Matthew 15:37

KJV

And they did all eat, and were filled: and they took up of the broken [meat] that was left seven 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 broken {G2801} meat that was left {G4052} seven {G2033} baskets {G4711} full {G4134}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Every one ate his fill, and they took seven large baskets full of the leftover pieces.

Berean Standard Bible

They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up seven 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, seven baskets full.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 15:37 concludes the account of Jesus' miraculous feeding of the four thousand, serving as a powerful testament to His divine power and abundant provision. This verse vividly portrays the complete satisfaction of the multitude, who not only ate their fill but also witnessed a significant surplus of food collected, emphasizing God's boundless generosity and capacity to meet human needs beyond expectation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows Jesus' compassionate declaration concerning the hungry multitude and His subsequent miracle of multiplying seven loaves and a few small fish to feed four thousand men, besides women and children, as detailed in [Matthew 15:32-36](/matthew/15-32-36 "Matthew 15:32-36 - The Feeding of the Four Thousand"). It mirrors, yet distinctly differentiates itself from, the earlier feeding of the five thousand recorded in [Matthew 14:13-21](/matthew/14-13-21 "Matthew 14:13-21 - The Feeding of the Five Thousand"). The collection of leftovers in both miracles serves as tangible proof of the supernatural abundance, solidifying the narrative of Jesus' authority over creation and His deep concern for humanity's physical well-being.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The event likely occurred in the region of the Decapolis, a Gentile area east of the Sea of Galilee, as suggested by Jesus' journey through Tyre and Sidon before returning to the Decapolis ([Matthew 15:21-29](/matthew/15-21-29 "Matthew 15:21-29 - Jesus Heals and Teaches in Gentile Territory")). This setting is significant because Jesus' ministry here extends His compassion and miraculous provision beyond the Jewish population, foreshadowing the inclusion of Gentiles in God's kingdom. The large crowds following Jesus for three days without food highlight the common challenges of travel and sustenance in ancient times, making the miracle of provision even more striking against the backdrop of a desolate, unpopulated area.
* **Key Themes:** Matthew 15:37 powerfully reinforces several overarching themes within Matthew's Gospel. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Provision**, demonstrating Jesus' capacity to miraculously supply for the physical needs of His people, echoing the manna in the wilderness and foreshadowing the ultimate spiritual provision He offers. Secondly, it highlights the **Compassion of Christ**, as Jesus initiates the miracle out of pity for the hungry crowd ([Matthew 15:32](/matthew/15-32 "Matthew 15:32 - Jesus' Compassion for the Crowd")). Thirdly, the abundance of "seven baskets full" emphasizes **God's Overflowing Generosity**, indicating that His provision is not merely sufficient but superabundant. Lastly, the distinct details of this miracle, particularly the number of people and the type of baskets used, subtly contribute to the theme of **Jesus' Unique Identity and Authority**, distinguishing Him as the Messiah capable of such unparalleled acts.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **filled (Greek, _chortázō'_):** From the root meaning "to fodder," this word implies being fully satisfied, even gorged, with food. It conveys a sense of complete satiation, far beyond merely having enough. It emphasizes that no one left hungry; rather, everyone experienced a profound sense of fullness and contentment.
* **broken (Greek, _klásma'_):** This term refers specifically to fragments or pieces of bread that were broken off during the distribution or left over after eating. It highlights the humble nature of the food (bread, not whole loaves) and the meticulous collection of even the smallest pieces, underscoring both the reality of the miracle and the principle of stewardship.
* **baskets (Greek, _spyrís'_):** This refers to a large, flexible woven basket, often used for provisions or even large enough to carry a person (as seen in [Acts 9:25](/acts/9-25 "Acts 9:25 - Paul's Escape from Damascus")). The use of _spyrís_ here, as opposed to _kophinos_ (a smaller, hand-held basket used in the feeding of the five thousand), subtly distinguishes this miracle and suggests the immense volume of leftovers collected, further emphasizing the extraordinary abundance.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they did all eat, and were filled":** This clause emphasizes the universal participation and complete satisfaction of the multitude. "All" (Greek _pâs_) signifies that every single person present, regardless of their position or need, partook of the miraculously provided food. The verb "were filled" (Greek _chortázō_) conveys not just that they had enough, but that they were fully satiated, experiencing a profound sense of physical contentment and relief from hunger. This highlights the effectiveness and sufficiency of Jesus' divine provision.
* **"and they took up of the broken [meat] that was left":** This segment describes the collection of the surplus. The phrase "took up" (Greek _aírō_) indicates the act of gathering or lifting up. "Broken [meat]" (Greek _klásma_) refers to the fragments or pieces of bread and fish that remained after everyone had eaten their fill. The KJV's addition of "[meat]" clarifies that it was edible food. The fact that anything "was left" (Greek _perisseúō_, meaning to superabound or be in excess) underscores the miraculous nature of the provision – it was not merely enough, but more than enough.
* **"seven baskets full":** This final phrase quantifies the extraordinary abundance. The number "seven" (Greek _heptá_) is often associated with completeness or perfection in biblical numerology, further emphasizing the divine and comprehensive nature of the provision. The "baskets" (Greek _spyrís_) were large containers, indicating a substantial volume of leftovers. The word "full" (Greek _plḗrēs_) confirms that these large baskets were completely filled, providing tangible evidence of the superabundant overflow of Jesus' miracle.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 15:37 employs several powerful literary devices. **Hyperbole** is evident in the sheer scale of the miracle: feeding four thousand people from a few loaves and fish, with such an immense surplus, stretches the bounds of natural expectation, underscoring the supernatural power at work. The specific detail of "seven baskets full" functions as **Symbolism**, with the number seven often representing completeness or divine perfection in biblical contexts, suggesting that God's provision is perfect and whole. The collection of leftovers itself serves as **Concrete Evidence**, providing tangible proof of the miracle's magnitude and preventing any doubt about the reality of the divine provision. Furthermore, the verse concludes a **Narrative Arc** of compassion, miraculous provision, and abundant satisfaction, reinforcing Jesus' identity as the compassionate and powerful Son of God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 15:37 profoundly illustrates God's character as a gracious and abundant provider, not only meeting immediate physical needs but doing so with an overflowing generosity that surpasses human expectation. This miracle serves as a powerful theological statement about God's limitless resources and His willingness to sustain His people. It teaches us that divine provision is never meager; it is always more than sufficient, leaving a surplus that testifies to His power and goodness. The collection of the fragments also subtly points to the value of stewardship and the sacredness of God's blessings, even in their smallest forms.

