### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun κλάσμα (klásma, `{{G2801}}`) is derived directly from the verb κλάω (kláō, `{{G2806}}`), which means "to break." As such, κλάσμα fundamentally signifies "that which has been broken," a "piece," "fragment," or "bit." It denotes the result of an action that divides a whole into smaller parts. In its primary usage, it refers to physical pieces, particularly those resulting from the breaking of solid objects like bread. The term carries no inherent negative connotation of destruction but rather describes the state of being divided into constituent parts.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term κλάσμα occurs exclusively in the New Testament, appearing eight times, all within the accounts of Jesus' miraculous feedings of the multitudes. Each instance refers to the leftover fragments of bread collected after the miraculous multiplication and distribution.
* **Feeding of the Five Thousand:**
* [[Matthew 14:20]]: "And they all ate and were satisfied, and they took up twelve baskets full of the broken pieces (κλασμάτων)."
* [[Mark 6:43]]: "And they took up twelve baskets full of broken pieces (κλασμάτων) and of the fish."
* [[Luke 9:17]]: "And they took up twelve baskets full of the broken pieces (κλασμάτων) that were left over for them."
* [[John 6:12]]: "When they had eaten their fill, he told his disciples, 'Gather up the leftover fragments (κλάσματα), that nothing may be lost.'"
* [[John 6:13]]: "So they gathered them up and filled twelve baskets with fragments (κλασμάτων) from the five barley loaves, which were left over by those who had eaten."
* **Feeding of the Four Thousand:**
* [[Matthew 15:37]]: "And they all ate and were satisfied, and they took up seven baskets full of the broken pieces (κλασμάτων) that were left over."
* [[Mark 8:8]]: "And they ate and were satisfied, and they took up seven baskets full of the broken pieces (κλασμάτων) that were left over."
In every occurrence, κλάσμα underscores the miraculous abundance of God's provision. Despite beginning with a meager amount of food (five loaves and two fish, or seven loaves), the quantity of leftover fragments was substantial – filling twelve baskets in one instance and seven in another. The collection of these fragments, often at Jesus' explicit command ([[John 6:12]]), highlights that nothing provided by God is to be wasted, and His supply far exceeds immediate need.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most direct linguistic relation is to the verb κλάω (kláō, `{{G2806}}`), "to break." This verb is frequently used in the New Testament, particularly in the context of "breaking bread," which held significant meaning for communal meals, the Last Supper, and early Christian fellowship and worship (e.g., [[Acts 2:42]], [[Acts 20:7]]). The κλάσμα is the *result* of this act of breaking.
Related theological concepts illuminated by κλάσμα include:
* **Abundance (περισσεύω - `{{G4052}}`):** The fragments are a tangible demonstration of superabundant provision, far exceeding the initial scarcity.
* **Provision (χορηγέω - `{{G5524}}`):** The term points to God's capacity to supply all needs, even beyond human expectation.
* **Stewardship (οἰκονομία - `{{G3622}}`):** The command to gather the fragments emphasizes the value of even the smallest blessings and the importance of responsible management of God's gifts.
* **Miracle (δύναμις - `{{G1411}}`):** The existence of the fragments testifies to a supernatural intervention, as they represent an increase far beyond natural means.
### Theological Significance
The seemingly simple word κλάσμα carries profound theological weight within the context of the feeding miracles.
1. **Divine Abundance and Generosity:** The most striking theological implication is the revelation of God's boundless generosity. The presence of numerous fragments, far exceeding the initial meager supply, demonstrates that God's provision is not merely sufficient but overflowing. He provides not just enough to meet immediate hunger but an abundance that testifies to His inexhaustible resources and lavish grace. This challenges human notions of scarcity and highlights the divine capacity to create from little, or even nothing.
2. **Completeness of God's Provision:** The collection of fragments signifies that God's work is thorough and complete. No one is left hungry, and there is an excess. This speaks to the comprehensive nature of Christ's salvation and provision for humanity's deepest needs, both physical and spiritual.
3. **Stewardship and Value of God's Gifts:** Jesus' command to "gather up the leftover fragments, that nothing may be lost" ([[John 6:12]]) is a crucial theological lesson. It teaches that even the "broken pieces" of God's blessing are valuable and should not be wasted. This principle extends beyond physical food to all of God's gifts – time, talents, resources, and spiritual blessings. It calls believers to careful stewardship and an appreciation for every aspect of divine grace.
4. **Symbol of the Messianic Banquet:** The superabundance of the fragments foreshadows the eschatological feast in the Kingdom of God, where God's people will partake in an unending supply of blessings. The fragments serve as a tangible sign of the future fullness that awaits those in Christ.
5. **Connection to the Eucharist:** While κλάσμα itself does not directly refer to the Eucharist, the context of "breaking bread" and the subsequent "fragments" resonates with the symbolism of Christ's body "broken" for humanity. The fragments could be seen as a tangible reminder of the inexhaustible spiritual nourishment provided through Christ's sacrifice, available to all who partake in Him.
### Summary
κλάσμα (klásma, `{{G2801}}`) denotes a "broken piece" or "fragment," derived from the verb "to break" (κλάω, `{{G2806}}`). Its exclusive New Testament usage is found in the accounts of Jesus' miraculous feedings, where it consistently refers to the abundant leftover fragments of bread. The presence and collection of these fragments powerfully underscore God's superabundant provision, His boundless generosity, and the completeness of His work. Furthermore, the command to gather these fragments highlights the theological principle of responsible stewardship and the inherent value of every blessing from God. Thus, κλάσμα, though a seemingly simple word, serves as a profound testament to divine abundance and the inexhaustible grace of Christ.
TRV