Mark 6:39

Authorized King James Version

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

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
καὶ
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#2
ἐπέταξεν
he commanded
to arrange upon, i.e., order
#3
αὐτοῖς
them
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
#4
ἀνακλῖναι
sit down
to lean back
#5
πάντας
all
all, any, every, the whole
#6
συμπόσια
by companies
a drinking-party ("symposium"), i.e., (by extension) a room of guests
#7
συμπόσια
by companies
a drinking-party ("symposium"), i.e., (by extension) a room of guests
#8
ἐπὶ
upon
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
#9
τῷ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#10
χλωρῷ
the green
greenish, i.e., verdant, dun-colored
#11
χόρτῳ
grass
a "court" or "garden", i.e., (by implication, of pasture) herbage or vegetation

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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