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Translation
King James Version
And they did eat, and were all filled: and there was taken up of fragments that remained to them twelve baskets.
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KJV (with Strong's)
And G2532 they did eat G5315, and G2532 were G5526 all G3956 filled G5526: and G2532 there was taken up G142 of fragments G2801 that remained G4052 to them G846 twelve G1427 baskets G2894.
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Complete Jewish Bible
Everyone ate as much as he wanted; and they took up what was left over, twelve baskets full of broken pieces.
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Berean Standard Bible
They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over.
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American Standard Version
And they ate, and were all filled: and there was taken up that which remained over to them of broken pieces, twelve baskets.
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World English Bible Messianic
They ate, and were all filled. They gathered up twelve baskets of broken pieces that were left over.
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Geneva Bible (1599)
So they did all eate, and were satisfied: and there was taken vp of that remained to them, twelue baskets full of broken meate.
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Young's Literal Translation
and they did eat, and were all filled, and there was taken up what was over to them of broken pieces, twelve baskets.
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Mark 8:22-26, Luke 9:1-16
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In the KJVVerse 25,319 of 31,102

Study This Verse

SUMMARY

Luke 9:17 concludes the miraculous feeding of the five thousand, highlighting the profound sufficiency and superabundance of Jesus' divine provision. After distributing five loaves and two fish to a vast multitude, the verse records that everyone ate to satisfaction, and an astonishing twelve baskets of broken pieces were collected, demonstrating not only Christ's power to create and sustain but also the principle of careful stewardship even in the midst of overflowing blessing.

CONTEXT

  • Literary Context: Luke 9:17 serves as the climactic conclusion to the account of Jesus feeding the five thousand, which begins in Luke 9:10. Prior to this, Jesus had withdrawn with His disciples to Bethsaida, but a large crowd followed Him. Instead of seeking solitude, Jesus welcomed them, teaching them about the kingdom of God and healing their sick (Luke 9:11). As evening approached, the disciples, recognizing the desolate location and the vast number of people, urged Jesus to send the crowds away to find food and lodging (Luke 9:12). Jesus, however, challenged them to provide the food themselves, revealing their meager resources of five loaves and two fish (Luke 9:13). Jesus then took the bread and fish, blessed them, broke them, and gave them to the disciples to distribute, setting the stage for the miraculous multiplication and the subsequent collection of leftovers described in Luke 9:14-16. This miracle is strategically placed before Peter's confession of Jesus as the Christ (Luke 9:18-20), serving as a powerful demonstration of Jesus' messianic authority and divine power to provide, preparing the disciples for deeper revelations about His identity and mission.
  • Historical & Cultural Context: The setting for this miracle is a desolate place near Bethsaida, a city in Galilee. Large crowds following religious teachers were common in first-century Judea, but the challenge of feeding such a multitude in a remote area was immense. The "baskets" (Greek: kóphinos) mentioned in the text were typical wicker baskets carried by Jewish travelers. These baskets were often used to carry food, particularly by Jews who wished to avoid eating food that might have been defiled by Gentile contact, highlighting a common cultural practice. The number "twelve" holds significant symbolic weight in Jewish tradition, representing the twelve tribes of Israel and, in the New Testament, the twelve apostles. This number would have immediately resonated with a Jewish audience, suggesting completeness, divine order, and perhaps even a symbolic provision for all of God's people, echoing the manna provided to the twelve tribes in the wilderness. The miracle itself would have evoked memories of God's miraculous provision in the Old Testament, particularly the feeding of the Israelites in the wilderness (Exodus 16), further solidifying Jesus' identity as a prophet, or even greater, in the eyes of His Jewish audience.
  • Key Themes: Luke 9:17 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the Gospel of Luke and the broader biblical narrative. Foremost is the theme of Divine Provision and Sufficiency, demonstrating Jesus' boundless capacity to meet human needs, not just adequately but superabundantly. The fact that "all were filled" and there were "twelve baskets" of leftovers underscores that God's resources are limitless, far exceeding human expectations and limitations, a theme echoed in passages like Philippians 4:19. This miracle also highlights Jesus' Messianic Authority and Identity, portraying Him as the one who can command creation and provide for His people, akin to God's actions in the Old Testament. The meticulous collection of the leftovers introduces the theme of Stewardship, emphasizing that even divine abundance does not negate the responsibility to avoid waste and manage resources wisely. Furthermore, the miracle serves as a Foreshadowing of the Heavenly Banquet and the ultimate spiritual nourishment Jesus offers, pointing to Him as the true "Bread of Life" (John 6:35), who satisfies the deepest hunger of the human soul.

