


Matthew 15:37
Bible Versions
And they did all eat, and were filled: and they took up of the broken [meat] that was left seven baskets full.
Every one ate his fill, and they took seven large baskets full of the leftover pieces.
They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up seven basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over.
And they all ate, and were filled: and they took up that which remained over of the broken pieces, seven baskets full.
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Mark 8:19
When I brake the five loaves among five thousand, how many baskets full of fragments took ye up? They say unto him, Twelve. -
Mark 8:21
And he said unto them, How is it that ye do not understand? -
Matthew 14:20
And they did all eat, and were filled: and they took up of the fragments that remained twelve baskets full. -
Matthew 14:21
And they that had eaten were about five thousand men, beside women and children. -
Matthew 15:33
And his disciples say unto him, Whence should we have so much bread in the wilderness, as to fill so great a multitude? -
Luke 1:53
He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away. -
Mark 8:8
So they did eat, and were filled: and they took up of the broken [meat] that was left seven baskets.
Matthew 15:37 concludes the account of Jesus miraculously feeding a large multitude, often referred to as the "feeding of the four thousand." This verse highlights the astonishing abundance and complete satisfaction experienced by those present, along with the significant amount of leftovers collected.
Context
This event occurred in a remote area, likely near the Decapolis region, after Jesus had been ministering to the crowds for three days (Matthew 15:32). Jesus had compassion on them, knowing they had nothing to eat. Despite the disciples' skepticism about finding enough food in such a desolate place, Jesus took a few loaves and fish, gave thanks, and distributed them. This miracle demonstrates Jesus' divine power and deep concern for the physical needs of His followers.
Key Themes and Messages
Linguistic Insights
The term "broken [meat]" refers to the pieces of bread and fish that were left over. The KJV adds "meat" for clarity, but the original Greek simply refers to the broken fragments. An interesting linguistic detail lies in the word for "baskets." Here, the Greek word used is spuris (σπυρίς), which denotes a large provision basket, sometimes even large enough to hold a person (as seen in Acts 9:25 where Paul escaped in one). This contrasts with the kophinos (κοφίνος), a smaller, hand-held basket, used in the feeding of the five thousand. This subtle difference reinforces the distinct nature of these two great miracles of provision.
Practical Application
Matthew 15:37 encourages believers to trust in God's unfailing ability to provide for all their needs, both physical and spiritual. Just as Jesus met the hunger of the crowd, He continues to sustain His people. This verse reminds us that God's generosity often exceeds our expectations, providing not just enough, but an abundance. It also teaches us the value of stewardship, collecting the leftovers as a testament to God's blessing and to avoid waste.