Lexical Summary kophinos: Basket Original Word: κοφίνος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance basket. Of uncertain derivation; a (small) basket -- basket. HELPS Word-studies 2894 kóphinos – a wicker-basket; "a basket, probably of wicker-work, such as was carried by Jews for food" (Abbott-Smith). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origina prim. word Definition a basket NASB Translation baskets (6). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2894: κόφινοςκόφινος, κοφινου, ὁ, a basket, wicker basket (cf. B. D. under the word Topical Lexicon Occurrences in Scripture Strong’s Greek 2894 denotes the basket (kophinos) mentioned six times, always in connection with the miracle of the five loaves and two fish (Matthew 14:20; Matthew 16:9; Mark 6:43; Mark 8:19; Luke 9:17; John 6:13). Each passage reports the collection of twelve kophinoi of leftover fragments. Cultural and Historical Background • A kophinos was a small, hand-woven wicker basket commonly carried by itinerant Jews to transport food that remained ceremonially clean while traveling among Gentiles. Roman satirist Juvenal even mocked the Jews of his day for carrying these “wicker baskets,” an outside confirmation of the practice. Comparison with Other New Testament Baskets • The Gospels also mention σπυρίς (spyris, Strong’s 4711) in the feeding of the four thousand (Matthew 15:37; Mark 8:8) and in the account of Paul’s escape from Damascus (Acts 9:25; 2 Corinthians 11:33). A spyris was a larger hamper capable of holding a man. Theological Significance 1. Divine Provision in Superabundance “They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve baskets of broken pieces that were left over” (Luke 9:17). The leftovers certify that Christ is able to supply beyond immediate need; He is not merely sufficient, He is abundant. Twelve baskets echo the twelve tribes, testifying that the Messiah’s provision encompasses the whole nation. Jesus calls His disciples to remember this detail: “When I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many baskets full of broken pieces did you collect? Twelve” (Mark 8:19). The question exposes spiritual dullness when they later fret over bread (Matthew 16:7–12). The repeated mention of the kophinos corroborates the historicity of the miracle. The Gospels agree in their enumeration of both the number of recipients and the resulting baskets, reinforcing the reliability of Scripture. John alone pairs the sign with Jesus’ declaration, “I am the bread of life” (John 6:35). The twelve filled kophinoi prepare the crowd to believe that the One who creates earthly bread can also give living bread. Lessons for Ministry Today • Expectation of Plenty: Servants of Christ need not fear lack when obeying His call. The disciples began with minimal resources yet ended with baskets to spare. Summary The kophinos is a modest travel basket, yet in the Gospel record it becomes a vessel of revelation. Each filled basket witnesses that the incarnate Son meets physical need, foreshadows spiritual nourishment, and furnishes enduring evidence that Scripture’s testimony is trustworthy and consistent. Forms and Transliterations κοφινοι κόφινοι κοφινους κοφίνους κοφίνω κοφινων κοφίνων κόχλαξι kophinoi kóphinoi kophinon kophinōn kophínon kophínōn kophinous kophínousLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Matthew 14:20 N-AMPGRK: κλασμάτων δώδεκα κοφίνους πλήρεις NAS: twelve full baskets. KJV: that remained twelve baskets full. INT: fragments twelve hand-baskets full Matthew 16:9 N-AMP Mark 6:43 N-GMP Mark 8:19 N-AMP Luke 9:17 N-NMP John 6:13 N-AMP Strong's Greek 2894 |
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