John 6:12

12 When they were satisfied, he said to his disciples, Gather the fragments that remain, 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.) 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 satisfied, he said to his disciples, Gather the fragments that remain, that nothing may be lost.

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

14 Then those men, when they had seen the miracle that Jesus performed, said, This is truly that prophet that should come into the world.