*Minor differences ignored. Grouped by changes, with first version listed as example.
And he commanded them to make all sit down by (t) companies upon the green grass.
(t) Literally, "by banquets", after the manner of the Hebrews who have no distributive words; see (Mark 6:7). Now he calls the rows of the sitters, "banquets".
And he commanded them to make all sit down,.... Christ ordered his disciples, without any more ado, to cause the whole multitude, men, women, and children, to sit, or lie down, as they used to do at table when about to take a meal: and as they had no table before them, nor beds, or couches to sit, or lie down upon, he directed them to place them
by companies upon the green grass; that there might be some order among them, as at a meal; and that their number might be the more easily known; and that all of them might more plainly see the miracle that was to be wrought: and the provision be more orderly distributed to them.
And he commanded them to make all sit down by companies upon the green grass--or "green hay"; the rank grass of those bushy wastes. For, as John (John 6:10) notes, "there was much grass in the place."
*More commentary available at chapter level.