Mark 6:39

New Testament Gospel ASV (1901)

What does Mark 6:39 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And he commanded them that all should sit down by companies upon the green grass.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And he commanded them that all should sit down by companies upon the green grass.
Mark 6:39 — American Standard Version

Context — Mark 6

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
39And he commanded them that all should sit down by companies upon the green grass.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“And he commanded them to make all sit down, etc..] Christ ordered his disciples, without any more ado, to cause the whole multitude, men, women, and children, to sit, or lie down, as they used to do at table when about to take a meal: and as they had no table before them, nor beds, or couches to sit, or lie down upon, he directed them to place them by companies upon the green grass; that there might be some order among them, as at a meal; and that their number might be the more easily known; and that all of them might more plainly see the miracle that was to be wrought: and the provision be more orderly distributed to them.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“See this narrative explained in the notes at Matthew 14:13-21. Mark 6:32 By ship - By a boat or a small vessel. Privately - Without making their plan known. They intended to go privately. It appears, however, that their intention became known, and multitudes followed them. Mark 6:33 Afoot thither - On foot to the place where they saw them going. Out of all cities - All cities or large towns in the neighborhood. Mark 6:34 Much people ...as sheep ... - They had no one to teach them and guide them. The priests and scribes were proud and corrupt; they despised the common people and neglected them. Mark 6:35 The time is far passed - The day is almost gone. It is drawing near night. Mark 6:37 Two…”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“Kg1 10:5; Est 1:5, Est 1:6; Mat 15:35; Co1 14:33, Co1 14:40 Mark 6:40”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification