New Testament
John 6:13
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
So they gathered them up and filled twelve baskets with the pieces left over from the five barley loaves, beyond what those who had eaten could finish.
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Therefore they gathered them together, and filled twelve baskets with the fragments of the five barley loaves, which remained over and above unto them that had eaten.
What John 6:13 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, after Jesus performed the miracle of feeding the 5,000 with just five barley loaves, the disciples collected the leftover pieces. They filled twelve baskets with the fragments that remained after everyone had eaten. This act highlights not only the abundance of God's provision but also the importance of not wasting resources. The twelve baskets symbolize the completeness of God's blessings, as twelve is a significant number representing the tribes of Israel. This moment serves as a reminder that God can provide more than enough for our needs, and it encourages us to be responsible stewards of what we have. The gathering of leftovers also emphasizes the idea that even in miraculous situations, there is a need for order and care in handling what God has provided. It shows that God's generosity is abundant and that He cares about every detail, ensuring that nothing is wasted.
How to apply John 6:13 to your life
This verse encourages us to recognize and appreciate the abundance in our lives. We should practice good stewardship by not wasting resources and being mindful of how we use what we have. It reminds us to trust in God's provision and to share generously with others.
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Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: Feeding the Five Thousand (John 6:1–14)
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Jesus
Photo: Gary Todd (Gary Lee Todd, Ph.D.), via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication. Source. Location: Southern end of the Temple Mount, Jerusalem Old City. Resized for the web.
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Key themes
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At a Glance — the Book of John
- Author
- John the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 85-95
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- All believers
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does John 6:13 mean?
John 6:13 describes the aftermath of Jesus feeding the 5,000, where the disciples collected the leftover pieces of bread. This act signifies God's abundant provision and the importance of not wasting resources.
What is the significance of the twelve baskets in John 6:13?
The twelve baskets represent completeness and abundance, symbolizing the twelve tribes of Israel. This highlights God's generosity and care in ensuring that nothing is wasted.
What does the phrase 'left over from the five barley loaves' mean in John 6:13?
The phrase refers to the fragments of bread that remained after everyone had eaten from the five barley loaves. It emphasizes the miraculous nature of the feeding and God's ability to provide more than enough.
How does John 6:13 relate to stewardship?
John 6:13 highlights the importance of being responsible with resources by collecting the leftovers. It teaches that we should appreciate and manage what we have wisely.
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