Luke 9:17

KJV

And they did eat, and were all filled: and there was taken up of fragments that remained to them twelve baskets.

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Everyone ate as much as he wanted; and they took up what was left over, twelve baskets full of broken pieces.

Berean Standard Bible

They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over.

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.

Commentary

### 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](/luke/9-10 "Luke 9:10 - Jesus Withdraws with His Disciples"). Prior to this, Jesus had withdrawn with His disciples to Bethsaida, but a large crowd followed Him.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](/luke/9-11 "Luke 9:11 - Jesus Teaches and Heals the Multitude")). 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](/luke/9-12 "Luke 9:12 - Disciples Advise Sending Crowds Away")). Jesus, however, challenged them to provide the food themselves, revealing their meager resources of five loaves and two fish ([Luke 9:13](/luke/9-13 "Luke 9:13 - Disciples' Limited Resources")). 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](/luke/9-14-16 "Luke 9:14-16 - The Feeding of the Five Thousand"). This miracle is strategically placed before Peter's confession of Jesus as the Christ ([Luke 9:18-20](/luke/9-18-20 "Luke 9:18-20 - Peter's Confession of Christ")), 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](/exodus/16 "Exodus 16 - Manna and Quail in the Wilderness")), 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](/philippians/4-19 "Philippians 4:19 - God Will Supply All Your Needs"). 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](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")), who satisfies the deepest hunger of the human soul.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **filled (Greek, _chortázō_):** 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_):** 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_):** 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.

* [Matthew 14:20](/matthew/14-20 "Matthew 14:20 - Abundance After Feeding the Five Thousand")
* [John 6:12-13](/john/6-12-13 "John 6:12-13 - The Collection of Leftovers")
* [Philippians 4:19](/philippians/4-19 "Philippians 4:19 - God's Provision for All Needs")

### 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](/luke/9-17 "Luke 9:17 - The Abundance of Leftovers") 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](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life"): "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](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3 - Spiritual Blessings in Christ")). 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](/revelation/19-9 "Revelation 19:9 - The Marriage Supper of the Lamb")). 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.

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

2 Kings 4:44

So he set [it] before them, and they did eat, and left [thereof], according to the word of the LORD.

Philippians 4:18

But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things [which were sent] from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God.

Philippians 4:19

But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

Mark 6:42

And they did all eat, and were filled.

Mark 6:44

And they that did eat of the loaves were about five thousand men.

John 6:11

And Jesus took the loaves; and when he had given thanks, he distributed to the disciples, and the disciples to them that were set down; and likewise of the fishes as much as they would.

John 6:13

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.