Mark 6:39

Καὶ ἐπέταξεν αὐτοῖς ἀνακλῖναι πάντας συμπόσια συμπόσια ἐπὶ τῷ χλωρῷ χόρτῳ.

RBT Greek Interlinear:

Strongs 2532; Kai; Καὶ; And; Conj

Strongs 2004; epetaxen; ἐπέταξεν; commanded; V-AIA-3S

Strongs 846; autois; αὐτοῖς; to themselves; PPro-DM3P

Strongs 347; anaklinai; ἀνακλῖναι*; to make recline; V-ANA

Strongs 3956; pantas; πάντας; all; Adj-AMP

Strongs 4849; symposia; συμπόσια; [by] groups; N-ANP

Strongs 4849; symposia; συμπόσια; [by] groups; N-ANP

Strongs 1909; epi; ἐπὶ; upon; Prep

Strongs 3588; tō; τῷ; the; Art-DMS

Strongs 5515; chlōrō; χλωρῷ; green; Adj-DMS

Strongs 5528; chortō; χόρτῳ; farmyard; N-DMS

RBT Translation:

And he commanded to themselves to lay back, all drinking banquets, drinking banquets, upon the green colored feeding-ground.¹⁶

LITV Translation:
And He ordered them all to recline, group by group on the green grass.

ESV Translation:
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Footnotes

16

Drinking Parties

The term "συμπόσια" (symposia) comes from the Greek word "συμπόσιον" (symposion), which historically refers to a social gathering or banquet in ancient Greece. Here's a breakdown:

• Etymology: The word συμπόσιον combines:

  • "σύν" (syn): meaning "together."
  • "πόσις" (posis): meaning "drinking."
  • Thus, a συμπόσιον originally referred to "drinking together."

• Definition: A symposium was a formalized social event where people would gather to eat, drink, and engage in conversation, often about intellectual, philosophical, or cultural topics.

Characteristics of Ancient Greek Συμπόσια

• Structure. Symposia were typically divided into two parts:
  • Deipnon (Δείπνον): The meal portion (main meal of the day, noonday meal).
  • Symposium Proper: Focused on drinking and conversation.
• Entertainment:
  • Included music, poetry recitation, and sometimes games.
  • Philosophical debates and intellectual discussions were central in certain circles, such as those influenced by Socratic philosophy.
• Drinking:
  • Wine mixed with water was consumed in moderation.
  • A symposiarch (master of ceremonies) would regulate the drinking.
• Setting:
  • Typically held in an andron (men’s quarters) within a house, with couches arranged for reclining.