal and military organization. This speaks to the disciplined nature of Christ's kingdom, contrasting with any chaotic mob rule, and subtly presenting Jesus as a divinely ordered commander or king who cares for His people.
• This structured setup made the miracle more verifiable. Disciples could see how many were present and then confirm that all ate, and count the substantial leftovers, attesting to the divine power, rather than trickery or limited provision.
• The disciples' simple obedience to such an apparently mundane task—seating the people—is a prerequisite to witnessing the grand miracle. It teaches that faith often expresses itself through practical obedience to even small, seemingly insignificant instructions from the Lord.

Mark 6 40 Commentary

Mark 6:40 profoundly illustrates the divine nature of order and its importance in God's work. Jesus, facing an immense, hungry crowd, does not merely wave a hand to produce food. Instead, He institutes a system of organized distribution. The meticulous arrangement "in ranks, by hundreds and by fifties" showcases Jesus' wisdom and practical approach to large-scale ministration. This structure serves multiple purposes: it prevents chaos, enables efficient and equitable distribution by the disciples, and makes the magnitude of the miracle undeniably clear when all ate and were satisfied with abundant leftovers. It demonstrates that God's power is not disorderly but operates with precision and purpose. The preparation signifies that while God provides miraculously, human obedience and practical order are often part of the divine plan. This scene provides a timeless lesson for ministry and communal life: divine blessings often flow more effectively through intentional organization and humble obedience.