Luke 22:16
For I say unto you, I will not any more eat thereof, until it be fulfilled in the kingdom of God.
Original Language Analysis
λέγω
I say
G3004
λέγω
I say
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
1 of 18
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 18
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
ὅτι
G3754
μὴ
G3361
μὴ
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
7 of 18
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
ἐξ
G1537
ἐξ
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
9 of 18
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
αὐτοῦ,
thereof
G846
αὐτοῦ,
thereof
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
10 of 18
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
ἕως
until
G2193
ἕως
until
Strong's:
G2193
Word #:
11 of 18
a conjunction, preposition and adverb of continuance, until (of time and place)
πληρωθῇ
it be fulfilled
G4137
πληρωθῇ
it be fulfilled
Strong's:
G4137
Word #:
13 of 18
to make replete, i.e., (literally) to cram (a net), level up (a hollow), or (figuratively) to furnish (or imbue, diffuse, influence), satisfy, execute
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
βασιλείᾳ
the kingdom
G932
βασιλείᾳ
the kingdom
Strong's:
G932
Word #:
16 of 18
properly, royalty, i.e., (abstractly) rule, or (concretely) a realm (literally or figuratively)
Cross References
Revelation 19:9And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God.Luke 14:15And when one of them that sat at meat with him heard these things, he said unto him, Blessed is he that shall eat bread in the kingdom of God.Luke 22:30That ye may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
Historical Context
Jewish Passover looked backward to Egyptian deliverance and forward to ultimate messianic redemption. The festival's final toast, 'Next year in Jerusalem!' expressed eschatological hope. Jesus transforms this hope, pointing to a greater exodus (Luke 9:31, Greek 'exodos'), greater deliverance, and final Kingdom feast where He will reunite with His redeemed.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Jesus' vow to abstain 'until it be fulfilled in the kingdom' shape your understanding of communion as pointing toward future consummation?
- What does it mean that the Passover will be 'fulfilled' in God's kingdom rather than simply repeated?
- How should anticipation of the Marriage Supper of the Lamb affect how you live and worship now?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
For I say unto you, I will not any more eat thereof, until it be fulfilled in the kingdom of God. Jesus pronounces solemn prophecy—I say unto you (λέγω γὰρ ὑμῖν, legō gar hymin) introduces authoritative declaration. I will not any more eat thereof (οὐ μὴ φάγω αὐτό, ou mē phagō auto) uses the emphatic Greek double negative (ou mē plus aorist subjunctive), expressing absolute certainty: 'I will certainly not eat it.' This is Jesus' final Passover in history.
Until it be fulfilled (ἕως ὅτου πληρωθῇ, heōs hotou plērōthē) points forward to eschatological consummation. The Passover's typology—deliverance from bondage, blood sacrifice, covenant meal—finds ultimate fulfillment (πληρωθῇ, plērōthē, aorist passive subjunctive of 'to fill/complete') in the kingdom of God (ἐν τῇ βασιλείᾳ τοῦ θεοῦ, en tē basileia tou theou). Jesus points to the Messianic banquet (Isaiah 25:6, Matthew 8:11), the Marriage Supper of the Lamb (Revelation 19:9), when He will 'drink it new' with His people (Matthew 26:29) in the consummated Kingdom.