John 6:13

KJV

Therefore they gathered [them] together, and filled twelve baskets with the fragments of the five barley loaves, which remained over and above unto them that had eaten.

KJV (with Strong's)

Therefore {G3767} they gathered them together {G4863}, and {G2532} filled {G1072} twelve {G1427} baskets {G2894} with the fragments {G2801} of {G1537} the five {G4002} barley {G2916} loaves {G740}, which {G3739} remained over and above {G4052} unto them that had eaten {G977}.

Complete Jewish Bible

They gathered them and filled twelve baskets with the pieces from the five barley loaves left by those who had eaten.

Berean Standard Bible

So they collected them and filled twelve baskets with the pieces of the five barley loaves left over by those who had eaten.

American Standard Version

So they gathered them up, and filled twelve baskets with broken pieces from the five barley loaves, which remained over unto them that had eaten.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
John 6:13 concludes the miraculous feeding of the five thousand, detailing the disciples' collection of the leftovers. From an initial five barley loaves and two fish, an astonishing twelve baskets full of fragments were gathered, demonstrating Jesus' boundless power to provide abundantly beyond human need and emphasizing the divine principle of stewardship, even amidst overflow.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** The immediate literary context of [John 6:13](/john/6-13 "John 6:13 - The Collection of Fragments") is the climax of Jesus' miraculous feeding of the five thousand, a pivotal event narrated in [John 6:1-15](/john/6-1-15 "John 6:1-15 - The Feeding of the Five Thousand"). Preceding this verse, Jesus has just performed an astounding act of multiplication, taking five small barley loaves and two fish and satisfying a massive crowd of approximately five thousand men, plus women and children. [John 6:11](/john/6-11 "John 6:11 - Jesus Distributes the Bread") describes Jesus giving thanks and distributing the food. Crucially, [John 6:12](/john/6-12 "John 6:12 - Jesus' Command to Gather Fragments") records Jesus' specific instruction to His disciples: "Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost." [John 6:13](/john/6-13 "John 6:13 - The Collection of Fragments") is the direct fulfillment of this command, showcasing the tangible evidence of the miracle's scale and the disciples' obedience. Following this, the crowd, recognizing Jesus as "the Prophet," attempts to make Him king by force ([John 6:14-15](/john/6-14-15 "John 6:14-15 - The Crowd's Reaction")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The event takes place in a "desert place" near the Sea of Galilee, likely on the eastern side, a region where large, impromptu gatherings would necessitate reliance on local resources or, in this case, divine intervention. Barley loaves were the humble, common food of the poor, contrasting sharply with the immense multitude fed. The use of "baskets" (Greek: _kóphinos_) is significant; these were small, portable wicker baskets typically carried by Jews, often used for provisions or personal belongings, and distinct from the larger "hampers" (_spuris_) mentioned in the feeding of the four thousand ([Matthew 15:37](/matthew/15-37 "Matthew 15:37 - Baskets in the Feeding of the Four Thousand")). The Jewish custom of not wasting food, even scraps, was deeply ingrained, reflecting a reverence for God's provision and a practical necessity in a subsistence economy. Jesus' command to gather the fragments would have resonated strongly with this cultural value, elevating it to a divine principle.
* **Key Themes:** [John 6:13](/john/6-13 "John 6:13 - The Collection of Fragments") powerfully reinforces several key themes woven throughout the Gospel of John and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Abundance and Sufficiency**, demonstrating that God's provision is not merely adequate but overflowing, transcending human limitations. The "twelve baskets" filled with leftovers from so little underscore that Jesus provides "over and above" what is needed, a concept echoed in [Psalm 23:5](/psalms/23-5 "Psalm 23:5 - My Cup Overflows") where the psalmist speaks of a cup that overflows. Secondly, the verse emphasizes **Stewardship and Avoiding Waste**. Despite the miraculous nature of the provision, Jesus insists that nothing be lost ([John 6:6-12](/john/6-6-12 "John 6:6-12 - Jesus Tests Philip and Commands Gathering")). This teaches a profound lesson about valuing and wisely managing God's blessings, even the "fragments." Thirdly, the **Symbolism of the Number Twelve** is prominent. This number frequently signifies completeness, divine order, or the twelve tribes of Israel ([Genesis/49](/genesis/49 "Genesis 49 - Jacob's Blessings on His Sons")) and the twelve apostles ([Matthew 10:1](/matthew/10-1 "Matthew 10:1 - Jesus Calls the Twelve Apostles")). The twelve baskets, perhaps one for each disciple, serve as a tangible witness to the miracle and a symbolic representation of their future mission to gather people into God's kingdom. Finally, the collected fragments provide **Undeniable Proof of the Miracle**, leaving no doubt about Jesus' supernatural power and authority, which sets the stage for His subsequent discourse on the Bread of Life ([John 6:26-59](/john/6-26-59 "John 6:26-59 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **gathered them together (Greek, _synágō_):** This verb (G4863) signifies to "lead together," "collect," or "convene." In this context, it emphasizes the intentional and organized act of the disciples collecting the scattered pieces of bread. It highlights obedience to Jesus' command and the systematic nature of the task, ensuring nothing was lost.
* **fragments (Greek, _klásma_):** Derived from a word meaning "to break," _klásma_ (G2801) literally means "a piece broken off" or "a bit." This term is crucial as it specifies that the collected food was not whole loaves, but rather the leftover pieces from the miraculously multiplied bread. It underscores the reality of the meal and the tangible nature of the abundance from what was initially broken.
* **remained over and above (Greek, _perisseúō_):** This verb (G4052) means "to superabound," "be in excess," or "be superfluous." It conveys the idea of an overflowing abundance, far more than what was merely sufficient. The use of this word emphatically communicates that Jesus' provision was not just enough to satisfy, but resulted in a lavish surplus, testifying to His divine generosity and power.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Therefore they gathered [them] together":** This opening phrase, linked by "Therefore" (Greek: _oûn_, G3767), indicates a direct consequence of Jesus' command in [John 6:12](/john/6-12 "John 6:12 - Jesus' Command to Gather Fragments"). The disciples, in obedience, systematically collected (Greek: _synágō_, G4863) the remaining pieces of bread. This act underscores their role as stewards and witnesses to the miracle.
* **"and filled twelve baskets":** This clause reveals the astonishing outcome of the collection. The disciples did not just gather a few scraps; they "filled" (Greek: _gemízō_, G1072, to fill entirely) a significant number of containers. The specific number "twelve" (Greek: _dṓdeka_, G1427) is highly symbolic, often representing the twelve tribes of Israel or the twelve apostles, suggesting a completeness or a witness for each disciple. The "baskets" (Greek: _kóphinos_, G2894) were the common, small wicker baskets of the region.
* **"with the fragments of the five barley loaves":** This part specifies the nature of the collected food—"fragments" (Greek: _klásma_, G2801, broken pieces) and explicitly links them back to the meager starting point: "the five (Greek: _pénte_, G4002) barley (Greek: _kríthinos_, G2916) loaves (Greek: _ártos_, G740)." This connection emphasizes the miraculous multiplication, as such a vast quantity of leftovers originated from so little. The preposition "of" (Greek: _ek_, G1537) denotes origin, reinforcing the source of the fragments.
* **"which remained over and above unto them that had eaten":** This concluding phrase highlights the sheer abundance of Jesus' provision. The food "remained over and above" (Greek: _perisseúō_, G4052, to superabound, be in excess), meaning there was a lavish surplus even after the entire multitude had eaten (Greek: _bibrṓskō_, G977) to satisfaction. This demonstrates Jesus' divine capacity to provide not just adequately, but extravagantly, far exceeding human expectations or needs. The relative pronoun "which" (Greek: _hós_, G3739) connects the fragments to their origin as leftovers.

