John 6:12

12 When they were filled , he said unto his disciples, Gather up the fragments that remain , that nothing 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. So the men sat down , in number about five thousand.

11 And Jesus took the loaves; and when he had given thanks , he distributed to the disciples, and the disciples to them that were set down ; and likewise of the fishes as much as they would .

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

13 Therefore they gathered them together , and filled twelve baskets with the fragments of the five barley loaves, which remained over and above unto them that had eaten .

14 Then those men, when they had seen the miracle that Jesus did , said , This is of a truth that prophet that should come into the world.