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

  • filled (Greek, chortázō, G5526): This word (G5526) literally means "to feed with fodder" or "to gorge," often used for animals grazing to their fill. Its application here to humans signifies a complete and ample satisfaction, far beyond merely having "enough." It conveys the idea of being fully satisfied, even to the point of being satiated, underscoring the generous and abundant nature of Jesus' provision.
  • fragments (Greek, klásma, G2801): Derived from the verb "to break," this term (G2801) refers to "broken pieces" or "bits." It implies that the leftovers were not mere crumbs or tiny scraps, but substantial pieces of bread and fish that remained after everyone had eaten their fill. This detail emphasizes the tangible and significant quantity of the surplus.
  • remained (Greek, perisseúō, G4052): This verb (G4052) means "to superabound," "to be in excess," or "to be superfluous." It conveys the idea of an overflowing abundance, something that is "over and above" what was needed. The use of this word powerfully reinforces the theme of God's generosity, providing not just enough, but an extraordinary surplus.

Verse Breakdown

  • "And they did eat, and were all filled:": This clause emphasizes the immediate and universal impact of Jesus' miracle. Despite the initial scarcity, every single person in the vast crowd, estimated at five thousand men plus women and children, ate until they were completely satisfied. This highlights Jesus' divine power to multiply and provide, demonstrating His compassion and His ability to meet the most fundamental human needs. It underscores the miraculous nature of the event, where limited resources became an overflowing feast through divine intervention.
  • "and there was taken up of fragments that remained to them twelve baskets.": This second clause details the astounding outcome of the miracle. Not only was everyone fed, but there was a significant surplus. The disciples, at Jesus' command, meticulously collected the "fragments" – the substantial broken pieces of bread and fish. The quantity, "twelve baskets," is highly significant. It signifies a superabundance that far exceeded the initial meager supply, and the number twelve likely carries symbolic weight, perhaps representing the twelve tribes of Israel or the twelve apostles, suggesting a provision that is complete and sufficient for all of God's people, and even more. This act of collection also teaches a lesson in stewardship, emphasizing that divine blessings should not lead to waste.

Literary Devices

Luke 9:17 employs several literary devices to enhance its theological impact. Hyperbole is evident in the sheer scale of the miracle: feeding five thousand from five loaves and two fish, and then collecting twelve baskets of leftovers. While a literal event, the numbers amplify the extraordinary nature of Jesus' power. Symbolism is profoundly present, particularly with the number "twelve," which resonates with the twelve tribes of Israel and the twelve apostles, signifying completeness, divine order, and perhaps the new Israel being fed by Christ. The "baskets" (kóphinos) themselves carry cultural symbolism, representing Jewish identity and provision. The entire narrative functions as Foreshadowing, pointing to the future spiritual sustenance Jesus offers as the "Bread of Life" and the abundant provision of God's kingdom. It also serves as a Theophany or divine manifestation, revealing Jesus' divine nature and authority through His miraculous power over creation.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

Luke 9:17 provides a profound theological statement about the character of God and the nature of Jesus' messianic ministry. It reveals God as the ultimate Provider, whose generosity knows no bounds, capable of transforming scarcity into superabundance. This miracle underscores Jesus' divine authority, demonstrating His power over creation and His ability to sustain life, echoing God's provision of manna in the wilderness. The abundance of leftovers, specifically twelve baskets, points to God's overflowing grace and His desire to provide not just adequately, but lavishly, for His people. Furthermore, the act of collecting the fragments teaches a vital lesson in stewardship, reminding believers that even in the midst of divine blessing, resources are to be managed wisely and not wasted, reflecting a responsible approach to God's gifts.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

