4849. sumposion

Lexical Summary

sumposion: Banquet, drinking party, feast

Original Word: συμπόσιον
Part of Speech: Noun, Neuter
Transliteration: sumposion
Pronunciation: soom-PO-see-on
Phonetic Spelling: (soom-pos'-ee-on)
KJV: company
NASB: groups
Word Origin: [neuter of a derivative of the alternate of G4844 (συμπίνω - To drink together)]

1. a drinking-party ("symposium")
2. (by extension) a room of guests

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

group, party, company

Neuter of a derivative of the alternate of sumpino; a drinking-party ("symposium"), i.e. (by extension) a room of guests -- company.

see GREEK sumpino

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
from sumpinó
Definition
a drinking party, company (guests at a party)
NASB Translation
groups (1).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon

STRONGS NT 4849: συμπόσιον

συμπόσιον, συμποσίου, τό (συμπίνω), a drinking-party, entertainment (Latinconvivium); by metonymy, the party itself, the guests (Plutarch, mor., p. 157 a.; 704d.); plural rows of guests: συμπόσια συμπόσια, Hebraistically for κατά συμπόσια, in parties, by companies ((Buttmann, 30 (27); § 129 a. 3; Winers Grammar, 229 (214); 464 (432)); see πρασιά), Mark 6:39.

Topical Lexicon

Definition in Context

A συμπόσιον (symposion) was a festive gathering centered on a shared meal. In Hellenistic usage the word could conjure images of leisurely banquets, yet Mark employs it to describe orderly seating on grass for a miraculous feeding. Rather than an indulgent revelry, the Gospel scene emphasizes community, provision, and preparation for divine blessing.

Occurrences in Scripture

Mark 6:39 records both uses: “Then Jesus directed them to have the people sit in groups (συμπόσια) on the green grass”. Mark repeats the term (“groups, groups”) to stress the intentional arrangement of the five-thousand-strong crowd.

Cultural Background

1. Greco-Roman banquets normally gathered guests in fixed numbers around low tables, reclining on cushions.
2. Jewish communal meals—especially Sabbath or festive meals—were likewise structured, fostering fellowship and instruction.
3. First-century listeners therefore heard “symposion” as an invitation to an ordered, shared experience rather than random seating.

Theological Themes

• Shepherd-like care. Jesus makes the multitude “lie down” (ἀνακλῖναι) on “green grass,” echoing Psalm 23:2. The συμπόσια are the sheepfolds; the Shepherd provides.
• Anticipation of the Messianic Banquet. Isaiah 25:6 foretells, “The LORD of Hosts will prepare a feast of rich food for all peoples.” The orderly symposium foretells the eschatological feast.
• Discipleship and participation. The Twelve organize each συμπόσιον, learning stewardship: “You give them something to eat” (Mark 6:37).
• Abundance from scarcity. The setting of neat groups highlights the contrast between meager supplies and overflowing baskets, making the miracle publicly verifiable.
• Unity and equality. Unlike elite Greco-Roman banquets that enforced social rank, Jesus seats rich and poor alike on common ground.

Historical and Ministry Significance

A. Liturgical Foreshadowing

Early Christian writers saw the συμπόσια of Mark 6 as a type of the Lord’s Table: bread blessed, broken, distributed, with enough for all and plenty left over.

B. Pastoral Order

The passage underlines that spiritual nourishment often flows through orderly structures. Congregational organization—small groups, pastoral seating, systematic distribution—mirrors the Master’s method.

C. Evangelistic Witness

The public arrangement turned the miracle into an open demonstration of divine power. Modern ministry likewise places God’s provision “on display” when believers serve communities in tangible, organized ways.

D. Communal Identity

Sitting in συμπόσια forged thousands of isolated individuals into one people fed by one Savior. Church gatherings today—home groups, fellowship meals, outreach dinners—inherit this identity-forming dynamic.

Practical Application

1. Structure ministry for accessibility: arrange gatherings so every person is seen, served, and shepherded.
2. Expectation of provision: approach limited resources trusting Christ to multiply them when offered in obedience.
3. Model hospitality: invite diverse people to a shared table where Christ is host.
4. Teach eschatological hope: every church meal hints at the coming Kingdom feast.

Related Passages for Further Study

Psalm 23:1-3; Isaiah 25:6-8; Luke 14:15-24; Acts 2:46; Revelation 19:9.

Summary

Strong’s 4849 pictures Jesus transforming a customary banquet term into a vivid portrait of Kingdom hospitality, shepherd-like order, and miraculous provision—an enduring pattern for Christian worship, fellowship, and service.

Forms and Transliterations

συμποσια συμπόσια συμποσίου sumposia symposia sympósia

Englishman's Concordance

Mark 6:39 N-ANP
GRK: ἀνακλῖναι πάντας συμπόσια συμπόσια ἐπὶ
NAS: to sit down by groups on the green
KJV: sit down by companies upon
INT: to make recline all groups [by] groups on

Mark 6:39 N-ANP
GRK: πάντας συμπόσια συμπόσια ἐπὶ τῷ
INT: all groups [by] groups on the

Strong's Greek 4849
2 Occurrences

συμπόσια — 2 Occ.