John 6:12
New International Version
When they had all had enough to eat, he said to his disciples, “Gather the pieces that are left over. Let nothing be wasted.”

New Living Translation
After everyone was full, Jesus told his disciples, “Now gather the leftovers, so that nothing is wasted.”

English Standard Version
And when they had eaten their fill, he told his disciples, “Gather up the leftover fragments, that nothing may be lost.”

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

Berean Literal Bible
Now when they were filled, He says to His disciples, "Gather together the fragments having been over and above, so that not anything may be lost."

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

New King James Version
So when they were filled, He said to His disciples, “Gather up the fragments that remain, so that nothing is lost.”

New American Standard Bible
And when they had eaten their fill, He said to His disciples, “Gather up the leftover pieces so that nothing will be lost.”

NASB 1995
When they were filled, He said to His disciples, “Gather up the leftover fragments so that nothing will be lost.”

NASB 1977
And when they were filled, He said to His disciples, “Gather up the leftover fragments that nothing may be lost.”

Legacy Standard Bible
And when they were filled, He said to His disciples, “Gather up the leftover pieces so that nothing will be lost.”

Amplified Bible
When they had eaten enough, He said to His disciples, “Gather up the leftover pieces so that nothing will be lost.”

Christian Standard Bible
When they were full, he told his disciples, “Collect the leftovers so that nothing is wasted.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
When they were full, He told His disciples, “Collect the leftovers so that nothing is wasted.”

American Standard Version
And when they were filled, he saith unto his disciples, Gather up the broken pieces which remain over, that nothing be lost.

Contemporary English Version
The people ate all they wanted, and Jesus told his disciples to gather up the leftovers, so that nothing would be wasted.

English Revised Version
And when they were filled, he saith unto his disciples, Gather up the broken pieces which remain over, that nothing be lost.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
When the people were full, Jesus told his disciples, "Gather the leftover pieces so that nothing will be wasted."

Good News Translation
When they were all full, he said to his disciples, "Gather the pieces left over; let us not waste a bit."

International Standard Version
When they were completely satisfied, Jesus told his disciples, "Collect the pieces that are left over so that nothing is wasted."

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

NET Bible
When they were all satisfied, Jesus said to his disciples, "Gather up the broken pieces that are left over, so that nothing is wasted."

New Heart English Bible
When they were filled, he said to his disciples, "Gather up the broken pieces which are left over, that nothing be lost."

Webster's Bible Translation
When they were satisfied, he said to his disciples, Gather the fragments that remain, that nothing may be lost.

Weymouth New Testament
When all were fully satisfied, He said to His disciples, "Gather up the broken portions that remain over, so that nothing be lost."

World English Bible
When they were filled, he said to his disciples, “Gather up the broken pieces which are left over, that nothing be lost.”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And when they were filled, He says to His disciples, “Gather together the broken pieces that are left over, that nothing may be lost”;

Berean Literal Bible
Now when they were filled, He says to His disciples, "Gather together the fragments having been over and above, so that not anything may be lost."

Young's Literal Translation
And when they were filled, he saith to his disciples, 'Gather together the broken pieces that are over, that nothing may be lost;'

Smith's Literal Translation
And when they were filled, he says to his disciples, Gather the fragments remaining over, that nothing should be lost.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And when they were filled, he said to his disciples: Gather up the fragments that remain, lest they be lost.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Then, when they were filled, he said to his disciples, “Gather the fragments that are left over, lest they be lost.”

New American Bible
When they had had their fill, he said to his disciples, “Gather the fragments left over, so that nothing will be wasted.”

New Revised Standard Version
When they were satisfied, he told his disciples, “Gather up the fragments left over, so that nothing may be lost.”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
When they were filled, he said to his disciples, Gather up the broken pieces which are left over, so that nothing is lost.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
And when they were full, he said to his disciples, “Gather the leftover fragments, that nothing be lost.”
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
And when they were satisfied, he said to his disciples: Gather up the broken pieces which remain, that nothing be lost.

Godbey New Testament
And when they were filled, He says to His disciples, Gather up the remaining fragments, that nothing may be lost.

Haweis New Testament
And when they had made a hearty meal, he saith to his disciples, Gather up the broken bits which are left, that not a morsel be wasted.

Mace New Testament
when they were filled, he said to his disciples, gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost.

