John 6:12

12 And when they had been filled, he says to his disciples, Gather together the fragments which are over and above, that nothing may be lost.

John 6:12 Meaning and Commentary

John 6:12

When they were filled
Had not only eaten, but had made a full meal, and were thoroughly satisfied, having eaten as much as they could, or chose to eat:

he said unto his disciples, gather up the fragments that remain,
that nothing be lost;
this he said, partly that the truth, reality, and greatness of the miracle might be clearly discerned; and partly, to teach frugality, that, in the midst of abundance, care be taken that nothing be lost of the good things which God gives; and which may be useful to other persons, or at another time.

John 6:12 In-Context

10 [And] Jesus said, Make the men sit down. Now there was much grass in the place: the men therefore sat down, in number about five thousand.

11 And Jesus took the loaves, and having given thanks, distributed [them] to those that were set down; and in like manner of the small fishes as much as they would.

12 And when they had been filled, he says to his disciples, Gather together the fragments which are over and above, that nothing may be lost.

13 They gathered [them] therefore together, and filled twelve hand-baskets full of fragments of the five barley loaves, which were over and above to those that had eaten.

14 The men therefore, having seen the sign which Jesus had done, said, This is truly the prophet which is coming into the world.