κλάσμα (klasma)
klasma
fragment
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 9 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun klasma refers to a fragment or broken piece, specifically describing leftovers from a meal. In the Gospels, it appears in the accounts of the feeding miracles, where Jesus multiplies loaves and fish to feed large crowds. The word highlights the tangible reality of the food that remains after everyone has eaten, such as the baskets full of fragments collected in Mark 6:43 and Matthew 14:20.
Its root verb means to break or snap, which gives the noun a sense of something separated from a whole. This usage underscores the abundance of the miracle; rather than leaving nothing behind, the disciples gathered twelve baskets of fragments in one instance (Mark 8:8) and seven in another (Mark 8:20). The term serves as a physical reminder of God’s provision, turning what might seem like waste into evidence of surplus grace.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word klasma simply means a fragment or leftover piece of bread. In the Gospels, this term appears during the feeding miracles, describing the baskets full of food that remained after Jesus fed thousands. It is not a word for waste, but for surplus. God’s provision was so abundant that there was more than enough to satisfy every hunger.
For your faith, this detail offers comfort. It shows that when you bring what little you have to Jesus, He does not just meet the need; He overflows it. The disciples were told to gather these fragments so that nothing would be lost. This reminds us that God values every part of His creation and His provision. You can trust that He cares about the small details of your life.
This tangible evidence of grace encourages you to look beyond immediate scarcity. Even when resources seem tight, the pattern of Scripture shows a God who provides abundantly. The leftover pieces serve as a physical reminder that His supply is never exhausted. You are invited to rest in the knowledge that He is faithful to provide for all your needs.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 9 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- of fragments6×
- fragments2×
- fragments,1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- κλασμάτων6×
- κλάσματα2×
- κλασμάτων,1×
Key Verses
-
John 6:12
When they were filled, he said to his disciples, “Gather up the broken pieces which are left over, that nothing be lost.”
Jesus commands the gathering of fragments so that nothing is lost, emphasizing the value of every part of His provision.
-
Mark 6:43
They took up twelve baskets full of broken pieces and also of the fish.
This verse records twelve baskets full of fragments, highlighting the overwhelming abundance of the miracle for five thousand men.
-
Mark 8:19
When I broke the five loaves among the five thousand, how many baskets full of broken pieces did you take up?” They told him, “Twelve.”
Jesus uses this specific word to remind the disciples of the previous miracle, challenging their lack of faith despite seeing such clear evidence.