Matthew 14:20

KJV

And they did all eat, and were filled: and they took up of the fragments that remained twelve baskets full.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} they did {G5315} all {G3956} eat {G5315}, and {G2532} were filled {G5526}: and {G2532} they took up {G142} of the fragments {G2801} that remained {G4052} twelve {G1427} baskets {G2894} full {G4134}.

Complete Jewish Bible

They all ate as much as they wanted, and they took up twelve baskets full of the pieces left over.

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 all ate, and were filled: and they took up that which remained over of the broken pieces, twelve baskets full.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 14:20 powerfully concludes the miraculous feeding of the five thousand, highlighting Jesus' boundless power and generous provision. After distributing five loaves and two fish to a multitude exceeding five thousand men, women, and children, this verse records that everyone ate to satisfaction, and the disciples subsequently collected an astonishing twelve baskets full of leftover fragments. This surplus not only underscores the divine abundance of Christ's miracle but also points to the meticulous order and stewardship inherent in God's kingdom.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the climactic culmination of one of Jesus' most iconic miracles, the feeding of the five thousand, as recounted in [Matthew 14:13-21](/matthew/14-13-21 "Matthew 14:13-21 - The Feeding of the Five Thousand"). The narrative begins with Jesus withdrawing to a desolate place after hearing of John the Baptist's death, seeking solitude. However, large crowds followed Him, prompting His compassion as He healed their sick. As evening approached, the disciples, recognizing the logistical impossibility of feeding such a vast multitude, urged Jesus to send the people away to buy food. Jesus, however, challenged them with the command, "You give them something to eat" ([Matthew 14:16](/matthew/14-16 "Matthew 14:16 - Jesus' Command to Feed the Multitude")). Despite the disciples' meager resources—only five loaves and two fish—Jesus took the food, blessed it, broke it, and gave it to the disciples to distribute. The miracle culminates in everyone being satisfied, followed by the collection of the abundant leftovers, which immediately precedes Jesus walking on water ([Matthew 14:22-33](/matthew/14-22-33 "Matthew 14:22-33 - Jesus Walks on Water")), further emphasizing His divine authority and power over creation.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting for this miracle was likely a remote, unpopulated area on the eastern side of the Sea of Galilee, a common location for Jesus to withdraw from the crowds. Feeding such a vast number of people in a "desert place" ([Matthew 14:15](/matthew/14-15 "Matthew 14:15 - A Deserted Place")) presented an immense logistical challenge, underscoring the impossibility of the task from a human perspective. The "baskets" (Greek: _kophinos_) mentioned in this verse were small, portable wicker baskets typically carried by Jewish travelers. These baskets were often used to carry provisions or to maintain ritual purity by avoiding contact with Gentile food, distinguishing them from the larger "spyris" baskets used in the later feeding of the four thousand ([Matthew 15:37](/matthew/15-37 "Matthew 15:37 - The Feeding of the Four Thousand")). The act of feeding a multitude in the wilderness would have resonated deeply with Jewish audiences, recalling God's miraculous provision of manna in the wilderness during the Exodus ([Exodus 16](/exodus/16 "Exodus 16 - Manna in the Wilderness")), thereby positioning Jesus as a prophet greater than Moses, capable of providing sustenance for His people.

