Matthew 15 37

Matthew 15:37 kjv

And they did all eat, and were filled: and they took up of the broken meat that was left seven baskets full.

Matthew 15:37 nkjv

So they all ate and were filled, and they took up seven large baskets full of the fragments that were left.

Matthew 15:37 niv

They all ate and were satisfied. Afterward the disciples picked up seven basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over.

Matthew 15:37 esv

And they all ate and were satisfied. And they took up seven baskets full of the broken pieces left over.

Matthew 15:37 nlt

They all ate as much as they wanted. Afterward, the disciples picked up seven large baskets of leftover food.

Matthew 15 verses

Matthew 15 37 Meaning

Matthew 15:37 describes the immediate aftermath of Jesus feeding the four thousand people, following His instruction for the disciples to distribute the seven loaves and a few small fish. The verse highlights the comprehensive nature of the miraculous provision, stating that all present ate and were fully satisfied. Furthermore, it records the considerable superabundance, as the disciples gathered seven large baskets filled with leftover broken pieces of food, signifying God's extravagant provision and sufficiency.

Matthew 15 37 Context

Matthew 15:37 is situated within Jesus's ministry, specifically after His profound discussion with the Pharisees and scribes about true defilement stemming from the heart, not from unwashed hands or dietary laws (Matt 15:1-20). This dialogue highlights a transition where Jesus demonstrates that His authority supersedes human traditions. Following this, Jesus ventures into the Gentile regions of Tyre, Sidon, and Decapolis, an area primarily inhabited by non-Jews. Here, He encounters the Canaanite woman, whose great faith leads to her daughter's healing (Matt 15:21-28). Immediately after, He withdraws to a mountain near the Sea of Galilee, where large crowds, including many gentiles and those with various ailments, flock to Him (Matt 15:29-31). The feeding of the four thousand (Matt 15:32-39) serves as a dramatic demonstration of His compassion and divine power, culminating in verse 37, which details the thoroughness of His provision. This miracle stands distinct from the feeding of the five thousand (Matt 14:13-21) not only by the numbers (4,000 vs 5,000; 7 loaves vs 5 loaves; 7 baskets vs 12 baskets) but significantly by its audience, which in Matthew 15's account is predominantly Gentile, symbolizing the expansive reach of the Gospel beyond Israel.

Matthew 15 37 Word analysis

• And they did eat (Καὶ ἔφαγον - kai ephagon):
  • ἔφαγον is the aorist active indicative of ἐσθίω (esthíō), meaning "to eat, consume." The aorist tense indicates a simple, completed action. It signifies that the physical act of eating was thoroughly performed by everyone present. This implies widespread participation and fulfillment.
• and were filled (καὶ ἐχορτάσθησαν - kai echortasthēsan):
  • ἐχορτάσθησαν is the aorist passive indicative of χορτάζω (chortázō), meaning "to feed, to fill, to satisfy, to sate." This verb often describes animals grazing until they are completely sated. When applied to humans, as here, it signifies complete physical satisfaction, implying that no one remained hungry. It conveys a sense of abundance, where every need was met beyond mere survival, contrasting with simply having "enough." This echoes Old Testament themes of God providing generously (e.g., Manna).
• and they took up (καὶ ἦραν - kai ēran):
  • ἦραν is the aorist active indicative of αἴρω (airō), meaning "to lift, take up, take away." This action shows the disciples' obedience to Jesus's implicit or explicit command (as seen in Jn 6:12 regarding the 5,000 feeding) to gather the leftovers. It also demonstrates practicality and good stewardship, affirming that God's abundance is not to be wasted.
• of the broken meat that was left (τοῦ περισσεύματος τῶν κλασμάτων - tou perisseúmatos tōn klasmátōn):
  • περίσσευμα (perisseuma) means "abundance, surplus, that which is left over, superabundance, residue." It strongly emphasizes the overflow beyond what was consumed. It implies God's provision is not meager but bountiful.
  • κλασμάτων (klasmata) is the genitive plural of κλάσμα (klasma), meaning "broken pieces, fragments." These are the pieces of bread that were broken off and left after the meal. The term highlights that even the smallest fragments were deemed valuable and worth collecting, reinforcing the theme of divine provision's complete nature and opposition to waste.
• seven baskets full (ἑπτὰ σπυρίδας πλήρεις - hepta spyridas plēreis):
  • ἑπτὰ (hepta) means "seven," a number often associated with completeness or perfection in biblical symbolism (e.g., seven days of creation, seven spirits of God, seven churches). Here, it reinforces the totality and completeness of Jesus's provision for these, predominantly Gentile, people.
  • σπυρίδας (spyridas) is the accusative plural of σπυρίς (spyris), referring to a large wicker basket or hamper, sometimes used to carry provisions for a long journey. Notably, this type of basket (spyris) is different from the κόφινος (kóphinos), a smaller Jewish hand-basket, used in the feeding of the five thousand (Matt 14:20). The distinction in basket types between the two miracles is a subtle yet significant detail:
    • Κόφινος (kóphinos): Smaller, portable, associated with Jewish daily life or travelling provisions. Used in the feeding of the 5,000, where 12 were filled, potentially symbolizing the 12 tribes of Israel and a sufficiency within Israel.
    • Σπυρίς (spyris): Larger, more like a hamper, even large enough to lower a person (Acts 9:25 describes Paul escaping in a spyris). Used in the feeding of the 4,000 (and also when Paul was let down from the wall), often associated with larger, perhaps non-Jewish, contexts or significant transport. This subtle detail points to the broader scope of Jesus's ministry and the extensive provision He offers to the Gentile world.
  • πλήρεις (plēreis) is the accusative plural of πλήρης (plērēs), meaning "full, complete." It confirms that the baskets were not just partly filled but thoroughly packed with the fragments, again underlining the immense surplus.

