6:12a

And when everyone was full: This clause refers to the people having had enough food to eat to satisfy them. There are various ways to express this. For example:

When they had all had enough to eat (New Century Version)
-or-
When they had eaten enough (Phillips’ New Testament in Modern English)
-or-
When the people were full (God’s Word)

6:12b

Gather the pieces that are left over: These could have been fragments (pieces) left in the original baskets, or pieces of food remaining in people’s hands. This is not made clear. Here is another way to translate this clause:

Gather the leftover pieces of fish and bread. (New Century Version)

6:12c

so that nothing will be wasted: This is a purpose clause. Jesus wanted the disciples to make good use of his miraculous gift. He did not want them to lose (waste) any of the food.

Here are other ways to translate this clause:

let us not waste a bit (Good News Translation)
-or-
so that nothing may be lost (New Revised Standard Version)

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