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John 6:12

New Testament Gospel ASV (1901)

What does John 6:12 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And when they were filled, he saith unto his disciples, Gather up the broken pieces which remain over, that nothing be lost.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And when they were filled, he saith unto his disciples, Gather up the broken pieces which remain over, that nothing be lost.
John 6:12 — American Standard Version

Context — John 6

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
9There is a lad here, who hath five barley loaves, and two fishes: but what are these among so many?
10Jesus said, Make the people sit down. Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, in number about five thousand.
11Jesus therefore took the loaves; and having given thanks, he distributed to them that were set down; likewise also of the fishes as much as they would.
12And when they were filled, he saith unto his disciples, Gather up the broken pieces which remain over, that nothing be lost.
13So they gathered them up, and filled twelve baskets with broken pieces from the five barley loaves, which remained over unto them that had eaten.
14When therefore the people saw the sign which he did, they said, This is of a truth the prophet that cometh into the world.
15Jesus therefore perceiving that they were about to come and take him by force, to make him king, withdrew again into the mountain himself alone.
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“When they were filled, etc.] 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.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Gather up the fragments - This command is omitted by the other evangelists. It shows the care of Jesus that there should be no waste. Though he had power to provide any quantity of food, yet he has here taught us that the bounties of Providence are not to be squandered. In all things the Saviour set us an example of frugality, though he had an infinite supply at his disposal; he was himself economical, though he was Lord of all. If he was thus saving, it becomes us dependent creatures not to waste the bounties of a beneficent Providence. And it especially becomes the rich not to squander the bounties of Providence. They often feel that they are rich. They have enough. They have no fear of…”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“they: Neh 9:25; Mat 14:20, Mat 14:21, Mat 15:37, Mat 15:38; Mar 6:42-44, Mar 8:8, Mar 8:9; Luk 1:53, Luk 9:17 that nothing: Neh 8:10; Pro 18:9; Luk 15:13, Luk 16:1 John 6:13”
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Related study paths

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Sources and verification