In the biblical narrative, the term "basketfuls" is most prominently associated with the miraculous feedings performed by Jesus Christ, as recorded in the Gospels. These events are significant in demonstrating Jesus' divine authority and compassion, as well as symbolizing God's abundant provision.

Miraculous Feedings

1. Feeding of the Five Thousand: This miracle is recounted in all four Gospels (Matthew 14:13-21, Mark 6:30-44, Luke 9:10-17, John 6:1-14). In this event, Jesus feeds a multitude with only five loaves and two fish. After everyone had eaten and was satisfied, the disciples collected twelve basketfuls of leftover fragments. The Berean Standard Bible records in Matthew 14:20, "They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over." The twelve baskets are often interpreted as symbolizing the twelve tribes of Israel, indicating that Jesus' provision is sufficient for all of God's people.

2. Feeding of the Four Thousand: This miracle, distinct from the feeding of the five thousand, is recorded in Matthew 15:32-39 and Mark 8:1-10. Here, Jesus feeds a crowd with seven loaves and a few small fish. Afterward, seven basketfuls of leftovers are collected. Mark 8:8 states, "The people ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up seven basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over." The number seven often represents completeness or perfection in biblical numerology, suggesting the fullness of God's provision.

Symbolism and Interpretation

The collection of basketfuls of leftovers in these miracles is rich with symbolic meaning. It underscores the abundance of God's provision, as there is not only enough to meet the immediate needs of the people but also an overflow. This abundance reflects the nature of God's kingdom, where resources are not limited by earthly constraints.

The act of gathering the leftovers also teaches stewardship and the value of God's gifts. It serves as a reminder that nothing provided by God should be wasted, and everything has a purpose in His divine plan.

Cultural Context

In the cultural context of the time, baskets were common household items used for carrying and storing food and other goods. The Greek word used for "basket" in these passages is "kophinos" for the feeding of the five thousand and "spuris" for the feeding of the four thousand, indicating different types of baskets. The use of baskets in these miracles highlights the everyday nature of God's miracles, meeting the practical needs of the people.

Theological Implications

The miracles of the basketfuls of leftovers point to Jesus as the Bread of Life, a theme explicitly developed in John 6. After the feeding of the five thousand, Jesus declares, "I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to Me will never hunger, and whoever believes in Me will never thirst" (John 6:35). This statement connects the physical provision of bread with the spiritual sustenance that Jesus offers, emphasizing that He is the source of eternal life.

In summary, the basketfuls of leftovers in the Gospel accounts serve as a powerful testament to Jesus' miraculous power, the sufficiency of God's provision, and the deeper spiritual truths of the Christian faith.(n.) Plural of Basketful.

And Jesus Departed Thence, and came to the Side of the Sea of ...
... multitudes. [1617] And they all ate, and were satisfied: and they took that
which remained over of the fragments, seven basketfuls. [11 ...
/.../hogg/the diatessaron of tatian/section xxiii and jesus departed.htm

Goodness Wrought and Goodness Laid Up
... hungry applicants. The bread that was broken yielded more basketfuls for
to-morrow than the original quantity in the lad's hands. The ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture j/goodness wrought and goodness laid.htm

Bread in the Desert
... all. And they did all eat, and were filled. And they took up broken pieces,
twelve basketfuls, and also of the fishes. And they ...
/.../chadwick/the gospel of st mark/chapter 6 30-46 bread in the.htm

The Leaven of the Pharisees
... They said unto Him, Twelve. And when the seven among the four thousand, how many
basketfuls of broken pieces took ye up? And they said unto Him, Seven. ...
/.../chadwick/the gospel of st mark/chapter 8 11-21 the leaven of.htm

The Pharisees and Saduccees Demand a Sign.
... They say unto him, "Twelve.". "And when the seven among the four thousand, how many
basketfuls of broken pieces took ye up?". And they say unto him, "Seven.". ...
//christianbookshelf.org/barton/his life/the pharisees and saduccees demand.htm

The Five Thousand Fed.
... them all. And they all ate, and were filled. And they took up broken pieces,
twelve basketfuls, and also of the fishes. And they ...
//christianbookshelf.org/barton/his life/the five thousand fed.htm

Third Withdrawal from Herod's Territory.
... They say unto him, Twelve.20 And when the seven among the four thousand,
how many basketfuls [spurides] of broken pieces took ye up? ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/lxx third withdrawal from herods.htm

Jesus Works his First Miracle at Cana in Galilee.
... But as twelve basketfuls were left after feeding the five thousand, there was doubtless
here a like sufficiency, and the surplus would serve as an acceptable ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xxii jesus works his first.htm

First Withdrawal from Herod's Territory and Return.
... { ^b basketfuls,} ^d with broken pieces from the five barley loaves, which remained
over unto them that had eaten. ^b and also of the fishes. ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/lxiii first withdrawal from herods 2.htm

Basketfuls (9 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Basketfuls (9 Occurrences). ... nor even remember the 5,000
and the five loaves, and how many basketfuls you carried away, (WEY NIV). ...
/b/basketfuls.htm - 8k

Baskets (20 Occurrences)

/b/baskets.htm - 12k

Carried (327 Occurrences)
... (DBY NIV). Matthew 16:9 Do you not yet understand? nor even remember the 5,000 and
the five loaves, and how many basketfuls you carried away, (WEY). ...
/c/carried.htm - 35k

Full (1047 Occurrences)
... Matthew 16:9 Do you not yet understand? nor even remember the 5,000 and the five
loaves, and how many basketfuls you carried away, (See NAS). ...
/f/full.htm - 36k

Basket (40 Occurrences)

/b/basket.htm - 27k

Basketfuls: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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