Mark Chapter 8 · Verse 19
When I brake the five loaves among five thousand, how many baskets full of fragments took ye up? They say unto him, Twelve.
Original Language Analysis
τοὺς
G3588
τοὺς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
2 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
εἰς
among
G1519
εἰς
among
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
6 of 16
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τοὺς
G3588
τοὺς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πόσους
how many
G4214
πόσους
how many
Strong's:
G4214
Word #:
9 of 16
interrogative pronoun (of amount) how much (large, long or (plural) many)
ἤρατε
took ye up
G142
ἤρατε
took ye up
Strong's:
G142
Word #:
13 of 16
to lift up; by implication, to take up or away; figuratively, to raise (the voice), keep in suspense (the mind), specially, to sail away (i.e., weigh
λέγουσιν
They say
G3004
λέγουσιν
They say
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
14 of 16
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
Historical Context
The feeding of the 5,000 occurred in Jewish territory near Bethsaida (Mark 6:30-44), making it the 'Jewish feeding.' The small wicker baskets (kophinoi) were typically carried by Jews traveling in Gentile lands to maintain kosher food. Rabbinic tradition counted twelve baskets as significant—one for each apostle, symbolizing abundance for all Israel. Jesus' interrogation method recalls rabbinic catechetical practice—teachers asked questions to stimulate student reasoning rather than simply delivering information.
Questions for Reflection
- How does remembering specific past provisions (twelve baskets) combat present anxiety about needs?
- What does the disciples' ability to recall facts while missing meaning reveal about the difference between information and transformation?
- How might keeping a detailed record of God's past faithfulness strengthen faith during present trials?
Analysis & Commentary
When I brake the five loaves among five thousand, how many baskets full of fragments took ye up?—Jesus employs Socratic questioning to awaken memory and understanding. He doesn't immediately explain but guides disciples to recall specific details. They say unto him, Twelve—their correct answer proves the issue isn't cognitive deficiency but spiritual blindness. They remember facts but miss meaning.
The twelve baskets (κόφινοι, kophinoi) signify complete provision for twelve tribes of Israel—Jesus abundantly feeds God's covenant people. The specific numbers aren't incidental—five loaves feeding five thousand with twelve baskets remaining demonstrates mathematical impossibility apart from divine creative power. Jesus forces disciples to confront this evidence: if He multiplied bread twice before, why worry about provisions now? Their anxiety after experiencing supernatural provision reveals unbelief's irrationality.