1 Corinthians 10:16

Authorized King James Version

The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
τὸ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#2
ποτήριον
The cup
a drinking-vessel; by extension, the contents thereof, i.e., a cupful (draught); figuratively, a lot or fate
#3
τῆς
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#4
εὐλογίας
of blessing
fine speaking, i.e., elegance of language; commendation ("eulogy"), i.e., (reverentially) adoration; religiously, benediction; by implication, consecr
#5
ὃν
which
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
#6
εὐλογοῦμεν
we bless
to speak well of, i.e., (religiously) to bless (thank or invoke a benediction upon, prosper)
#7
οὐχὶ
not
not indeed
#8
κοινωνία
the communion
partnership, i.e., (literally) participation, or (social) intercourse, or (pecuniary) benefaction
#9
τοῦ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#10
αἵματος
of the blood
blood, literally (of men or animals), figuratively (the juice of grapes) or specially (the atoning blood of christ); by implication, bloodshed, also k
#11
τοῦ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#12
Χριστοῦ
of Christ
anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus
#13
ἐστιν
is it
he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are
#14
τὸν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#15
ἄρτον
The bread
bread (as raised) or a loaf
#16
ὃν
which
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
#17
κλῶμεν
we break
to break (specially, of bread)
#18
οὐχὶ
not
not indeed
#19
κοινωνία
the communion
partnership, i.e., (literally) participation, or (social) intercourse, or (pecuniary) benefaction
#20
τοῦ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#21
σώματος
of the body
the body (as a sound whole), used in a very wide application, literally or figuratively
#22
τοῦ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#23
Χριστοῦ
of Christ
anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus
#24
ἐστιν
is it
he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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