King James Bible
"When they were filled, he said unto his disciples, Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost."
This phrase marks the completion of the miraculous feeding of five thousand, emphasizing that Jesus provided not just a token meal but complete satisfaction. The passive voice suggests the crowd's hunger was fully met through divine provision. Jesus directly instructs his closest followers, making them active participants in the miracle's conclusion. This teaching moment transforms them from mere observers to stewards of God's abundance. The command to collect leftovers demonstrates responsible stewardship of divine provision. In Jewish culture, bread was considered sacred and wasting it showed disrespect for God's gifts. This purpose clause reveals a principle of divine economy where even miraculous abundance should be preserved. The Greek word for 'lost' (apollumi) carries deeper theological weight, often used for spiritual perishing, hinting at God's desire to preserve all he provides.