#### Literary Devices
John 6:13 employs several potent literary devices to enhance its theological impact. **Hyperbole** is subtly present in the sheer scale of the leftovers—twelve baskets from five small loaves feeding five thousand—which, while a literal miracle, functions to emphasize the extraordinary nature of Jesus' power. The **Symbolism** of the number twelve is paramount; it evokes the twelve tribes of Israel and the twelve apostles, suggesting divine completeness, the re-gathering of God's people, and the future mission of the disciples. The "fragments" themselves carry **Symbolism**, representing not only the physical remnants but also potentially the "crumbs" of God's grace that are still abundant even after a great outpouring. The contrast between the initial scarcity (five loaves) and the resulting abundance (twelve full baskets) creates a powerful **Juxtaposition**, highlighting the miraculous nature of Jesus' provision and His ability to transform insufficiency into overflowing sufficiency. The meticulous gathering of the fragments, despite the abundance, serves as an **Allegory** for responsible stewardship, even in the face of divine generosity, teaching that God's blessings are to be valued and not wasted.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 6:13 stands as a profound theological statement on God's character and kingdom principles. It vividly portrays Jesus as the ultimate Provider, whose power transcends natural limitations, demonstrating that His abundance is not merely sufficient but superabundant. This miracle, culminating in the collection of twelve baskets of fragments, serves as a tangible sign of God's generous nature, which delights in blessing His people "over and above" what they could ask or imagine. Furthermore, the instruction to gather the fragments, even after such a lavish display of power, underscores the divine principle of stewardship—that God's blessings, no matter how miraculous, are to be valued, conserved, and not wasted. This act of gathering also foreshadows the global mission of the church, where the disciples, empowered by Christ, would gather the "fragments" of humanity into the kingdom, proclaiming the good news of His abundant provision. The twelve baskets, perhaps one for each apostle, symbolize their future role in collecting the spiritual harvest.

