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

MARK 6:39KJV
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Mark 6:39 (KJV)

What does Mark 6:39 mean?

Mark 6:39 describes how Jesus instructed his disciples to have everyone sit down in organized groups on the green grass before he performed the miracle of feeding the crowd. This verse sets the scene for the feeding of the five thousand, showing Jesus’ care for order and the people’s comfort.

In this moment, Jesus is speaking to his disciples while surrounded by a large crowd that has gathered to hear him teach. The instruction to sit “by companies” on the green grass highlights both the size of the crowd and the practical steps taken to prepare for what is about to happen. The mention of “green grass” also gives a sense of the time of year and the natural setting.

The Greek behind Mark 6:39

  • The word for “companies” is συνανακλίνω (synanaklinō), which means to recline together or to arrange in groups. This word emphasizes that the people were not just sitting randomly, but were organized in an orderly way, likely making it easier to distribute food.
  • The word for “green” is χλωρός (chlōros), meaning fresh or green, pointing to the lushness of the grass and suggesting a specific season, likely spring.
  • The word for “grass” is χόρτος (chortos), which refers to grass or herbage, reinforcing the natural, outdoor setting of the event.

Why Mark 6:39 matters

  • Mark 6:39 shows Jesus’ attention to both practical needs and the comfort of the people, not just their spiritual hunger.
  • The verse highlights the organization and orderliness that Jesus brought to a potentially chaotic situation, which sets the stage for the miracle that follows.
  • Noticing the detail about the “green grass” connects the story to a real place and time, grounding the miracle in a concrete historical setting.

Where else these words appear

“green” Greek G5515 · used in 4 verses

  • Revelation 6:8 And I looked, and behold a pale horse: and his name that sat on him was Death, and Hell followed with him. And power was given unto them over the fourth part of the earth, to kill with sword, and with hunger, and with death, and with the beasts of the earth.
  • Revelation 8:7 The first angel sounded, and there followed hail and fire mingled with blood, and they were cast upon the earth: and the third part of trees was burnt up, and all green grass was burnt up.
  • Revelation 9:4 And it was commanded them that they should not hurt the grass of the earth, neither any green thing, neither any tree; but only those men which have not the seal of God in their foreheads.

“make” Greek G347 · used in 8 verses

  • Matthew 8:11 And I say unto you, That many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven.
  • Luke 2:7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
  • Luke 9:15 And they did so, and made them all sit down.

“commanded” Greek G2004 · used in 10 verses

  • Mark 1:27 And they were all amazed, insomuch that they questioned among themselves, saying, What thing is this? what new doctrine is this? for with authority commandeth he even the unclean spirits, and they do obey him.
  • Luke 4:36 And they were all amazed, and spake among themselves, saying, What a word is this! for with authority and power he commandeth the unclean spirits, and they come out.
  • Luke 14:22 And the servant said, Lord, it is done as thou hast commanded, and yet there is room.

“grass” Greek G5528 · used in 13 verses

  • Matthew 6:30 Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?
  • Luke 12:28 If then God so clothe the grass, which is to day in the field, and to morrow is cast into the oven; how much more will he clothe you, O ye of little faith?
  • James 1:11 For the sun is no sooner risen with a burning heat, but it withereth the grass, and the flower thereof falleth, and the grace of the fashion of it perisheth: so also shall the rich man fade away in his ways.