Definition: And they sat down in ranks, by hundreds, and by fifties.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Mark 6:40. It's a really important scene in the Gospel of Mark – it describes the disciples following Jesus after he walked on the Sea of Galilee. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Basically, Jesus was leading a huge group of people – maybe hundreds or even fifties – to a meal. Let’s unpack that: “They sat down”: This suggests a significant gathering. They weren't just having a small snack; they were gathered together for a meal. “By hundreds”: This means there were many people, probably dozens or even more. It shows the enormity of the group Jesus was leading. “And by fifties”: This is a bit trickier, but it means that the number of people was divided into groups of five. So, it’s like this: Instead of just having one big group, Jesus arranged everyone into smaller, manageable teams. It's a visual representation of him being in charge and organizing a large party. Why is this important? This detail shows that Jesus was in control and wasn’t just casually walking around. He was actively leading and directing the people, making sure they were comfortable and happy. It also highlights his authority and leadership. In short, it tells us that Jesus was organizing a large group of people for a meal, demonstrating his power and being in charge. --- Do you want to dive deeper into any particular aspect of this verse? For example: Would you like me to explain what the Sea of Galilee is? Are you curious about why this detail might be significant in the story?