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 Hebrew Literal:

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

Julia Smith Literal 1876 Translation:
And he commanded them all to recline a drinking together, drinking together upon the green grass.

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

ESV Translation:
Then he commanded them all to sit down in groups on the green grass.

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.