When they were filled, he said to his disciples, Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost.
When they were filled, he said to his disciples, Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost.
And when they were filled, he saith unto his disciples, Gather up the broken pieces which remain over, that nothing be lost.
And when they had had enough, Jesus said to his disciples, Take up the broken bits which are over, so that nothing may be wasted.
When they were satisfied, he said to his disciples, Gather the fragments that remain, that nothing may be lost.
When they were filled, he said to his disciples, "Gather up the broken pieces which are left over, that nothing be lost."
And when they were filled, he saith unto his disciples, Gather up the broken pieces which remain over, that nothing be lost.
Gather up the fragments - "Great will be the punishment of those who waste the crumbs of food, scatter seed, and neglect the law." Synops Sohar. Among the Jews the פאה peah, or residue after a meal, was the property of the servitors.
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 want, and they do not feel the necessity of studying economy. Yet let them remember that what they have is the gift of God - just as certainly as the loaves and fishes created by the Saviour were his gift. It is not given them to waste, nor to spend in riot, nor to be the means of injuring their health or of shortening life. It is given to sustain life, to excite gratitude, to fit for the active service of God. Everything should be applied to its appropriate end, and nothing should be squandered or lost.