Lexical Summary klasma: Fragment, piece, broken piece Original Word: κλάσμα Strong's Exhaustive Concordance broken, fragment. From klao; a piece (bit) -- broken, fragment. see GREEK klao NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom klaó Definition a broken piece NASB Translation broken pieces (7), fragments (2). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2801: κλάσμακλάσμα, κλασματος, τό (κλάω), a fragment, broken piece: plural, of remnants of food, Matthew 14:20; Matthew 15:37; Mark 6:43; Mark 8:8, 19; Luke 9:17; John 6:12f (Xenophon, cyn. 10, 5; Diodorus 17, 13; Plutarch, Tib. Gr. 19; Anthol.; the Sept..) Topical Lexicon Overview Strong’s Greek 2801, κλάσμα, designates the fragments or broken pieces gathered after Jesus’ multiplication of bread and fish. Nine times the term appears—always in the plural forms—and always in connection with the two feeding miracles (five thousand and four thousand). The word therefore functions as a narrative marker of the miracle’s completeness: the fragments affirm both super-abundance and careful stewardship. Occurrences in the Gospel Narrative Matthew 14:20; Mark 6:43; Luke 9:17; John 6:12–13 record the aftermath of feeding five thousand men, while Matthew 15:37; Mark 8:8, 19–20 deal with the four-thousand episode. In every instance the evangelists note that “the disciples picked up” the κλάσματα. The scene is never incidental; it is deliberately reported, signaling an important theological and pastoral layer to the miracle. Miraculous Abundance and Divine Provision The κλάσματα testify that Jesus’ provision exceeds human need. “They all ate and were satisfied” (Matthew 14:20), yet leftovers remained. The fragments therefore become tangible evidence that the Messiah supplies more than enough for Israel (twelve baskets) and for the nations (seven baskets). They concretize Psalm 23:1, “The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want,” and echo the abundant manna of Exodus 16. Didactic Aim: Faith and Memory for the Disciples Jesus twice reminds the Twelve of the collected κλάσματα (Mark 8:19–20). Their precise recollection—“Twelve… Seven”—is intended to strengthen faith when they later face apparent lack (Mark 8:17-18). The fragments serve as mnemonic signs: the disciples are to remember the Lord’s past faithfulness as they confront future challenges. Spiritual Stewardship: “So That Nothing Will Be Wasted” John alone preserves Christ’s explicit directive: “Gather the pieces that are left over, so that nothing will be wasted” (John 6:12). The sentence couples generosity with economy. God’s lavish grace never licenses careless neglect; disciples are to value every blessing received. The verse has informed Christian ethics on resource management, charity, and ecological responsibility. Twelve and Seven: Symbolic Numbers Twelve baskets (five-thousand miracle) resonate with the tribes of Israel, underscoring Jesus as the true Shepherd of covenant people. Seven baskets (four-thousand miracle) evoke the fullness of creation and, in some readings, the Seven nations of Canaan, hinting at Gentile inclusion. The κλάσματα, therefore, anticipate the Great Commission by showing surplus grace for both Jew and Gentile. Foreshadowing the Eucharistic Table Liturgical tradition links the fragments to the broken bread of the Lord’s Supper: the same verbs “took… blessed… broke… gave” (Matthew 14:19; 26:26). Early believers read the κλάσματα as prototypes of eucharistic portions distributed to the body of Christ, ensuring that none go away hungry (spiritually or physically) and that Christ’s provision remains undiminished. Reception in Early Church and Patristic Commentators Ignatius, Irenaeus, and Augustine refer to the leftovers when speaking of Christ’s abundant grace. Augustine interprets the fragments as the deeper mysteries reserved for disciples who remain after the crowds depart. Chrysostom appeals to John 6:12 against wastefulness, urging almsgiving of one’s surplus. Medieval monastic rules cited the verse to justify frugality and redistribution. Contemporary Ministry Implications 1. Evangelism: The gathered pieces assure ministers that the gospel never runs short; there is “bread enough and to spare” for every seeker. Related Old Testament Antecedents • Manna that “melted” if hoarded, yet lasted for Sabbath (Exodus 16) shows God’s daily provision; the κλάσματα elevate the theme by providing enduring evidence. Summary κλάσμα in the New Testament is more than a linguistic detail; it is a theological sign of Messiah’s overflowing bounty, His call to mindful stewardship, and His invitation to faith. The collected fragments declare that in Christ nothing is lost, nothing is insufficient, and nothing should be wasted. Forms and Transliterations κλάσμα κλασματα κλάσματα κλάσματι κλασματων κλασμάτων klasmata klásmata klasmaton klasmatōn klasmáton klasmátōnLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Matthew 14:20 N-GNPGRK: περισσεῦον τῶν κλασμάτων δώδεκα κοφίνους NAS: was left over of the broken pieces, twelve KJV: they took up of the fragments that remained INT: was over and above of the fragments twelve hand-baskets Matthew 15:37 N-GNP Mark 6:43 N-ANP Mark 8:8 N-GNP Mark 8:19 N-GNP Mark 8:20 N-GNP Luke 9:17 N-GNP John 6:12 N-ANP John 6:13 N-GNP Strong's Greek 2801 |
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