* **Key Themes:** Matthew 14:20 encapsulates several profound theological and narrative themes. Firstly, it powerfully demonstrates **Divine Abundance and Sufficiency**, emphasizing that Jesus not only provided enough food but an overwhelming surplus, signifying God's limitless capacity to meet and exceed human needs. This miracle highlights Jesus' **Miraculous Power and Authority**, showcasing Him as the Son of God with dominion over creation, a sign pointing to His identity as the Messiah. It foreshadows His declaration as the [Bread of Life](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life") in the Gospel of John, where He offers eternal spiritual nourishment. Thirdly, the meticulous collection of the "fragments that remained" underscores the principle of **Stewardship and Order**, teaching that even in the midst of miraculous abundance, waste is to be avoided, and resources are to be valued. Finally, the **Symbolism of Twelve Baskets** is highly significant. The number twelve frequently represents completeness, particularly in relation to the twelve tribes of Israel and Jesus' twelve apostles. This surplus, gathered by the apostles, may symbolize that Jesus' provision is not merely for the immediate crowd but for the future needs of Israel and the nascent church, ministered through the apostles, extending His blessing to the entire world. Parallel accounts in [Mark 6:43](/mark/6-43 "Mark 6:43 - Mark's Account of the Leftovers") and [John 6:13](/john/6-13 "John 6:13 - John's Account of the Leftovers") also meticulously record this detail.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **filled (Greek, _chortázō_):** This verb, often used for feeding animals to their full satisfaction, conveys a sense of being completely gorged or satiated. Its application here to the multitude emphasizes that Jesus' provision was not merely adequate but overwhelmingly abundant, leaving no one hungry. It speaks to a deep, complete satisfaction that goes beyond mere sustenance.
* **fragments (Greek, _klásma_):** Derived from the verb "to break," this noun refers to pieces or bits, specifically the broken pieces of bread left over after a meal. The fact that there were "fragments" indicates that the bread was broken and distributed, and that these were not just crumbs but substantial pieces, highlighting the sheer volume of the surplus.
* **remained (Greek, _perisseúō_):** This verb means to superabound, to be in excess, or to be superfluous. It signifies a quantity that is over and above what is needed or expected. The use of this word underscores the miraculous nature of the provision – not just enough, but a lavish overflow that far exceeded the initial meager resources.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they did all eat, and were filled":** This clause emphasizes the universal and complete satisfaction of the multitude. The term "all" (Greek: _pâs_) indicates that every single person among the five thousand men, plus women and children, participated in the meal. The phrase "were filled" (Greek: _echortasthēsan_) signifies that everyone ate to the point of complete satiation, not merely having enough to survive, but experiencing a generous and abundant provision that left no one wanting more. This highlights the miraculous nature of Jesus' power to provide beyond human limitation.
* **"and they took up of the fragments that remained":** This part of the verse details the collection of the leftovers. The disciples, at Jesus' command, gathered the "fragments" (Greek: _klásma_), which were the broken pieces of bread that were left over. The phrase "that remained" (Greek: _perisseúō_) underscores the concept of superabundance—there was an excess, a surplus far beyond what was initially available or consumed, demonstrating the lavishness of God's provision. This act of collection also points to the orderly nature of the miracle and the value placed on even the smallest portions.
* **"twelve baskets full":** This phrase quantifies the astounding surplus. The "twelve baskets" (Greek: _dṓdeka kophínous_) are highly symbolic. The number twelve consistently represents completeness and the chosen people of God (e.g., twelve tribes of Israel, twelve apostles). The fact that each of the twelve disciples likely collected one basket full of leftovers signifies that the abundance was not only for the immediate crowd but also sufficient to provide for the future needs of the nascent church, through the ministry of the apostles. The term "full" (Greek: _plḗrēs_) further emphasizes the overflowing nature of this miraculous provision, indicating that the baskets were completely laden.

#### Literary Devices
The passage makes effective use of several literary devices. **Hyperbole** is implicitly present in the sheer scale of the miracle: feeding thousands from a few small items, resulting in a massive surplus. While not a literal exaggeration, the outcome far surpasses natural expectation, creating a sense of awe. **Symbolism** is profoundly employed through the "twelve baskets full." The number twelve, as noted, carries significant theological weight, representing completeness and God's covenant people, suggesting that Jesus' provision extends beyond the immediate physical need to encompass the spiritual sustenance for Israel and the church. Furthermore, the act itself serves as a **Type** or foreshadowing, recalling God's provision of manna in the wilderness and pointing forward to Jesus as the ultimate "Bread of Life." The narrative also utilizes **Contrast** between the disciples' initial meager resources and the overwhelming abundance provided by Jesus, highlighting the vast difference between human limitation and divine power.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 14:20 stands as a profound testament to God's nature as an infinitely abundant and gracious provider, challenging human perceptions of scarcity. This miracle reveals that Jesus' power is not merely sufficient but superabundant, capable of meeting needs far beyond what is imagined or requested. The overflowing baskets signify that God's generosity extends beyond immediate necessity, providing a surplus that testifies to His glory and anticipates future provision. The collection of the fragments also highlights the divine principle of stewardship, teaching that even in times of overwhelming blessing, resources are to be valued and managed wisely, reflecting God's orderly character. This event serves as a powerful assurance that Christ is fully capable of sustaining His people, both physically and spiritually, demonstrating His compassion and authority over all creation.

