### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun κόφινος (kóphinos, `{{G2894}}`) refers to a "basket," specifically understood as a portable container, typically woven, used for carrying provisions. The base definition suggests it is a "small" basket, distinguishing it from other, larger types of containers. While its etymological derivation is noted as uncertain, its semantic range in the New Testament is remarkably focused, almost exclusively appearing in a very particular context. It denotes a vessel capable of holding a significant quantity of food, yet still manageable for individual transport.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The occurrences of κόφινος (kóphinos, `{{G2894}}`) in the New Testament are concentrated within the Synoptic Gospels and the Gospel of John, specifically in the accounts of Jesus' miraculous feeding of the five thousand.
* In [[Matthew 14:20]], after the feeding of the five thousand, the disciples gathered "twelve baskets full of broken pieces."
* [[Mark 6:43]] parallels this, stating, "they took up twelve baskets full of broken pieces and of the fish."
* [[Luke 9:17]] also records, "and twelve baskets of broken pieces were taken up by them."
* [[John 6:13]] similarly notes, "So they gathered them up and filled twelve baskets with broken pieces from the five barley loaves."
* Later, in [[Matthew 16:9]] and [[Mark 8:19]], Jesus explicitly reminds His disciples about the "twelve baskets" (κόφινος) full of leftovers from the feeding of the five thousand, contrasting it with the "seven baskets" (σπυρίς, `{{G4711}}`) from the feeding of the four thousand. This consistent usage across the Gospels highlights the specific type of basket employed in the first major feeding miracle. The twelve baskets filled with broken pieces serve as tangible evidence of the miraculous abundance.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most significant related word to κόφινος (kóphinos, `{{G2894}}`) in the New Testament is σπυρίς (spyris, `{{G4711}}`), also translated as "basket." The Gospels meticulously distinguish between these two terms in the accounts of the two great feeding miracles. κόφινος consistently refers to the twelve baskets of leftovers from the feeding of the five thousand, while σπυρίς refers to the seven baskets of leftovers from the feeding of the four thousand. Scholars generally understand σπυρίς to denote a larger basket, perhaps a hamper or even a large wicker cage, famously used for Paul's escape from Damascus ([[Acts 9:25]]). This deliberate lexical distinction in the Gospels underscores that two distinct events occurred, each with its own specific details regarding the type and number of baskets used for the surplus. Conceptually, κόφινος is linked to themes of provision, abundance, and the gathering of remnants.
### Theological Significance
The κόφινος (kóphinos, `{{G2894}}`) holds profound theological significance, primarily as a symbol of divine abundance and the overflowing sufficiency of Christ.
1. **Divine Abundance:** The twelve baskets full of leftovers, collected in κόφινος, powerfully demonstrate that God's provision not only meets but vastly exceeds human need. From a meager five loaves and two fish, a superabundance remains, testifying to the limitless nature of divine grace and power.
2. **Sufficiency of Christ:** The surplus in the κόφινος baskets underscores Jesus' messianic identity as the ultimate provider. He is not merely a dispenser of limited resources but the source of inexhaustible life and sustenance, echoing Old Testament imagery of manna in the wilderness.
3. **Symbolism of Twelve:** The number twelve, representing the twelve tribes of Israel and the twelve apostles, carries significant theological weight. The twelve baskets suggest that this divine provision is for all Israel, and by extension, for the whole people of God, gathered and distributed through the ministry of the apostles.
4. **Stewardship and Gathering:** The act of gathering the fragments into baskets highlights the importance of not wasting God's blessings and the disciples' role in collecting and stewarding the abundance for future use or distribution.
5. **Contrast with Scarcity:** The image of the κόφινος full of leftovers stands in stark contrast to the initial scarcity, emphasizing the transformative power of Christ's presence and blessing upon meager resources.
### Summary
The Greek word κόφινος (kóphinos, `{{G2894}}`) denotes a "small basket," specifically and consistently used in the New Testament to refer to the twelve baskets of leftovers gathered after Jesus miraculously fed the five thousand. This term is deliberately distinguished from σπυρίς (spyris, `{{G4711}}`), the larger basket used in the feeding of the four thousand. Theologically, the κόφινος symbolizes the boundless abundance and sufficiency of Christ's provision, demonstrating that God's grace not only meets but far exceeds human need. The twelve baskets further signify this divine provision for all of God's people, gathered and stewarded by His disciples, underscoring the miraculous and overflowing nature of His kingdom.
TRV