King James Version
What Does Matthew 14:20 Mean?
“And they did all eat, and were filled: and they took up of the fragments that remained twelve baskets full.”
Context
18
He said, Bring them hither to me.
19
And he commanded the multitude to sit down on the grass, and took the five loaves, and the two fishes, and looking up to heaven, he blessed, and brake, and gave the loaves to his disciples, and the disciples to the multitude.
20
And they did all eat, and were filled: and they took up of the fragments that remained twelve baskets full.
21
And they that had eaten were about five thousand men, beside women and children.
22
And straightway Jesus constrained his disciples to get into a ship, and to go before him unto the other side, while he sent the multitudes away.
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(20) **Twelve baskets full.**—The basket here is the *cophinus,* a small basket carried in the hand, and often used by travellers to hold their food. So Juvenal (*Sat. iii.* 14) describes the Jews of Italy as travelling with “their *cophinus* and a wisp of hay,” by way of pillow, as their only luggage. St. John records that the gathering was made by our Lord’s express commands, “that nothing be lost.” The marvellous display of creative power was not to supersede forethought, thrift, economy in the use of the gifts it had bestowed. It is probable, from the language of the disciples in Mark 6:37, and from John 13:29, that they were in the habit of distributing food to the poor in the villages and towns in which they preached, and the fragments were, we may believe, reserved for that use.
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
Historical Context
This verse is found in the book of Matthew. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Theological Significance
Matthew 14:20 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 Matthew 14:20
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge