A.T. Robertson Commentary Luke 9:14

"For they were about five thousand men. And he said unto his disciples, Make them sit down in companies, about fifty each." — Luke 9:14 (ASV)

About (ωσε). Luke as Mt 14:21 adds this word to the definite statement of Mr 6:44 that there were 5,000 men, a hundred companies of fifty each.

Sit down (κατακλινατε). First aorist active imperative. Recline, lie down. Only in Luke in the N.T. See also verse 15.

In companies (κλισιας). Cognate accusative after

kataklinate . Only here in the N.T. A row of persons reclining at meals (table company).

About fifty each (ωσε ανα πεντηκοντα). Distributive use of ανα and approximate number again (ωσε).