* [Psalm 23:5](/psalms/23-5 "Psalm 23:5 - My Cup Overflows")
* [Matthew 14:20](/matthew/14-20 "Matthew 14:20 - The Disciples Collect Twelve Baskets")
* [Ephesians 3:20](/ephesians/3-20 "Ephesians 3:20 - God's Exceeding Abundance")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
John 6:13 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. Firstly, it calls us to cultivate a deeper trust in God's boundless provision. In a world often marked by scarcity and anxiety, this verse reminds us that Jesus is capable of meeting our needs, not just adequately, but with an overflowing abundance that defies human logic. It encourages us to bring our meager resources and seemingly insignificant offerings to Him, knowing that He can multiply them far beyond our expectations. Secondly, the command to gather the fragments instills a crucial principle of stewardship. Even when God provides miraculously, we are called to be responsible and mindful, valuing every blessing and avoiding waste. This applies not only to material resources but also to our time, talents, and spiritual gifts. We are to be diligent in gathering and utilizing what God has given us, recognizing that every good and perfect gift comes from Him. This verse challenges us to consider how we might be more intentional in stewarding the resources and opportunities God places in our lives, ensuring that "nothing is lost" for His glory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the abundance demonstrated in John 6:13 challenge your understanding of God's provision in your own life?**
* **In what areas of your life might you be tempted to waste or disregard resources that God has provided? How can you practice better stewardship?**
* **What "fragments" (small blessings, overlooked opportunities, seemingly insignificant resources) might God be calling you to gather and utilize for His kingdom purposes?**

### FAQ
**Why did Jesus command the disciples to gather the fragments if He could just create more food?**

Answer: Jesus' command to gather the fragments, even after such a miraculous display of abundance, teaches several vital lessons. Firstly, it emphasizes the principle of **stewardship**; God's blessings are not to be wasted, regardless of their miraculous origin. This act teaches respect for creation and the resources God provides. Secondly, the collection of twelve full baskets served as **tangible proof** of the miracle's immense scale. It was undeniable evidence that thousands had been fed from only five loaves, leaving no room for doubt about Jesus' divine power ([John 6:14](/john/6-14 "John 6:14 - The Crowd's Reaction to the Miracle")). Thirdly, it highlights the **reality** of the food and the miracle; it wasn't an illusion, but real bread that was multiplied and consumed, with real leftovers. This meticulous attention to detail reinforces the authenticity of Jesus' works. Finally, it may foreshadow the future mission of the disciples, who would "gather" people from all nations into the kingdom of God, just as they gathered the physical fragments ([Matthew 28:19-20](/matthew/28-19-20 "Matthew 28:19-20 - The Great Commission")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
John 6:13, with its depiction of superabundant provision and the collection of twelve baskets of fragments, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ Himself. He is the true "Bread of Life" ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")), who offers not just temporary physical sustenance, but eternal spiritual nourishment for all who believe. The miracle of the loaves foreshadows the infinitely greater spiritual provision found in His atoning sacrifice. Just as the physical bread was broken to feed the multitude, Jesus' body was broken on the cross to provide spiritual life for a lost humanity ([1 Corinthians 11:24](/1_corinthians/11-24 "1 Corinthians 11:24 - The Broken Body of Christ")). The "fragments" gathered, representing an overflowing abundance, point to the inexhaustible grace and mercy available in Christ, sufficient for every generation and every need. His sacrifice is not merely enough, but "over and above," offering complete forgiveness and eternal life ([Romans 5:20](/romans/5-20 "Romans 5:20 - Grace Abounds Much More")). The twelve baskets, symbolizing the twelve tribes and apostles, also hint at the universal scope of the Gospel, where the spiritual "fragments" of all nations are gathered into the new covenant community through Christ, the great Shepherd who gathers His sheep ([John 10:16](/john/10-16 "John 10:16 - One Flock, One Shepherd")). Thus, John 6:13 is a powerful testament to Christ's identity as the divine Provider, whose abundance extends from physical sustenance to the eternal life He offers through His very being.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Proverbs 11:24

¶ There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and [there is] that withholdeth more than is meet, but [it tendeth] to poverty.

Proverbs 11:25

¶ The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself.

1 Kings 7:15

For he cast two pillars of brass, of eighteen cubits high apiece: and a line of twelve cubits did compass either of them about.

1 Kings 7:16

And he made two chapiters [of] molten brass, to set upon the tops of the pillars: the height of the one chapiter [was] five cubits, and the height of the other chapiter [was] five cubits:

2 Chronicles 25:9

And Amaziah said to the man of God, But what shall we do for the hundred talents which I have given to the army of Israel? And the man of God answered, The LORD is able to give thee much more than this.

2 Corinthians 9:8

And God [is] able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all [things], may abound to every good work:

2 Corinthians 9:9

(As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor: his righteousness remaineth for ever.