Matthew 14:20
And they did all eat, and were filled: and they took up of the fragments that remained twelve baskets full.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 14
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
4 of 14
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐχορτάσθησαν
were filled
G5526
ἐχορτάσθησαν
were filled
Strong's:
G5526
Word #:
5 of 14
to fodder, i.e., (generally) to gorge (supply food in abundance)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
6 of 14
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἦραν
they took up
G142
ἦραν
they took up
Strong's:
G142
Word #:
7 of 14
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
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
περισσεῦον
that remained
G4052
περισσεῦον
that remained
Strong's:
G4052
Word #:
9 of 14
to superabound (in quantity or quality), be in excess, be superfluous; also (transitively) to cause to superabound or excel
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Exodus 16:8And Moses said, This shall be, when the LORD shall give you in the evening flesh to eat, and in the morning bread to the full; for that the LORD heareth your murmurings which ye murmur against him: and what are we? your murmurings are not against us, but against the LORD.Exodus 16:12I have heard the murmurings of the children of Israel: speak unto them, saying, At even ye shall eat flesh, and in the morning ye shall be filled with bread; and ye shall know that I am the LORD your God.Luke 1:53He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away.Luke 9:17And they did eat, and were all filled: and there was taken up of fragments that remained to them twelve baskets.Leviticus 26:26And when I have broken the staff of your bread, ten women shall bake your bread in one oven, and they shall deliver you your bread again by weight: and ye shall eat, and not be satisfied.
Historical Context
The word 'baskets' (Greek: kophinos) refers to small wicker baskets Jews used for carrying provisions, distinguishing this miracle from the feeding of 4000 (different Greek word). The careful collection of leftovers shows proper stewardship despite miraculous provision. The twelve baskets may symbolize provision for the twelve tribes of Israel.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's abundant provision challenge your scarcity mindset?
- What 'fragments' in your life testify to God's surplus blessing?
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Analysis & Commentary
The result—'they did all eat, and were filled'—emphasizes abundance: not merely satisfied but filled to satiety. The phrase 'they took up of the fragments that remained twelve baskets full' demonstrates surplus exceeding the original supply. Twelve baskets (one per disciple?) showed God's provision exceeds need. This abundance contrasts with the disciples' worry about scarcity, demonstrating God's generosity when we trust Him with inadequate resources.