The Greek word kóphinos, represented by G2894, is defined as a (small) basket. It appears 6 times across 6 unique verses in the Bible. Its use is exclusively tied to the miraculous feeding of the five thousand and the disciples' subsequent recollection of the event.
In the biblical narrative, G2894 is central to the accounts of Jesus feeding the five thousand G4000. After everyone did eat G5315 and was filled G5526, the disciples were instructed to collect the leftovers. In each account, they took up G142 twelve baskets full of fragments G2801 that remained (Matthew 14:20; Mark 6:43; Luke 9:17). The Gospel of John specifies that the leftovers came from the five barley G2916 loaves John 6:13. Later, when quizzing his disciples, Jesus asks them to remember G3421 how many baskets G2894 they took up after that miracle, to which the answer is twelve (Matthew 16:9; Mark 8:19).
Several related words are essential for understanding the context of kóphinos:
- G1427 dṓdeka (twelve): This number is consistently used to quantify the baskets that were filled with leftovers, appearing in every primary account of the event (Mark 6:43; John 6:13).
- G2801 klásma (fragment): This refers to the broken pieces of bread and fish that remained over and above what was needed to feed the multitude. These fragments are what filled G1072 the twelve baskets Matthew 14:20.
- G5526 chortázō (to fill, satisfy): This word describes the complete satisfaction of the crowd. Their being filled is what led to the abundant surplus that was gathered into the baskets Luke 9:17.
- G142 aírō (to lift up; by implication, to take up or away): This action verb describes how the disciples gathered the fragments into the baskets, signifying an act of intentional collection and stewardship Mark 6:43.
The theological weight of G2894 is found in its consistent and symbolic usage.
- Divine Abundance: The twelve full baskets are a powerful symbol of God's superabundant provision. After feeding a crowd of five thousand G4000, the amount that remained over and above G4052 was substantial, demonstrating that God provides in excess of our needs Matthew 14:20.
- Stewardship of Blessings: The specific instruction to gather G4863 the remaining fragments G2801 so that nothing would be lost highlights a principle of careful stewardship. God's miraculous provision is not to be wasted John 6:13.
- Provision for Israel: The number twelve G1427 is deeply significant, often representing the twelve tribes of Israel. The collection of twelve baskets symbolizes that the provision offered by the Messiah is sufficient for the entire nation of Israel.
In summary, kóphinos G2894 is far more than a simple container. It is a key object in one of Christ's most significant miracles, consistently appearing across four gospel accounts. The image of the twelve baskets serves as an enduring symbol of God's limitless abundance, His call for good stewardship, and His complete provision for His people.
TRV