Luke 9:17 offers timeless truths for believers, inviting us to deepen our trust in God's boundless provision and to cultivate a spirit of gratitude and responsible stewardship. In a world often characterized by scarcity and anxiety, this verse reminds us that Jesus is never limited by our lack or the enormity of our needs. Just as He miraculously satisfied a multitude with meager resources, He is able to meet our physical, emotional, and spiritual needs in ways that exceed our imagination. This miracle encourages us to bring our "five loaves and two fish" – our limited resources, talents, and anxieties – to Him, trusting that in His hands, they can be multiplied to bless not only ourselves but also those around us. Moreover, the collection of the twelve baskets of fragments serves as a powerful reminder that abundance does not negate the call to be good stewards. We are called to be mindful of what God has given us, to avoid waste, and to generously share our surplus with others, embodying the compassionate heart of Christ. This passage challenges us to live with open hands, both in receiving God's abundance and in sharing it with a world in need.

Questions for Reflection

  • How does the abundance demonstrated in this miracle challenge my anxieties about provision in my own life?
  • In what areas of my life do I need to surrender my limited resources to Jesus, trusting Him for multiplication and sufficiency?
  • What "fragments" or leftover blessings has God given me that I can steward more wisely or share more generously with others?

FAQ

Why were there twelve baskets of fragments collected after everyone was fed?

Answer: The collection of twelve baskets of fragments serves multiple purposes. Firstly, it emphatically demonstrates the superabundance of Jesus' miracle, proving that not only was everyone fed to satisfaction, but there was a significant surplus, far exceeding the initial meager supply. This underscores Jesus' divine power and generosity. Secondly, the number "twelve" is highly symbolic, resonating with the twelve tribes of Israel and the twelve apostles. This may suggest that Jesus' provision is for all of God's people, or that the apostles, who distributed the food, were being prepared for their future ministry of providing spiritual nourishment to the new Israel. Thirdly, Jesus' command to collect the leftovers teaches a vital lesson in stewardship, emphasizing that divine blessings should not lead to waste, but rather to responsible management and appreciation of God's gifts.

What kind of baskets were these, and how much food could they hold?

Answer: The Greek word used for "baskets" here is kóphinos (G2894), which refers to a small, flexible wicker basket, typically carried by Jewish travelers for their provisions. These were not small lunch pails but rather substantial containers, large enough to carry a significant amount of food for a journey. The fact that twelve such baskets were filled with "fragments" (broken pieces, not mere crumbs) indicates a truly astonishing volume of leftover food, further emphasizing the magnitude of the miracle and the overflowing nature of Jesus' provision.

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

The physical feeding of the five thousand and the resulting twelve baskets of leftovers in Luke 9:17 find their ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in Jesus Himself as the true and eternal source of sustenance. This miracle foreshadows Jesus as the "Bread of Life" who satisfies spiritual hunger, as proclaimed in John 6:35: "I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst." Just as He provided physical nourishment in abundance, He offers spiritual nourishment that truly fills and leaves an overflowing surplus of grace and eternal life. The miraculous multiplication points to the infinite resources found in Christ's person and work, culminating in His sacrificial death and glorious resurrection, which provides not just enough for salvation, but an abundance of spiritual blessings for all who believe (Ephesians 1:3). The twelve baskets of fragments can also be seen as a foretaste of the heavenly banquet, where God's people will feast eternally in His presence, experiencing a joy and satisfaction that is immeasurable and everlasting (Revelation 19:9). Thus, Luke 9:17 is not merely a historical account of a physical miracle, but a profound theological statement about the overflowing, life-giving provision found in Jesus Christ, the one who satisfies every deep longing of the human heart.

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Commentary on Luke 9 verses 10–17

We have here, I. The account which the twelve gave their Master of the success of their ministry. They were not long out; but, when they returned, they told him all that they had done, as became servants who were sent on an errand. They told him what they had done, that, if they had done any thing amiss, they might mend it next time.

II. Their retirement, for a little breathing: He took them, and went aside privately into a desert place, that they might have some relaxation from business and not be always upon the stretch. Note, He that hath appointed our man-servant and maid-servant to rest would have his servants to rest too. Those in the most public stations, and that are most publicly useful, must sometimes go aside privately, both for the repose of their bodies, to recruit them, and for the furnishing of their minds by meditation for further public work.

