Lexical Summary klisia: Dining couch, place of reclining Original Word: κλισία Strong's Exhaustive Concordance company, party at a mealFrom a derivative of klino; properly, reclination, i.e. (concretely and specially), a party at a meal -- company. see GREEK klino NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom klinó Definition a place for reclining NASB Translation groups (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2828: κλισίακλισία, κλισίας, ἡ (κλίνω; from Homer down; properly, a place for lying down or reclining; hence, 1. a hut, erected to pass the night in. 2. a tent. 3. anything to recline on; a chair in which to lean back the head, reclining-chair. 4. a company reclining; a row or party of persons reclining at meal: so in plural, Luke 9:14, on which cf. Winers Grammar, 229 (214); likewise in Josephus, Antiquities 12, 2, 12; Plutarch Sert. 26. The term indicates a company arranged for a meal, evoking the picture of diners reclining together in ordered fellowship. In Scripture the idea of table fellowship is more than social etiquette; it reflects covenant community, shared provision, and divine hospitality (Psalm 23:5; Acts 2:46). Historical and Cultural Background In first-century Judea under Roman influence, formal meals were taken while reclining on couches set in ranked formations. Hosts divided large crowds into manageable “tables,” each supervised by a servant. Such order ensured equitable distribution and emphasized communal identity rather than individual consumption. Canonical Usage Luke 9:14 records the only New Testament occurrence: “There were about five thousand men there. He told His disciples, ‘Have them sit down in groups of about fifty each.’”. By arranging the multitude into dining companies, Jesus mirrors ancient banquet protocol while demonstrating His authority over both creation (multiplying bread) and community (structuring the crowd). Theological Themes • Divine Provision: The orderly groupings underscore that God’s abundance is neither chaotic nor haphazard (Exodus 16:4-15; Luke 12:42). Connections with Old Testament Patterns • Moses arranged Israel by tribes and clans for distribution of manna and quail (Numbers 11:18-20). Christological Significance In directing the seating, Jesus acts as host of the messianic banquet, fulfilling prophetic images of the coming Shepherd-King who “makes me lie down in green pastures” (Psalm 23:2). The miracle validates His identity while revealing His care for bodily and spiritual needs. Ecclesiological and Pastoral Applications 1. Order in Worship: Paul exhorts that “all things should be done in a fitting and orderly way” (1 Corinthians 14:40, cf. the structured groups). Practical Reflections for Modern Ministry • Large gatherings benefit from intentional segmentation, allowing for personal interaction and stewardship of resources. Key Related Passages Psalm 23:1-6; Isaiah 25:6-9; 2 Kings 4:42-44; Luke 9:12-17; Matthew 22:2-14; Revelation 19:6-9 |
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