Words-Group Analysis

• "And they did eat, and were filled": This phrase highlights the comprehensive satisfaction of the multitude. "Ate" signifies participation, while "were filled" (echortasthēsan) conveys that hunger was not merely appeased but completely satisfied, implying physical fullness and contentment beyond mere sufficiency. This outcome underscores Jesus's divine power as a provider.
• "and they took up of the broken meat that was left": This points to the resulting abundance and careful stewardship. "Took up" indicates an organized collection. "Broken meat" (klasmata) refers to fragments of bread, signifying that every piece, no matter how small, was preserved. "That was left" (perisseumatos) directly emphasizes the overflow or surplus, testifying to God's generosity, providing far more than what was immediately consumed, affirming His limitless provision and an abhorrence of waste.
• "seven baskets full": This phrase summarizes the tangible evidence of the miracle's scope. The number "seven" carries symbolic weight of completeness or perfection, particularly fitting for the broader (Gentile) audience this feeding miracle served. The term "baskets" (spyridas), distinguished from the kophinos of the 5,000 feeding, suggests a larger type of container, which coupled with the "full" designation, signifies an extraordinary superabundance. This distinction subtly points to the expansive and distinct nature of this provision for the Gentiles.

Matthew 15 37 Bonus section

The distinction between the two feeding miracles (Matt 14 and Matt 15) is profound and frequently overlooked. While Matthew and Mark include both, Luke and John only record the feeding of the five thousand. This deliberate inclusion by Matthew emphasizes Jesus's ministry reaching beyond Israel to the nations. The contrasting numbers (5,000 with 12 baskets, 4,000 with 7 baskets) and basket types (kophinos vs. spyris) serve as a theological commentary on the scope of the Kingdom. Twelve often symbolizes Israel, while seven can symbolize completeness or all nations. The act of gathering leftovers, beyond demonstrating miraculous abundance, also reveals a divine principle of good stewardship—no waste even in plenty, valuing every bit of God's blessing. This principle foreshadows the spiritual truth that the blessings of Christ's salvation are boundless yet are not to be squandered.

Matthew 15 37 Commentary

Matthew 15:37 stands as a powerful testament to Jesus Christ's divine compassion and unlimited provision. The act of all being "filled" (χορτάζω - choratzō) underscores that Christ's provision is never scant; it meets needs comprehensively and abundantly. This echoes the abundant blessings promised throughout Scripture, demonstrating God's overflowing grace. The command to gather "seven baskets full" of leftovers emphasizes the remarkable surplus—far beyond what was needed for the moment. This surplus is not merely accidental but a tangible sign of divine affluence, teaching against waste even in the midst of superabundance. The distinctive "seven baskets" (σπυρίς - spyris), contrasting with the "twelve baskets" (κόφινος - kóphinos) from the feeding of the five thousand, subtly points to the two miracles serving different audiences: the 5,000 (with 12 baskets for the 12 tribes of Israel) being primarily Jewish, and the 4,000 (with 7 baskets, often associated with completeness and Gentile inclusion) predominantly Gentile. Thus, this verse implicitly highlights the expansive nature of God's redemptive work, reaching out to all nations, and Christ's ability to satisfy the deep spiritual and physical needs of both Jew and Gentile. It serves as a precursor to the gospel being for all humanity. Practically, it encourages trust in God's provision and emphasizes diligent stewardship of His blessings.