Matthew 15:37
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Matthew 15:37
37 And they did all eat, and were filled: and they took up of the broken meat that was left seven baskets full.
Chapter Context
Matthew 15 is a biographical gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of fellowship, salvation, prayer. Written during the late first century CE (c. 80-90 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Written when Christianity was separating from Judaism following Jerusalem's destruction.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-39: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it reveals key aspects of God's character through divine actions and declarations. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Matthew and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Matthew 15:37
37 And they did all eat, and were filled: and they took up of the broken meat that was left seven baskets full.
Analysis
And they did all eat, and were filled (καὶ ἔφαγον πάντες καὶ ἐχορτάσθησαν)—The verb χορτάζω (chortazō) means 'to feed, to fill, to satisfy fully'—not mere subsistence but complete satisfaction. The πάντες ('all') emphasizes universality—no one left hungry. This fulfills Psalm 107:9: 'He satisfies the longing soul and fills the hungry soul with goodness.' Where Jesus provides, there's full satisfaction, not rationed scarcity.
And they took up of the broken meat that was left seven baskets full (καὶ ἦραν τὸ περισσεῦον τῶν κλασμάτων ἑπτὰ σπυρίδας πληρεῖς)—The verb περισσεύω (perisseuō, 'to exceed, to abound') appears as a participle: 'the exceeding fragments.' God's provision exceeds need. Seven σπυρίδας (spyris, 'large baskets,' used for carrying cargo—different from κόφινος in 14:20) were filled. The abundance of leftovers wasn't wastefulness but demonstration that God's resources are inexhaustible. Starting with seven loaves, they ended with seven baskets—but having fed four thousand. God returns what we give Him multiplied.
Historical Context
The distinction between basket types is significant: κόφινος (kophinos, 14:20) was a small wicker basket Jews used for carrying food (keeping ritual purity), while σπυρίς (spyris) was a large rope-basket used for cargo (Acts 9:25 uses this for lowering Paul). Twelve kophinos baskets after feeding 5,000 Jews; seven spyris baskets after feeding 4,000 (mostly Gentiles)—both numbers symbolically significant (twelve tribes; seven= completeness).
Reflection
- How does Jesus's provision always exceeding need challenge your anxious hoarding mentality?
- What does God returning what you give Him—multiplied—teach about generous stewardship?