Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary John 6:12

"And when they were filled, he saith unto his disciples, Gather up the broken pieces which remain over, that nothing be lost." — John 6:12 (ASV)

In spite of the miraculous power that effectively produced the ample supply, Jesus permitted no waste. Twelve large baskets full of remnants were salvaged—possibly one for each of the disciples—and carried back to Capernaum. The detail of collecting the remaining fragments of bread and fish may have been introduced to emphasize the ample sufficiency that Jesus provided, or it may indicate that he combined generosity with economy.