### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
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.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
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]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
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]].
### Theological Significance
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.
### Summary
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