Mark 6:40

“And they sat down in ranks, etc..] Or “beds”: in such form as little beds are placed in a garden, or as rows of vines in a vineyard, in which form the scholars of the wise men sat in their schools: it is said f127, “R. Eliezer ben Azariah expounded before the wise men in the vineyard (i.e. the university) of Jabneh: though was there a vineyard there? but these are the disciples of the wise men, who are made, or placed, twrw twrw, “rows, rows”, or “in ranks”, as a vineyard.” ç ç By hundreds, and by fifties; that is, an hundred in “each” bed, or row, and fifty in “each” bed, or row, as the word ana, signifies: each distinct bed, or row, had either a hundred, or fifty in it.”

“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…”

“They sat down in ranks - The word properly signifies a parterre or bed in a garden; by a metaphor, a company of men ranged in order, by hundreds and by fifties - That is, fifty in rank, and a hundred in file. So a hundred multiplied by fifty, make just five thousand. Mark 6:43”

“by hundreds: It is generally supposed that they were so arranged as to be a hundred in rank, or depth, and fifty in front, or file; which would make the number just five thousand, and will reconcile this account with Luke's, who only speaks of their sitting down by fifties. Luk 9:14, Luk 9:15 Mark 6:41”