Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Luke 9:17

"And they ate, and were all filled: and there was taken up that which remained over to them of broken pieces, twelve baskets." — Luke 9:17 (ASV)

The crowd was much greater than five thousand, since there were that many men, plus women and children (Matthew 14:21). Luke briefly summarizes the miracle, showing the orderliness of the distribution, Jesus’ thanks (providing a lasting example for Christians), and the adequacy of the food.