John 6:12

12 And when they were satisfied, he said to his disciples, "Gather the remaining fragments so that nothing is 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 Jesus said, "Make the people recline." (Now [there] was a lot of grass in the place.) So the men reclined, approximately five thousand [in] number.

11 Then Jesus took the bread, and [after he] had given thanks, he distributed [it] to those who were reclining--likewise also of the fish, as much as they wanted.

12 And when they were satisfied, he said to his disciples, "Gather the remaining fragments so that nothing is lost."

13 So they gathered [them], and filled twelve baskets with fragments from the five barley loaves which were left over by those who had eaten.

14 Now [when] the people saw the sign that he performed, they began to say, "This one is truly the Prophet who is to come into the world!"