King James Version

What Does Luke 9:17 Mean?

Luke 9:17 in the King James Version says “And they did eat, and were all filled: and there was taken up of fragments that remained to them twelve baskets.” — study this verse from Luke chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And they did eat, and were all filled: and there was taken up of fragments that remained to them twelve baskets.”

Luke 9:17 · KJV

Context

15

And they did so, and made them all sit down.

16

Then he took the five loaves and the two fishes, and looking up to heaven, he blessed them, and brake, and gave to the disciples to set before the multitude.

17

And they did eat, and were all filled: and there was taken up of fragments that remained to them twelve baskets.

18

And it came to pass, as he was alone praying, his disciples were with him: and he asked them, saying, Whom say the people that I am?

19

They answering said, John the Baptist; but some say, Elias; and others say, that one of the old prophets is risen again.

Read Luke 9 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And they did eat, and were all filled (καὶ ἔφαγον καὶ ἐχορτάσθησαν πάντες, kai ephagon kai echortasthēsan pantes)—The verb chortazō (ἐχορτάσθησαν) means to be satisfied, satiated, fully fed—not merely a bite but a complete meal. The word was originally used of feeding cattle to fullness and emphasizes abundant satisfaction. All (πάντες, pantes) were filled—no one went hungry. This abundance demonstrates that God's provision isn't stingy or rationed but lavish and complete.

And there was taken up of fragments that remained to them twelve baskets (καὶ ἤρθη τὸ περισσεῦσαν αὐτοῖς κλασμάτων κόφινοι δώδεκα, kai ērthē to perisseusan autois klasmatōn kophinoi dōdeka)—The word perisseusan ("left over, superabundant") indicates excess beyond need. Twelve baskets (kophinoi, wicker hand-baskets Jews carried for food) of fragments remained—more than they started with! Each disciple likely carried one basket, symbolically showing that serving Christ leads to abundance, not depletion. This surplus proves the miracle's reality and demonstrates that God's grace exceeds our need (Ephesians 3:20: "exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think"). It also shows Jesus's care for stewardship—nothing of God's provision should be wasted.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The twelve baskets symbolize completeness and correspond to the twelve apostles who distributed the bread. Some see this as prefiguring the apostolic mission to the twelve tribes of Israel. The practice of gathering leftovers was common Jewish custom—wastefulness was condemned. The baskets (kophinoi) were distinctly Jewish traveling baskets, distinguishing this miracle from the feeding of the 4,000 (Mark 8:1-10), where seven larger baskets (spyris) remained, possibly symbolizing the Gentile mission (seven representing fullness/completion). John 6:12 records Jesus commanding, "Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost"—teaching that God's generous provision doesn't justify carelessness with His gifts.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does the fact that all were satisfied (not merely fed) reveal about the abundant nature of God's provision?
  2. How do the twelve baskets of leftovers demonstrate that serving Christ depletes our resources less than hoarding them, and that His supply exceeds our need?
  3. What does Jesus's command to gather the fragments teach about stewardship and avoiding waste of God's blessings?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 13 words
καὶ1 of 13

“And”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἔφαγον2 of 13

“they did eat”

G5315

to eat (literally or figuratively)

καὶ3 of 13

“And”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἐχορτάσθησαν4 of 13

“filled”

G5526

to fodder, i.e., (generally) to gorge (supply food in abundance)

πάντες5 of 13

“all”

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

καὶ6 of 13

“And”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἤρθη7 of 13

“there was taken up”

G142

to lift up; by implication, to take up or away; figuratively, to raise (the voice), keep in suspense (the mind), specially, to sail away (i.e., weigh

τὸ8 of 13
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

περισσεῦσαν9 of 13

“that remained”

G4052

to superabound (in quantity or quality), be in excess, be superfluous; also (transitively) to cause to superabound or excel

αὐτοῖς10 of 13

“to them”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

κλασμάτων11 of 13

“of fragments”

G2801

a piece (bit)

κόφινοι12 of 13

“baskets”

G2894

a (small) basket

δώδεκα13 of 13

“twelve”

G1427

two and ten, i.e., a dozen

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Luke. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Luke 9:17 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Luke 9:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Kings 4:44John 6:11-13Mark 8:8-9Matthew 15:37-38Matthew 14:20-21Mark 6:42-44

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