* [John 6:11-13](/john/6-11-13 "John 6:11-13 - The Feeding of the Five Thousand in John's Gospel")
* [Mark 8:8-9](/mark/8-8-9 "Mark 8:8-9 - The Feeding of the Four Thousand")
* [Psalm 78:19-20](/psalms/78-19-20 "Psalm 78:19-20 - God's Provision in the Wilderness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 14:20 offers profound encouragement and practical lessons for contemporary believers. It serves as a powerful reminder that our God is a God of abundance, not scarcity. When we feel overwhelmed by our own limitations or the vastness of the needs around us, this passage calls us to bring our meager resources—our five loaves and two fish—to Jesus. He alone can take what little we have, bless it, and multiply it beyond measure for His glory and the benefit of countless others. This instills a deep trust in His ability to provide for our spiritual, emotional, and physical needs, often in ways that far exceed our expectations. Furthermore, the meticulous collection of the twelve baskets full of fragments teaches us the importance of stewardship. Even in times of great blessing and overflow, we are called to be wise managers of what God has entrusted to us, avoiding waste and valuing every blessing, no matter how small. This miracle encourages us to live with a spirit of generosity, knowing that the more we give, the more God is able to pour into and through us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the abundance described in Matthew 14:20 challenge my tendency to worry about scarcity or lack in my own life?**
* **What "meager resources" (talents, time, finances) am I holding back that Jesus might be waiting to multiply for His kingdom purposes?**
* **In what areas of my life can I practice better stewardship, even when God's provision seems overwhelming?**

### FAQ
**Why is the number twelve significant in this passage?**

Answer: The number twelve holds profound symbolic significance in biblical contexts, and its appearance in Matthew 14:20 is no exception. Primarily, it connects to the twelve tribes of Israel, representing the completeness of God's covenant people. In the New Testament, Jesus chose twelve apostles, signifying the foundation of the new covenant community, the church. The fact that "twelve baskets full" of fragments were collected, often interpreted as one basket for each of the twelve disciples, carries multiple layers of meaning. It signifies that Jesus' provision was not only sufficient for the immediate crowd but also that there was an abundant surplus, enough to provide for the future needs of His people, ministered through the apostles. It underscores the idea that Jesus is the true shepherd of Israel, fulfilling the promises of God's provision. Furthermore, it suggests that the spiritual nourishment Jesus offers is not limited but overflows, extending to all who believe, through the ministry of His chosen representatives. This detail is consistently recorded in all four Gospel accounts of the miracle ([Matthew 14:20](/matthew/14-20 "Matthew 14:20 - Matthew's Account"), [Mark 6:43](/mark/6-43 "Mark 6:43 - Mark's Account"), [Luke 9:17](/luke/9-17 "Luke 9:17 - Luke's Account"), [John 6:13](/john/6-13 "John 6:13 - John's Account")), highlighting its importance to the early Christian understanding of Jesus' identity and mission.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 14:20 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in Jesus' identity as the divine Provider, the true Bread of Life who offers eternal spiritual nourishment. Just as He miraculously satisfied the physical hunger of the five thousand, He supremely satisfies the deepest spiritual hunger of humanity. This miracle foreshadows Jesus' own declaration 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." The physical abundance of the twelve baskets full of fragments points to the limitless spiritual provision found in Christ, who gives His flesh for the life of the world ([John 6:51](/john/6-51 "John 6:51 - Jesus, the Living Bread")). His sacrifice on the cross is the ultimate act of superabundant provision, offering forgiveness, reconciliation, and eternal life to all who believe. Therefore, Matthew 14:20 is not merely a story of a past miracle but a living testimony to the ongoing reality that Christ is our all-sufficient God, capable of supplying "every need according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus" ([Philippians 4:19](/philippians/4-19 "Philippians 4:19 - God Supplies All Needs")). He invites us to come boldly to His throne of grace to find help in time of need ([Hebrews 4:16](/hebrews/4-16 "Hebrews 4:16 - Approach the Throne of Grace")). Ultimately, the Lamb who was slain will be the one to feed His redeemed people and guide them to springs of living water for all eternity ([Revelation 7:16-17](/revelation/7-16-17 "Revelation 7:16-17 - The Lamb Feeds His People")), fulfilling the promise of unending satisfaction.

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

Exodus 16:12

I have heard the murmurings of the children of Israel: speak unto them, saying, At even ye shall eat flesh, and in the morning ye shall be filled with bread; and ye shall know that I [am] the LORD your God.

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.

Exodus 16:8

And Moses said, [This shall be], when the LORD shall give you in the evening flesh to eat, and in the morning bread to the full; for that the LORD heareth your murmurings which ye murmur against him: and what [are] we? your murmurings [are] not against us, but against the LORD.

1 Kings 17:12

And she said, [As] the LORD thy God liveth, I have not a cake, but an handful of meal in a barrel, and a little oil in a cruse: and, behold, I [am] gathering two sticks, that I may go in and dress it for me and my son, that we may eat it, and die.

1 Kings 17:16

[And] the barrel of meal wasted not, neither did the cruse of oil fail, according to the word of the LORD, which he spake by Elijah.

Matthew 16:8

[Which] when Jesus perceived, he said unto them, O ye of little faith, why reason ye among yourselves, because ye have brought no bread?