* [Psalm 23:5](/psalms/23-5 "Psalm 23:5 - The Lord Prepares a Table")
* [Philippians 4:19](/philippians/4-19 "Philippians 4:19 - God Will Supply All Your Needs")
* [John 6:12-13](/john/6-12-13 "John 6:12-13 - Gathering the Fragments After the Feeding of the Five Thousand")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 15:37 invites us to reflect deeply on the nature of God's provision in our own lives. Just as Jesus saw the physical hunger of the multitude and met it with overwhelming abundance, so too does He perceive our needs—physical, emotional, and spiritual—and stands ready to supply them. This verse calls us to cultivate a posture of trust, believing that God's generosity often exceeds our limited imaginations and that He delights in providing not just enough, but more than enough. It challenges us to release our anxieties about scarcity and embrace the truth of His boundless resources. Furthermore, the act of collecting the "seven baskets full" encourages us to be good stewards of the blessings we receive, recognizing that even the "leftovers" are a testament to God's grace and can be used to bless others or for future needs, preventing waste and honoring the Giver.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you currently experiencing a sense of lack or scarcity? How might Matthew 15:37 encourage you to trust in God's abundant provision in those areas?**
* **How does the "overflow" of seven baskets full challenge your perception of God's generosity? What does this abundance teach you about His character?**
* **What practical steps can you take to be a better steward of the resources, talents, and blessings God has already given you, even the "broken pieces" or "leftovers"?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of "seven baskets full" compared to "twelve baskets full" in the feeding of the five thousand?**

Answer: The distinction between "seven baskets full" in the feeding of the four thousand ([Matthew 15:37](/matthew/15-37 "Matthew 15:37 - The Feeding of the Four Thousand")) and "twelve baskets full" in the feeding of the five thousand ([Matthew 14:20](/matthew/14-20 "Matthew 14:20 - The Feeding of the Five Thousand")) is highly significant. The numbers themselves hold symbolic weight: "twelve" often represents the twelve tribes of Israel or the twelve apostles, suggesting a focus on God's provision for His covenant people. "Seven," on the other hand, frequently symbolizes completeness or perfection, and in this context, it may allude to God's universal provision, extending beyond Israel to the Gentiles (as the feeding of the four thousand likely occurred in a Gentile region like the Decapolis). Furthermore, the Greek words for "basket" differ: _kophinos_ (κοφίνος) was a smaller, personal basket used by Jews, while _spyrís_ (σπυρίς) was a much larger provision basket, sometimes even large enough to hold a person (as seen in [Acts 9:25](/acts/9-25 "Acts 9:25 - Paul's Escape in a Basket")). This linguistic detail further emphasizes the distinct nature of the two miracles and the immense scale of the leftovers in the second feeding.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 15:37, with its vivid depiction of physical satisfaction and overflowing abundance, powerfully foreshadows the spiritual provision found in Christ. Just as Jesus fed the hungry multitude with physical bread, He Himself is the [Bread of Life](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life") who satisfies the deepest spiritual hunger of humanity. The miracle demonstrates His divine authority and compassionate nature, revealing Him as the one truly capable of sustaining life. This physical feeding points to the ultimate spiritual feast offered through His sacrifice on the cross, where His body was broken for the life of the world ([John 6:51](/john/6-51 "John 6:51 - Jesus Gives His Flesh for the Life of the World")). The "seven baskets full" of leftovers symbolize the superabundant grace and eternal life available in Christ, far exceeding our needs and expectations, ensuring that all who come to Him will [never hunger or thirst again](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life"). This divine provision culminates in the New Covenant, where believers partake in the spiritual nourishment of His body and blood, a perpetual feast of grace that leaves no one wanting ([1_corinthians/11-23-26](/1-corinthians/11-23-26 "1 Corinthians 11:23-26 - Institution of the Lord's Supper")).

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

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.