1 Corinthians 11:26
For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come.
Original Language Analysis
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 21
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
ἐσθίητε
ye eat
G2068
ἐσθίητε
ye eat
Strong's:
G2068
Word #:
4 of 21
used only in certain tenses, the rest being supplied by g5315; to eat (usually literal)
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
8 of 21
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 #:
9 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ποτήριον
cup
G4221
ποτήριον
cup
Strong's:
G4221
Word #:
10 of 21
a drinking-vessel; by extension, the contents thereof, i.e., a cupful (draught); figuratively, a lot or fate
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θάνατον
death
G2288
θάνατον
death
Strong's:
G2288
Word #:
14 of 21
(properly, an adjective used as a noun) death (literally or figuratively)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κυρίου
the Lord's
G2962
κυρίου
the Lord's
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
16 of 21
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
Cross References
Revelation 1:7Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen.Hebrews 9:28So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.John 14:3And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.Acts 1:11Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.1 John 2:28And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming.1 Corinthians 15:23But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming.2 Peter 3:10But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.1 Corinthians 4:5Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.John 21:22Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me.Revelation 22:20He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.
Historical Context
Early Christians expected Christ's imminent return (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, Revelation 22:20). The phrase marana tha ('Our Lord, come!', 1 Corinthians 16:22) likely accompanied communion liturgy. The Table oriented believers eschatologically—already participating in new covenant blessings (forgiveness, Spirit) but not yet in full kingdom reality (glorified bodies, new creation). This 'already/not yet' tension shaped early Christian hope and holiness. The Table's regular celebration reminded believers they were 'strangers and exiles' (1 Peter 2:11) awaiting their King.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the Lord's Supper 'proclaim' the gospel—what does this meal communicate that words alone cannot?
- What difference does it make to approach the Table with eschatological expectation ('till He come') rather than mere nostalgia?
- How should the Table's dual orientation (remembrance and anticipation) shape Christian living between Christ's comings?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come—Ὁσάκις γὰρ ἐὰν ἐσθίητε... καὶ πίνητε (as often as you eat... and drink)—Paul emphasizes regularity without mandating frequency. Each celebration is proclamation: καταγγέλλετε (katangellō, you proclaim/announce). The Table is kerygmatic—it preaches the gospel.
Ye do shew the Lord's death—the Table is visual sermon. Τὸν θάνατον τοῦ κυρίου (the death of the Lord) is central: not His teachings, not His example, but His substitutionary death. Till he come (ἄχρι οὗ ἔλθῃ)—eschatological orientation. The Table looks backward (remembrance, v. 24) and forward (return, v. 26). Between Christ's first and second comings, the Table sustains the church, proclaiming His death until He returns to consummate the kingdom. Communion is pilgrimage meal—nourishment for the journey home.