III. The resort of the people to him, and the kind reception he gave them. They followed him, though it was into a desert place; for that is no desert where Christ is. And, though they hereby disturbed the repose he designed here for himself and his disciples, yet he welcomed them, Luk 9:11. Note, Pious zeal may excuse a little rudeness; it did with Christ, and should with us. Though they came unseasonably, yet Christ gave them what they came for. 1. He spoke unto them of the kingdom of God, the laws of that kingdom with which they must be bound, and the privileges of that kingdom with which they might be blessed. 2. He healed them that had need of healing, and, in a sense of their need, made their application to him. Though the disease was ever so inveterate, and incurable by the physicians, though the patients were ever so poor and mean, yet Christ healed them. There is healing in Christ for all that need it, whether for soul or body. Christ hath still a power over bodily diseases, and heals his people that need healing. Sometimes he sees that we need the sickness for the good of our souls, more than the healing for the ease of our bodies, and then we must be willing for a season, because there is need, to be in heaviness; but, when he sees that we need healing, we shall have it. Death is his servant, to heal the saints of all diseases. He heals spiritual maladies by his graces, by his comforts, and has for each what the case calls for; relief for every exigence.

IV. The plentiful provision Christ made for the multitude that attended him. With five loaves of bread, and two fishes, he fed five thousand men. This narrative we had twice before, and shall meet with it again; it is the only miracle of our Saviour's that is recorded by all the four evangelists. Let us only observe out of it, 1. Those who diligently attend upon Christ in the way of duty, and therein deny or expose themselves, or are made to forget themselves and their outward conveniences by their zeal for God's house, are taken under his particular care, and may depend upon Jehovah-jireh - The Lord will provide. He will not see those that fear him, and serve him faithfully, want any good thing. 2. Our Lord Jesus was of a free and generous spirit. His disciples said, Send them away, that they may get victuals; but Christ said, "No, give ye them to eat; let what we have go as far as it will reach, and they are welcome to it." Thus he has taught both ministers and Christians to use hospitality without grudging, Pe1 4:9. Those that have but a little, let them do what they can with that little, and that is the way to make it more. There is that scatters, and yet increases. 3. Jesus Christ has not only physic, but food, for all those that by faith apply themselves to him; he not only heals them that need healing, cures the diseases of the soul, but feeds them too that need feeding, supports the spiritual life, relieves the necessities of it, and satisfies the desires of it. Christ has provided not only to save the soul from perishing by its diseases, but to nourish the soul unto life eternal, and strengthen it for all spiritual exercises. 4. All the gifts of Christ are to be received by the church in a regular orderly manner; Make them sit down by fifties in a company, Luk 9:14. Notice is here taken of the number of each company which Christ appointed for the better distribution of the meat and the easier computation of the number of the guests. 5. When we are receiving our creature-comforts, we must look up to heaven. Christ did so, to teach us to do so. We must acknowledge that we receive them from God, and that we are unworthy to receive them, - that we owe them all, and all the comfort we have in them, to the mediation of Christ, by whom the curse is removed, and the covenant of peace settled, - that we depend upon God's blessing upon them to make them serviceable to us, and desire that blessing. 6. The blessing of Christ will make a little go a great way. The little that the righteous man has is better than the riches of many wicked, a dinner of herbs better than a stalled ox. 7. Those whom Christ feeds he fills; to whom he gives, he gives enough; as there is in him enough for all, so there is enough for each. He replenishes every hungry soul, abundantly satisfies it with the goodness of his house. Here were fragments taken up, to assure us that in our Father's house there is bread enough, and to spare. We are not straitened, or stinted, in him.

Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 10–17. Public domain.
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Gregory of Nyssa (as quoted by Aquinas, AD 1274)AD 395
Catena Aurea by Aquinas
(Orat. Catech. Mag. c. 23.) For whom neither the heaven rained manna, nor the earth brought forth corn according to its nature, but from the unspeakable garner of divine power the blessing was poured forth. The bread is supplied in the hands of those who serve, it is even increased through the fulness of those who eat. The sea supplied not their wants with the food of fishes, but He who placed in the sea the race of fishes.
Ambrose of Milan (as quoted by Aquinas, AD 1274)AD 397
Catena Aurea by Aquinas
It is clear that the multitude were filled not by a scanty meal, but by a constant and increasing supply of food. You might see in an incomprehensible manner amid the hands of those who distributed, the particles multiplying which they broke not; the fragments too, untouched by the fingers of the breakers, spontaneously mounting up.

After that she who received the type of the Church was cured of the issue of blood, and that the Apostles were appointed to preach the Gospel of the kingdom of God, the nourishment of heavenly grace is imparted. But mark to whom it is imparted. Not to the indolent, not to those in a city, of rank in the synagogue, or in high secular office, but to those who seek Christ in the desert.

But they who are not proud are themselves received by Christ, and the Word of God speaks with them, not about worldly things, but of the kingdom of God. And if any have ulcers of bodily passions, to these He willingly affords His cure. But every where the order of the mystery is preserved, that first through the remission of sins the wounds should be healed, but afterwards the nourishment of the heavenly table should plentifully abound.

Although the multitude is not as yet fed with stronger food. For first, as milk, there are five loaves; secondly, seven; thirdly, the Body of Christ is the stronger food. But if any one fears to seek food, let him leave every thing that belongs to him, and listen to the word of God. But whoever begins to hear the word of God begins to hunger, the Apostles begin to see him hungering. And if they who eat, as yet know not what they eat, Christ knows; He knows that they cat not this world's food, but the food of Christ. For they did not as yet know that the food of a believing people was not to be bought and sold. Christ knew that we are rather to be bought with a ransom, but His banquet to be without price.

But here the bread which Jesus brake is mystically indeed the word of God, and discourse concorning Christ, which when it is divided is increased. For from these few words, He ministered abundant nourishment to the people. He gave us words like loaves, which while they are tasted by our mouth are doubled.

AMBROSE.; Not without meaning are the fragments which remained over and above what the multitudes had eaten, collected by the disciples, since those things which are divine you may more easily find among the elect than among the people. Blessed is he who can collect those which remain over and above even to the learned. But for what reason did Christ fill twelve baskets, except that He might solve that word concerning the Jewish people, His hands served in the basket? (Ps. 81:6.) that is, the people who before collected mud for the pots, now through the cross of Christ gather up the nourishment of the heavenly life. Nor is this the office of few, but all. For by the twelve baskets, as if of each of the tribes, the foundation of the faith is spread abroad.
John Chrysostom (as quoted by Aquinas, AD 1274)AD 407
Catena Aurea by Aquinas
(Hom. 49. in Matt.) Now He did not depart before, but after it was told Him what had happened, manifesting in each particular the reality of His incarnation.

(ubi sup.) Or He went into a desert place that no one might follow Him. But the people did not retire, but accompanied Him, as it follows, And the people when they knew it, followed him.

(Hom. 49. in Matt.) And to make men believe that He came from the Father, Christ when He was about to work the miracle looked up to heaven. As it follows, Then he took the five loaves, &c.

(ubi sup.) He distributes to them by the hands of His disciples, so honouring them that they might not forget it when the miracle was past. Now He did not create food for the multitude out of what did not exist, that He might stop the mouth of the Manichæans, who say that the creatures are independent (ἀλλοτριούντων. κτίσιν.) of Him; showing that He Himself is both the Giver of food, and the same who said, Let the earth bring forth, &c.He makes also the fishes to increase, to signify that He has dominion over the seas, as well as the dry land. But well did He perform a special miracle for the weak, at the same time that He gives also a general blessing in feeding all the strong as well as the weak. And they did all eat, and were filled.

