Luke 22:17
And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and said, Take this, and divide it among yourselves:
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 10
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
δεξάμενος
he took
G1209
δεξάμενος
he took
Strong's:
G1209
Word #:
2 of 10
to receive (in various applications, literally or figuratively)
ποτήριον
the cup
G4221
ποτήριον
the cup
Strong's:
G4221
Word #:
3 of 10
a drinking-vessel; by extension, the contents thereof, i.e., a cupful (draught); figuratively, a lot or fate
εὐχαριστήσας
and gave thanks
G2168
εὐχαριστήσας
and gave thanks
Strong's:
G2168
Word #:
4 of 10
to be grateful, i.e., (actively) to express gratitude (towards); specially, to say grace at a meal
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
8 of 10
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Historical Context
The Passover Seder involved four cups of wine:
- Cup of Sanctification (blessing)
- Cup of Instruction (during haggadah recitation)
- Cup of Redemption (after the meal, likely what became the communion cup),
- Cup of Consummation (praise).
Wine was mixed with water (typically 3 parts wine to 1 part water) and passed ceremonially.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the act of 'dividing' the cup among themselves illustrate the unity and equality of believers in Christ?
- What significance do you find in Jesus 'giving thanks' (eucharistēsas) even as He faced the cross hours away?
- How should the communal nature of the Lord's Table ('divide it among yourselves') challenge individualistic approaches to faith?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and said, Take this, and divide it among yourselves. Jesus took the cup (δεξάμενος ποτήριον, dexamenos potērion), likely the first or second of the four Passover cups. He gave thanks (εὐχαριστήσας, eucharistēsas, aorist active participle), using the root eucharistia from which we derive 'Eucharist.' This thanksgiving (εὐχαριστέω, eucharisteō) blessed God for the fruit of the vine and redemption it symbolized.
Take this, and divide it among yourselves (λάβετε τοῦτο καὶ διαμερίσατε ἑαυτοῖς, labete touto kai diamerisate heautois) commands communal participation. The verb divide (διαμερίσατε, diamerisate, aorist active imperative) emphasizes sharing the single cup among all—corporate unity in covenant participation. Ironically, the same verb will describe soldiers dividing Christ's garments (Luke 23:34). The shared cup anticipates the 'cup of the new covenant in my blood' (v. 20), binding participants together as the blood of Exodus 24:8 bound Israel to God at Sinai.