Luke 9:17
And they did eat, and were all filled: and there was taken up of fragments that remained to them twelve baskets.
Original Language Analysis
Historical Context
The twelve baskets symbolize completeness and correspond to the twelve apostles who distributed the bread. Some see this as prefiguring the apostolic mission to the twelve tribes of Israel. The practice of gathering leftovers was common Jewish custom—wastefulness was condemned. The baskets (kophinoi) were distinctly Jewish traveling baskets, distinguishing this miracle from the feeding of the 4,000 (Mark 8:1-10), where seven larger baskets (spyris) remained, possibly symbolizing the Gentile mission (seven representing fullness/completion). John 6:12 records Jesus commanding, "Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost"—teaching that God's generous provision doesn't justify carelessness with His gifts.
Questions for Reflection
- What does the fact that all were satisfied (not merely fed) reveal about the abundant nature of God's provision?
- How do the twelve baskets of leftovers demonstrate that serving Christ depletes our resources less than hoarding them, and that His supply exceeds our need?
- What does Jesus's command to gather the fragments teach about stewardship and avoiding waste of God's blessings?
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Analysis & Commentary
And they did eat, and were all filled (καὶ ἔφαγον καὶ ἐχορτάσθησαν πάντες, kai ephagon kai echortasthēsan pantes)—The verb chortazō (ἐχορτάσθησαν) means to be satisfied, satiated, fully fed—not merely a bite but a complete meal. The word was originally used of feeding cattle to fullness and emphasizes abundant satisfaction. All (πάντες, pantes) were filled—no one went hungry. This abundance demonstrates that God's provision isn't stingy or rationed but lavish and complete.
And there was taken up of fragments that remained to them twelve baskets (καὶ ἤρθη τὸ περισσεῦσαν αὐτοῖς κλασμάτων κόφινοι δώδεκα, kai ērthē to perisseusan autois klasmatōn kophinoi dōdeka)—The word perisseusan ("left over, superabundant") indicates excess beyond need. Twelve baskets (kophinoi, wicker hand-baskets Jews carried for food) of fragments remained—more than they started with! Each disciple likely carried one basket, symbolically showing that serving Christ leads to abundance, not depletion. This surplus proves the miracle's reality and demonstrates that God's grace exceeds our need (Ephesians 3:20: "exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think"). It also shows Jesus's care for stewardship—nothing of God's provision should be wasted.