1 Corinthians 11:25
After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
2 of 28
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 28
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ποτήριον
cup
G4221
ποτήριον
cup
Strong's:
G4221
Word #:
4 of 28
a drinking-vessel; by extension, the contents thereof, i.e., a cupful (draught); figuratively, a lot or fate
μετὰ
when
G3326
μετὰ
when
Strong's:
G3326
Word #:
5 of 28
properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 28
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
δειπνῆσαι
he had supped
G1172
δειπνῆσαι
he had supped
Strong's:
G1172
Word #:
7 of 28
to dine, i.e., take the principle (or evening) meal
λέγων,
saying
G3004
λέγων,
saying
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
8 of 28
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 28
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ποτήριον
cup
G4221
ποτήριον
cup
Strong's:
G4221
Word #:
11 of 28
a drinking-vessel; by extension, the contents thereof, i.e., a cupful (draught); figuratively, a lot or fate
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 28
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καινὴ
the new
G2537
καινὴ
the new
Strong's:
G2537
Word #:
13 of 28
new (especially in freshness; while g3501 is properly so with respect to age
διαθήκη
testament
G1242
διαθήκη
testament
Strong's:
G1242
Word #:
14 of 28
properly, a disposition, i.e., (specially) a contract (especially a devisory will)
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
17 of 28
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αἵματι·
blood
G129
αἵματι·
blood
Strong's:
G129
Word #:
19 of 28
blood, literally (of men or animals), figuratively (the juice of grapes) or specially (the atoning blood of christ); by implication, bloodshed, also k
ποιεῖτε
do ye
G4160
ποιεῖτε
do ye
Strong's:
G4160
Word #:
21 of 28
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
εἰς
it in
G1519
εἰς
it in
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
25 of 28
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
Cross References
Luke 22:20Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you.Hebrews 13:20Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant,2 Corinthians 3:6Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life.1 Corinthians 10:16The 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?2 Corinthians 3:14But their minds were blinded: for until this day remaineth the same vail untaken away in the reading of the old testament; which vail is done away in Christ.
Historical Context
Passover's third cup was the 'cup of blessing' or 'cup of redemption,' celebrating Israel's deliverance from Egypt. Jesus transforms this into the cup of new covenant—deliverance from sin. The phrase 'new covenant' was revolutionary: it declared the Mosaic covenant fulfilled and inaugurated the messianic age. First-century Jews awaited this (Ezekiel 36:25-27, Jeremiah 31:31-34). Paul's inclusion of this language shows the Table's eschatological significance: we participate now in the age to come.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the new covenant ratified by Christ's blood differ from and fulfill the old covenant ratified by animal blood?
- What does it mean to 'drink the cup' of the new covenant—what are we affirming about our identity in Christ?
- How should the frequency of communion practice reflect its covenantal and memorial significance?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me—Μετὰ τὸ δειπνῆσαι (after supper)—the cup came after the meal (the third or fourth Passover cup). Τοῦτο τὸ ποτήριον ἡ καινὴ διαθήκη ἐστὶν ἐν τῷ αἵματί μου—this cup is the new covenant in my blood.
Diathēkē (covenant/testament) evokes Jeremiah 31:31-34 (new covenant), Exodus 24:8 (Moses's blood ratification), and Zechariah 9:11 (blood of covenant). The new covenant, promised by the prophets, is ratified by Christ's blood, replacing the Mosaic covenant's animal sacrifices with His once-for-all offering (Hebrews 9:11-28). As oft as ye drink it (ὁσάκις ἐὰν πίνητε)—frequency is unspecified but regularity assumed. Each participation re-proclaims covenant membership in Christ's death and the new exodus from sin.