John 6 12

John 6:12 kjv

When they were filled, he said unto his disciples, Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost.

John 6:12 nkjv

So when they were filled, He said to His disciples, "Gather up the fragments that remain, so that nothing is lost."

John 6:12 niv

When they had all had enough to eat, he said to his disciples, "Gather the pieces that are left over. Let nothing be wasted."

John 6:12 esv

And when they had eaten their fill, he told his disciples, "Gather up the leftover fragments, that nothing may be lost."

John 6:12 nlt

After everyone was full, Jesus told his disciples, "Now gather the leftovers, so that nothing is wasted."

John 6 verses

John 6 12 Meaning

After miraculously feeding a large crowd to complete satisfaction, Jesus instructs His disciples to gather the leftover fragments, ensuring that nothing from God's provision goes to waste. This command underscores the divine abundance, the value of even the smallest part of God's blessing, and the principle of responsible stewardship, even in surplus.

John 6 12 Context

John 6:12 occurs immediately after Jesus miraculously feeds more than 5,000 men, plus women and children, with only five barley loaves and two small fish. This unprecedented miracle of multiplication left everyone "filled" (John 6:11), underscoring Jesus' divine power and capacity to provide. The verse acts as a bridge from the physical miracle to the profound spiritual discourse that follows, where Jesus reveals Himself as the "Bread of Life." Historically, food scarcity was a real concern, and efficient resource management was critical. Jesus' command here, though given after an explosion of abundance, reinforces a deeply rooted value for stewardship that would resonate with an ancient audience, transforming it into a spiritual lesson.

John 6 12 Word analysis

• And when they were filled (Καὶ ὡς ἐνεπλήσθησαν - Kai hōs eneplēsthēsan): The Greek verb ἐμπλησθέντων (emplēsthentōn) implies complete satiety, meaning they had eaten to their full satisfaction and beyond any feeling of hunger. This emphasizes the magnitude and superabundance of the miracle; there was not just enough, but a lavish excess.
• he said unto his disciples (εἶπεν τοῖς μαθηταῖς αὐτοῦ - eipen tois mathētais autou): Jesus directs this command specifically to His disciples, not the general crowd. This highlights a critical lesson intended for those being trained in ministry. It implies responsibility and instruction for future service.
• Gather up (Συναγάγετε - Synagagete): An imperative verb, a direct command to actively collect and bring together. It signifies intentional action and careful handling, demonstrating that even what seems residual has value.
• the fragments (τὰ κλάσματα - ta klasmata): From κλάσμα (klasma), meaning "broken pieces" or "portions." This refers to the pieces of bread that were broken and distributed, indicating substantial remnants, not just insignificant crumbs. It signifies the substantial overflow of God's provision.
• that remain (τὰ περισσεύσαντα - ta perisseusanta): The Greek word περισσεύω (perisseuo) means to "overflow," "be abundant," "superabound," or "be left over in excess." This phrase explicitly emphasizes the surplus, confirming that the initial provision was more than sufficient. God's economy is one of abundance, not mere adequacy.
• that nothing be lost (ἵνα μὴ ἀπόληται τι - hina mē apolētai ti): This is a purpose clause (introduced by ἵνα, hina). The verb ἀπόληται (apolētai) means "to perish," "to be ruined," or "to be wasted." Its usage here highlights the intrinsic value of even the "fragments" from divine provision. The emphasis is on careful stewardship and preservation of what God has given, both physically and spiritually. It echoes a deeper principle of salvation, where Jesus also comes so "none should perish."
• Words-group Analysis:
• "Gather up the fragments that remain": This phrase together instructs responsible collection of divine provision. It implies a recognition of the value in the surplus and an action of conserving what might otherwise be disregarded. It teaches orderliness and economy even in the face of incredible abundance.
• "that nothing be lost": This final clause states the ultimate purpose and principle. It’s a maxim against waste, rooted in the understanding that everything provided by God is precious. It extends beyond mere physical preservation to a deeper spiritual principle that God values every part of His gifts and His people.

John 6 12 Bonus section

The "twelve baskets full of fragments" collected (John 6:13) are highly significant. The number twelve often symbolizes the tribes of Israel and later, the twelve apostles, representing a full complement. This indicates that God's superabundant provision is more than enough for all of His people, or that the apostles would carry the fullness of Christ's bounty to the world. It also foreshadows Jesus' later discourse as the "Bread of Life," positioning the physical feeding as a prelude to His spiritual sustenance. The command also subtly contrasts with any cultural tendency towards waste or lack of reverence for sacred gifts, establishing a new standard of valuing all aspects of God's grace.

John 6 12 Commentary

Jesus' instruction to gather the leftover fragments after miraculously feeding thousands is a profound lesson in divine economics and responsible stewardship. It's not about scarcity, but about honoring the abundance of God's provision. Even in overflowing plenty, nothing that comes from God should be treated carelessly or wasted. This act trains the disciples in attentiveness to divine blessing and frugality, principles vital for their future ministry of distributing the spiritual bread of life. It signifies that every piece, no matter how small, carries divine value, reflecting God's order, care, and His opposition to all forms of wastefulness—physical, spiritual, or temporal.