John 6:13

Therefore they gathered [them] together, and filled twelve baskets with the fragments of the five barley loaves, which remained over and above unto them that had eaten.

Therefore {G3767} they gathered them together {G4863}, and {G2532} filled {G1072} twelve {G1427} baskets {G2894} with the fragments {G2801} of {G1537} the five {G4002} barley {G2916} loaves {G740}, which {G3739} remained over and above {G4052} unto them that had eaten {G977}.

They gathered them and filled twelve baskets with the pieces from the five barley loaves left by those who had eaten.

So they collected them and filled twelve baskets with the pieces of the five barley loaves left over by those who had eaten.

So they gathered them up, and filled twelve baskets with broken pieces from the five barley loaves, which remained over unto them that had eaten.

Commentary

John 6:13 serves as a powerful conclusion to the miraculous feeding of the five thousand, highlighting Jesus' incredible power and the abundance of His provision. This verse underscores the meticulous nature of divine miracles and offers profound lessons on stewardship and sufficiency.

Context

This verse immediately follows the astounding event where Jesus miraculously fed a massive crowd of approximately five thousand men, besides women and children, with only five small barley loaves and two small fish. After everyone had eaten and was satisfied, Jesus instructed His disciples, "Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost" (John 6:12). Verse 13 describes the disciples' obedience to this command and the astonishing result of their efforts.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Abundance and Overflow: The fact that "twelve baskets" were filled with leftovers after feeding such a multitude from so little demonstrates Jesus' boundless power to provide. It was not just enough, but "over and above," signifying God's generous nature that provides beyond our needs. This theme resonates with other scriptures that speak of God's overflowing blessings, such as the cup that runs over.
  • Stewardship and Avoiding Waste: Jesus' instruction to gather the fragments teaches a vital lesson in stewardship. Even amidst miraculous abundance, there is an emphasis on not wasting what God has provided. This principle encourages believers to value resources and use them wisely, recognizing that all blessings come from Him.
  • Symbolism of Twelve Baskets: The number twelve is highly significant in biblical numerology, often representing completeness, governmental order, or divine appointment. It typically refers to the twelve tribes of Israel or the twelve apostles. The twelve full baskets, perhaps one for each disciple, serve as a tangible witness to the miracle and a symbol of their future mission to gather spiritual "fragments" from the world.
  • Confirmation of the Miracle: The collected leftovers provided undeniable proof of the miracle's authenticity and scale. It wasn't a trick or an illusion; there was physical evidence of the supernatural multiplication, leaving no room for doubt about Jesus' divine power.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "fragments" is klasma (κλάσμα), which literally means "something broken off." This term emphasizes that the leftovers were not whole loaves, but pieces, further underscoring that the abundance came from the initial small, broken pieces of barley bread. The baskets themselves are referred to as kophinos (κόφινος), a type of wicker basket commonly carried by Jews, contrasting with the larger "hamper" baskets (spuris) mentioned in other feeding miracles (e.g., the feeding of the four thousand in Matthew 15:37).

Practical Application

John 6:13 encourages us to trust in God's abundant provision, even when our resources seem meager. It reminds us that Jesus is capable of doing "exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think" (Ephesians 3:20). Furthermore, it teaches us the value of good stewardship—not to waste what God has given us, but to carefully gather and utilize every blessing, no matter how small. Just as the disciples gathered the fragments, we are called to be mindful and grateful for every provision, recognizing its divine source and purpose.

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Cross-References

  • Proverbs 11:24 (3 votes)

    ¶ There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and [there is] that withholdeth more than is meet, but [it tendeth] to poverty.

  • Proverbs 11:25 (3 votes)

    ¶ The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself.

  • 1 Kings 7:15 (3 votes)

    For he cast two pillars of brass, of eighteen cubits high apiece: and a line of twelve cubits did compass either of them about.

  • 1 Kings 7:16 (3 votes)

    And he made two chapiters [of] molten brass, to set upon the tops of the pillars: the height of the one chapiter [was] five cubits, and the height of the other chapiter [was] five cubits:

  • 2 Chronicles 25:9 (2 votes)

    And Amaziah said to the man of God, But what shall we do for the hundred talents which I have given to the army of Israel? And the man of God answered, The LORD is able to give thee much more than this.

  • 2 Corinthians 9:8 (2 votes)

    And God [is] able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all [things], may abound to every good work:

  • 2 Corinthians 9:9 (2 votes)

    (As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor: his righteousness remaineth for ever.