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G2801 · Greek · New Testament
κλάσμα
Klasma
Noun, neuter
Fragment, broken piece — especially of bread

Definition

The Greek klasma (from klaō, G2806, to break) refers to a broken piece or fragment. It appears in all four Gospel accounts of the feeding miracles (Matthew 14:20; 15:37; Mark 6:43; 8:8; Luke 9:17; John 6:12–13), where the disciples collected the fragments left over after Jesus fed the thousands. The quantity collected — 12 baskets, then 7 baskets — exceeds what was available at the start, a sign of miraculous abundance.

Usage & Theological Significance

The klasmata (fragments) collected after the feeding miracles are theologically loaded. Jesus instructs the disciples to gather them 'so that nothing is lost' (John 6:12) — a phrase John connects to eternal security (John 6:39: 'I shall lose nothing of all that he has given me'). The klasma of eucharistic bread becomes a symbol of the inexhaustible provision of Christ. The Didache (early Christian document) uses klasma as the technical term for the eucharistic fragment, connecting the feeding miracles to the Lord's Supper.

Key Bible Verses

John 6:12 When they had all had enough to eat, he said to his disciples, 'Gather the pieces [klasmata] that are left over. Let nothing be wasted.'
Matthew 14:20 They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces [klasmaton] that were left over.
Mark 8:8 The people ate and were satisfied. Afterward the disciples picked up seven basketfuls of broken pieces [klasmaton].
John 6:39 And this is the will of him who sent me, that I shall lose none of all those he has given me.
Luke 22:19 And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, 'This is my body given for you.'

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