Mark 6:39

Sit down. Gr. anaklind, “to lie down,” or “to recline.” This was the usual position taken at the table, at least by people of the upper classes (see on ch. 2:15).

By companies. The fact that Christ had the people recline in companies may imply that He asked them to arrange themselves much as they would if sitting about a table in their respective homes, with one point in the circle open to permit the disciples to enter and serve each group, somewhat as a servant would do in a home.

Green. This fact is mentioned only by Mark. Owing to the fact that rainfall was extremely scanty in Palestine from May through September (see Vol. II, p. 110), the grass would be green only in the winter or spring. It was now but a few days before the Passover of A.D. 30, and the grass would accordingly be at its best (see John 6:4). Thus Mark’s account is supplemented perfectly by that of John. See Additional Note on Matthew 15.