Weymouth New Testament
When all were fully satisfied, He said to His disciples, "Gather up the broken portions that remain over, so that nothing be lost."

Worrell New Testament
And, when they were filled, He saith to His disciples, "Gather up the pieces that remain over, that nothing be lost."

Worsley New Testament
And when they were filled, He saith to his disciples, Gather up the fragments that are left, that nothing may be lost.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Feeding of the Five Thousand
11Then Jesus took the loaves and the fish, gave thanks, and distributed to those who were seated as much as they wanted. 12And when everyone was full, He said to His disciples, “Gather the pieces that are left over, so that nothing will be wasted.” 13So they collected them and filled twelve baskets with the pieces of the five barley loaves left over by those who had eaten.…

Cross References
Matthew 14:20
They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over.

Mark 6:43
and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces of bread and fish.

Luke 9:17
They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over.

2 Kings 4:43-44
But his servant asked, “How am I to set twenty loaves before a hundred men?” “Give it to the people to eat,” said Elisha, “for this is what the LORD says: ‘They will eat and have some left over.’” / So he set it before them, and they ate and had some left over, according to the word of the LORD.

Exodus 16:4
Then the LORD said to Moses, “Behold, I will rain down bread from heaven for you. Each day the people are to go out and gather enough for that day. In this way I will test whether or not they will follow My instructions.

Exodus 16:19-20
Then Moses said to them, “No one may keep any of it until morning.” / But they did not listen to Moses; some people left part of it until morning, and it became infested with maggots and began to smell. So Moses was angry with them.

Proverbs 30:8-9
Keep falsehood and deceitful words far from me. Give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with the bread that is my portion. / Otherwise, I may have too much and deny You, saying, ‘Who is the LORD?’ Or I may become poor and steal, profaning the name of my God.

2 Kings 4:1-7
Now the wife of one of the sons of the prophets cried out to Elisha, “Your servant, my husband, is dead, and you know that your servant feared the LORD. And now his creditor is coming to take my two children as his slaves!” / “How can I help you?” asked Elisha. “Tell me, what do you have in the house?” She answered, “Your servant has nothing in the house but a jar of oil.” / “Go,” said Elisha, “borrow empty jars from all your neighbors. Do not gather just a few. ...

Matthew 15:37
They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up seven basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over.

Mark 8:8
The people ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up seven basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over.

Luke 12:24
Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storehouse or barn; yet God feeds them. How much more valuable you are than the birds!

John 2:6-11
Now six stone water jars had been set there for the Jewish rites of purification. Each could hold from twenty to thirty gallons. / Jesus told the servants, “Fill the jars with water.” So they filled them to the brim. / “Now draw some out,” He said, “and take it to the master of the banquet.” They did so, ...

John 4:34
Jesus explained, “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me and to finish His work.

John 12:24
Truly, truly, I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a seed. But if it dies, it bears much fruit.

John 15:5
I am the vine and you are the branches. The one who remains in Me, and I in him, will bear much fruit. For apart from Me you can do nothing.


Treasury of Scripture

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

they.

Nehemiah 9:25
And they took strong cities, and a fat land, and possessed houses full of all goods, wells digged, vineyards, and oliveyards, and fruit trees in abundance: so they did eat, and were filled, and became fat, and delighted themselves in thy great goodness.

Matthew 14:20,21
And they did all eat, and were filled: and they took up of the fragments that remained twelve baskets full…

Matthew 15:37,38
And they did all eat, and were filled: and they took up of the broken meat that was left seven baskets full…

that nothing.

Nehemiah 8:10
Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength.

Proverbs 18:9
He also that is slothful in his work is brother to him that is a great waster.

Luke 15:13
And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living.

Jump to Previous
Bits Broken Disciples Eat Eaten Enough Fill Filled Fragments Fully Gather Jesus Lost Pieces Portions Satisfied
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Bits Broken Disciples Eat Eaten Enough Fill Filled Fragments Fully Gather Jesus Lost Pieces Portions Satisfied
John 6
1. Jesus feeds five thousand men with five loaves and two fishes.
15. Thereupon the people would have made him king;
16. but withdrawing himself, he walks on the sea to his disciples;
26. reproves the people flocking after him, and all the fleshly hearers of his word;
32. declares himself to be the bread of life to believers.
66. Many disciples depart from him.
68. Peter confesses him.
70. Judas is a devil.














And when everyone was full
This phrase marks the conclusion of the miraculous feeding of the five thousand, a pivotal moment in Jesus' ministry. The Greek word for "full" is "ἐμπίπλημι" (empiplēmi), which means to be completely satisfied or filled. This satisfaction is not just physical but also spiritual, as Jesus provides abundantly for the needs of the people. Historically, this event echoes the provision of manna in the wilderness, where God supplied the Israelites with sustenance. It underscores the sufficiency of Christ to meet all needs, both temporal and eternal.

He said to His disciples
Jesus' instruction to His disciples highlights His role as a teacher and leader. The Greek word "μαθητής" (mathētēs) for "disciples" implies learners or followers. This moment is a teaching opportunity, emphasizing stewardship and the importance of valuing God's provisions. The disciples are being trained to see beyond the immediate miracle to the principles of God's kingdom, where nothing is to be taken for granted.

Gather the pieces that are left over
The act of gathering the leftovers is significant. The Greek word "συνάγω" (synagō) means to collect or bring together. This reflects a principle of careful stewardship and respect for God's blessings. In a historical context, this act would resonate with Jewish customs of not wasting food, which was considered a precious resource. Spiritually, it symbolizes the gathering of all that God provides, ensuring that His gifts are used wisely and with gratitude.

so that nothing will be wasted
The phrase underscores the value of every blessing from God. The Greek word "ἀπόλλυμι" (apollymi) for "wasted" means to destroy or lose. Jesus teaches that God's provisions are not to be squandered. This principle extends beyond physical resources to spiritual truths and opportunities. In a broader scriptural context, it reflects the biblical theme of God's economy, where everything has purpose and value. It challenges believers to live with intentionality and gratitude, recognizing the abundance of God's grace and the responsibility to steward it well.

(12) Gather up the fragments.--Again St. John connects immediately with our Lord what the other Evangelists relate of the disciples. It is from this passage only that we know that the gathering of the fragments followed His express command.

Verse 12. - Then when they were filled, he said to his disciples. Gather together the broken pieces - not the crumbs left on the ground by the satisfied thousands, but the pieces broken from the original loaves (see each of the synoptists, who refer to the breaking, by Jesus, of the loaves) - that remain over - not eaten by the multitudes; the superabundance of the provision is a witness to the affluence of the Giver and the reality of the gift - that nothing be lost. This sacred economy of Jesus is in harmony with and illustrative of the ways of the Creator with his universe, and of the wisdom recommended to his disciples. The other evangelists describe the facts, but do not attribute the order to the wise words of the Lord himself. Paulus, in the endeavour to make this statement confirm his rationalistic interpretation, makes sad havoc of the grammar, and, instead of translating -

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
And
δὲ (de)
Conjunction
Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc.

when
Ὡς (Hōs)
Adverb
Strong's 5613: Probably adverb of comparative from hos; which how, i.e. In that manner.

everyone was full,
ἐνεπλήσθησαν (eneplēsthēsan)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Passive - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 1705: To fill up, satisfy. Or empletho em-play'-tho; from en and the base of pleistos;to fill in, i.e. to satisfy.

He said
λέγει (legei)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 3004: (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command.

to
τοῖς (tois)
Article - Dative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

His
αὐτοῦ (autou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

disciples,
μαθηταῖς (mathētais)
Noun - Dative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3101: A learner, disciple, pupil. From manthano; a learner, i.e. Pupil.

“Gather
Συναγάγετε (Synagagete)
Verb - Aorist Imperative Active - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4863: From sun and ago; to lead together, i.e. Collect or convene; specially, to entertain.

the
τὰ (ta)
Article - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

pieces
κλάσματα (klasmata)
Noun - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 2801: A fragment, broken piece. From klao; a piece.

that are left over,
περισσεύσαντα (perisseusanta)
Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 4052: From perissos; to superabound, be in excess, be superfluous; also to cause to superabound or excel.

so that
ἵνα (hina)
Conjunction
Strong's 2443: In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that.

nothing
τι (ti)
Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 5100: Any one, some one, a certain one or thing. An enclitic indefinite pronoun; some or any person or object.

will be wasted.”
ἀπόληται (apolētai)
Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Middle - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 622: From apo and the base of olethros; to destroy fully, literally or figuratively.


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