John 6:12
When they were filled, he said unto his disciples, Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost.
Original Language Analysis
ὡς
G5613
ὡς
Strong's:
G5613
Word #:
1 of 15
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
ἐνεπλήσθησαν
they were filled
G1705
ἐνεπλήσθησαν
they were filled
Strong's:
G1705
Word #:
3 of 15
to fill in (up), i.e., (by implication) to satisfy (literally or figuratively)
λέγει
he said
G3004
λέγει
he said
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
4 of 15
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
τοῖς
G3588
τοῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αὐτοῦ
G846
αὐτοῦ
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
7 of 15
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
Συναγάγετε
Gather up
G4863
Συναγάγετε
Gather up
Strong's:
G4863
Word #:
8 of 15
to lead together, i.e., collect or convene; specially, to entertain (hospitably)
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
περισσεύσαντα
that remain
G4052
περισσεύσαντα
that remain
Strong's:
G4052
Word #:
10 of 15
to superabound (in quantity or quality), be in excess, be superfluous; also (transitively) to cause to superabound or excel
Cross References
Luke 1:53He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away.Nehemiah 8:10Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength.Nehemiah 9:25And they took strong cities, and a fat land, and possessed houses full of all goods, wells digged, vineyards, and oliveyards, and fruit trees in abundance: so they did eat, and were filled, and became fat, and delighted themselves in thy great goodness.Luke 9:17And they did eat, and were all filled: and there was taken up of fragments that remained to them twelve baskets.
Historical Context
Jewish custom regarded bread as sacred, requiring careful treatment. The command to gather fragments demonstrated that Jesus valued what He had created. The twelve baskets (verse 13) may correspond to the twelve disciples, each carrying evidence of the miracle.
Questions for Reflection
- What does the command to gather fragments teach about stewardship of God's gifts?
- How does abundance increase rather than decrease our responsibility?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
'When they were filled, he said unto his disciples, Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost.' After abundant provision comes careful stewardship. 'Filled' (empiplemi) means completely satisfied—not merely tasted but fully fed. Yet Jesus commands gathering fragments. Divine abundance doesn't authorize waste. Each fragment matters. This principle applies to all God's gifts—abundance should increase gratitude and stewardship, not carelessness.