Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary John 6:13

"So they gathered them up, and filled twelve baskets with broken pieces from the five barley loaves, which remained over unto them that had eaten." — John 6:13 (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.