(ubi sup.) But He caused not loaves to remain over, but fragments, that He might show them to be the remnants of the loaves, and these were made to be of that number, that there might be as many baskets as disciples.
PrudentiusAD 410
SCENES FROM SACRED HISTORY 37
God has broken five loaves and two fishes and fed the five thousand
With these foods that satisfy to the fullest their hunger.
Then twice six baskets are filled with the fragments that are left over:
Such is the bounty dispensed from the heavenly table forever.
PrudentiusAD 410
HYMNS FOR EVERY DAY 9.58-63
“Place,” he said, “in these twelve baskets all the fragments that remain.”
Thousands at that feast reclining, with abundance had been fed
On the five loaves they had eaten and two fishes multiplied.
You, our bread, our true refection, never-failing sweetness are.
He can nevermore know hunger, who is at your banquet fed,
Nourishing not our fleshly nature, but imparting lasting life.
Aurelius Prudentius ClemensAD 413
“Place,” he said, “in these twelve baskets all the fragments that remain.” Thousands at that feast reclining, with abundance had been fed On the five loaves they had eaten and two fishes multiplied. You, our bread, our true refection, neverfailing sweetness are. He can nevermore know hunger, who is at your banquet fed, Nourishing not our fleshly nature, but imparting lasting life. -.
Aurelius Prudentius ClemensAD 413
God has broken five loaves and two fishes and fed the five thousand With these foods that satisfy to the fullest their hunger. Then twice six baskets are filled with the fragments that are left over: Such is the bounty dispensed from the heavenly table forever.
Cyril of AlexandriaAD 444
COMMENTARY ON LUKE, HOMILY 48
But what was the result of the miracle? It was the satisfying of a large multitude with food. There were as many as five thousand men besides women and children, according to what another of the holy Evangelists has added to the narrative. Nor did the miracle end here. There were also gathered twelve baskets of fragments. And what do we infer from this? A plain assurance that hospitality receives a rich recompense from God. The disciples offered five loaves. After a multitude this large had been satisfied, there was gathered for each one of them a basketful of fragments. Let nothing, therefore, prevent willing people from receiving strangers, no matter what there may be likely to blunt the will and readiness of men. Let no one say, “I do not possess suitable means. What I can do is altogether trifling and insufficient for many.” Receive strangers, my beloved. Overcome that reluctance which wins no reward. The Savior will multiply the little you have many times beyond expectation. Although you give but little, you will receive much. For he that sows blessings shall also reap blessings, according to the blessed Paul’s words.
Cyril of Alexandria (as quoted by Aquinas, AD 1274)AD 444
Catena Aurea by Aquinas
Nor was this all that the miracle came to; but it follows, And there was taken up of the fragments that remained, twelve baskets, that this might be a manifest proof that a work of love to our neighbour will claim a rich reward from God.
Cyril of AlexandriaAD 444
COMMENTARY ON LUKE, HOMILY 48
[Jesus] offers himself as the bread of life to those who believe in him. It is he who came down from heaven and gave life to the world.
Isidore of Pelusium (as quoted by Aquinas, AD 1274)AD 450
Catena Aurea by Aquinas
(l. I. ep. 233.) Our Lord because He hates the men of blood, and those that dwell with them, as long as they depart not from their crimes, after the murder of the Baptist left the murderers and departed; as it follows, And he took them, and went aside privately into a desert place belonging to the city called Bethsaida.
BedeAD 735
On the Gospel of Luke
Twelve baskets of fragments were taken up that were left over. What was left over by the crowds is gathered by the disciples, because the more sacred mysteries, which the unrefined cannot grasp, should not be neglected but sought by the perfect. For by the twelve baskets, the apostles are symbolized, and through the apostles, all the subsequent choirs of teachers, who, though outwardly despised by men, are inwardly filled with the remnants of the saving food to nurture the hearts of the humble. For it is known that service works are commonly carried out with baskets, but it was he who filled the baskets with fragments of bread, who chose the weak things of this world to confound the strong.
Bede (as quoted by Aquinas, AD 1274)AD 735
Catena Aurea by Aquinas
But they not only tell Him what they had done and taught, but also, as Matthew implies, the things which John suffered while they were occupied in teaching, are now repeated to Him either by His own, or, according to Matthew, by John's disciples. (Matt. 14:12.)

Now Bethsaida is in Galilee, the city of the Apostles Andrew, Peter, and Philip, near the lake of Gennesaret. Our Lord did not this from fear of death, (as some think,) but to spare His enemies, lest they should commit two murders, waiting also for the proper time for His own sufferings.

