King James Version

What Does Matthew 15:37 Mean?

Matthew 15:37 in the King James Version says “And they did all eat, and were filled: and they took up of the broken meat that was left seven baskets full.” — study this verse from Matthew chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And they did all eat, and were filled: and they took up of the broken meat that was left seven baskets full.”

Matthew 15:37 · KJV

Context

35

And he commanded the multitude to sit down on the ground.

36

And he took the seven loaves and the fishes, and gave thanks, and brake them, and gave to his disciples, and the disciples to the multitude.

37

And they did all eat, and were filled: and they took up of the broken meat that was left seven baskets full.

38

And they that did eat were four thousand men, beside women and children.

39

And he sent away the multitude, and took ship , and came into the coasts of Magdala.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And they did all eat, and were filled (καὶ ἔφαγον πάντες καὶ ἐχορτάσθησαν)—The verb χορτάζω (chortazō) means 'to feed, to fill, to satisfy fully'—not mere subsistence but complete satisfaction. The πάντες ('all') emphasizes universality—no one left hungry. This fulfills Psalm 107:9: 'He satisfies the longing soul and fills the hungry soul with goodness.' Where Jesus provides, there's full satisfaction, not rationed scarcity.

And they took up of the broken meat that was left seven baskets full (καὶ ἦραν τὸ περισσεῦον τῶν κλασμάτων ἑπτὰ σπυρίδας πληρεῖς)—The verb περισσεύω (perisseuō, 'to exceed, to abound') appears as a participle: 'the exceeding fragments.' God's provision exceeds need. Seven σπυρίδας (spyris, 'large baskets,' used for carrying cargo—different from κόφινος in 14:20) were filled. The abundance of leftovers wasn't wastefulness but demonstration that God's resources are inexhaustible. Starting with seven loaves, they ended with seven baskets—but having fed four thousand. God returns what we give Him multiplied.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The distinction between basket types is significant: κόφινος (kophinos, 14:20) was a small wicker basket Jews used for carrying food (keeping ritual purity), while σπυρίς (spyris) was a large rope-basket used for cargo (Acts 9:25 uses this for lowering Paul). Twelve kophinos baskets after feeding 5,000 Jews; seven spyris baskets after feeding 4,000 (mostly Gentiles)—both numbers symbolically significant (twelve tribes; seven= completeness).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Jesus's provision always exceeding need challenge your anxious hoarding mentality?
  2. What does God returning what you give Him—multiplied—teach about generous stewardship?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 14 words
καὶ1 of 14

“And”

G2532

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

ἔφαγον2 of 14

“eat”

G5315

to eat (literally or figuratively)

πάντες3 of 14

“all”

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

καὶ4 of 14

“And”

G2532

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

ἐχορτάσθησαν5 of 14

“were filled”

G5526

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

καὶ6 of 14

“And”

G2532

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

ἦραν7 of 14

“they took 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 14
G3588

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

περισσεῦον9 of 14

“meat that was left”

G4052

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

τῶν10 of 14
G3588

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

κλασμάτων11 of 14

“of the broken”

G2801

a piece (bit)

ἑπτὰ12 of 14

“seven”

G2033

seven

σπυρίδας13 of 14

“baskets”

G4711

a hamper or lunch-receptacle

πλήρεις14 of 14

“full”

G4134

replete, or covered over; by analogy, complete

Study Guide

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 15:37 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 15:37 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Mark 8:19-21Matthew 15:33Mark 8:8-9Matthew 16:9-10Psalms 107:9Matthew 14:20-21

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