John 6:12

12 And when everyone was full, He said to His disciples, “Gather the pieces that are left over, so that nothing will be wasted.”

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 “Have the people sit down,” Jesus said. Now there was plenty of grass in that place, so the men sat down, about five thousand of them.

11 Then Jesus took the loaves and the fish, gave thanks, and distributed to those who were seated as much as they wanted.

12 And when everyone was full, He said to His disciples, “Gather the pieces that are left over, so that nothing will be wasted.”

13 So they collected them and filled twelve baskets with the pieces of the five barley loaves left over by those who had eaten.

14 When the people saw the sign that Jesus had performed, they began to say, “Truly this is the Prophet who is to come into the world.”