But He as the powerful and merciful Saviour by receiving the weary, by teaching the ignorant, curing the sick, filling the hungry, implies how He was pleased with their devotion; as it follows, And he received them, and spake unto them of the kingdom of God, &c.

Who Himself having left Judæa, which by unbelief had bereft herself of the source of prophecy, in the desert of the Church which had no husband, dispenses the food of the word. But many companies of the faithful leaving the city of their former manner of life, and their various opinions, follow Christ into the deserts of the Gentiles.

Now when the day was going down, he refreshes the multitudes, that is, as the end of the world approaches, or when the Sun of righteousness sets for us.

The Apostles had only got but the five loaves of the Mosaic law, and the two fishes of each covenant, which were covered in the secret place of obscure mysteries, as in the waters of the deep. But because men have five external senses, the five thousand men who followed the Lord signify those who still live in worldly ways, knowing well how to use the external things they possess. For they who entirely renounce the world are raised aloft in the enjoyment of His Gospel feast. But the different divisions of the guests, indicate the different congregations of Churches throughout the world, which together compose the one Catholic.

Now our Saviour does not create new food for the hungry multitudes, but He took those things which the disciples had and blessed them, since coming in the flesh He preaches nothing else than what had been foretold, but demonstrates the words of prophecy to be pregnant with the mysteries of grace; He looks towards heaven, that thither He may teach us to direct the eye of the mind, there to seek the light of knowledge; He breaks and distributes to the disciples to be placed before the multitude, because He revealed to them the Sacraments of the Law and the Prophets that they might preach them to the world.

Or by the twelve baskets the twelve Apostles are figured, and all succeeding teachers, despised indeed by men without, but within loaded with the fragments of saving food.
Theophylact of Ohrid (as quoted by Aquinas, AD 1274)AD 1107
Catena Aurea by Aquinas
But our Lord went into a desert place because He was about to perform the miracle of the loaves of bread, that no one should say that the bread was brought from the neighbouring cities.

That you may learn that the wisdom which is in us is distributed into word and work, and that it becomes us to speak of what has been done, and to do what we speak of. But when the day was wearing away, the disciples now beginning to have a care of others take compassion on the multitude.

Now He said not this as ignorant of their answer, but wishing to induce them to tell Him how much bread they had, that so a great miracle might be manifested through their confession, when the quantity of bread was made known.

Our Lord teaches us, that when we entertain any one, we ought to make him sit down at meat, and partake of every comfort. Hence it follows, And he said to his disciples, &c.

And that we might learn the value of hospitality, and how much our own store is increased when we help those that need.
CS LewisAD 1963
Miracles, from God in the Dock
There is an activity of God displayed throughout creation, a wholesale activity let us say which men refuse to recognize. The miracles done by God incarnate, living as a man in Palestine, perform the very same things as this wholesale activity, but at a different speed and on a smaller scale. One of their chief purposes is that men, having seen a thing done by personal power on the small scale, may recognize, when they see the same thing done on the large scale, that the power behind it is also personal – is indeed the very same person who lived among us two thousand years ago. The miracles in fact are a retelling in small letters of the very same story which is written across the whole world in letters too large for some of us to see...

Every year God makes a little corn into much corn: the seed is sown and there is an increase, and men, according to the fashion of their age, say “It is Ceres, it is Adonis, it is the Corn-King,” or else “It is the laws of Nature.” The close-up, the translation, of this annual wonder is the feeding of the five thousand. Bread is not made there of nothing. Bread is not made of stones, as the Devil once suggested to Our Lord in vain. A little bread is made into much bread. The Son will do nothing but what He sees the Father do. There is, so to speak, a family style...

When He fed the thousands He multiplied fish as well as bread. Look in every bay and almost every river. This swarming, pulsating fecundity shows He is still at work. The ancients had a god called Genius – the god of animal and human fertility, the presiding spirit of gynecology, embryology, or the marriage bed – the “genial bed” as they called it after its god Genius. As the miracles of wine and bread and healing showed who Bacchus really was, who Ceres, who Apollo, and that all were one, so this miraculous multiplication of fish reveals the real Genius.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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