Luke 22:18
For I say unto you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine, until the kingdom of God shall come.
Original Language Analysis
λέγω
I say
G3004
λέγω
I say
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
1 of 19
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 19
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
ὅτι
G3754
μὴ
G3361
μὴ
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
6 of 19
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
ἀπὸ
of
G575
ἀπὸ
of
Strong's:
G575
Word #:
8 of 19
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
γεννήματος
the fruit
G1081
γεννήματος
the fruit
Strong's:
G1081
Word #:
10 of 19
offspring; by analogy, produce (literally or figuratively)
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἕως
until
G2193
ἕως
until
Strong's:
G2193
Word #:
13 of 19
a conjunction, preposition and adverb of continuance, until (of time and place)
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
βασιλεία
the kingdom
G932
βασιλεία
the kingdom
Strong's:
G932
Word #:
16 of 19
properly, royalty, i.e., (abstractly) rule, or (concretely) a realm (literally or figuratively)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
17 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Matthew 26:29But I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father's kingdom.Mark 14:25Verily I say unto you, I will drink no more of the fruit of the vine, until that day that I drink it new in the kingdom of God.Luke 22:16For I say unto you, I will not any more eat thereof, until it be fulfilled in the kingdom of God.
Historical Context
Wine symbolized covenant joy throughout Scripture (Psalm 104:15, Proverbs 3:10, John 2:1-11). The messianic age was portrayed as abundant wine (Amos 9:13-14, Joel 3:18). Jesus' vow to abstain heightens the tragedy of the cross—He who would give His blood refuses wine's comfort, taking only the 'cup' of God's wrath (Luke 22:42).
Questions for Reflection
- How does Jesus' abstinence from wine 'until the kingdom comes' affect your understanding of His sacrifice and self-denial?
- What does it mean that communion is both backward-looking (remembrance) and forward-looking (anticipation of the Kingdom)?
- How should the promise that Jesus will drink wine 'new' with you in the Kingdom shape your hope and perseverance?
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 drink of the fruit of the vine, until the kingdom of God shall come. Jesus repeats the solemn vow structure from verse 16, again using emphatic double negative: I will not drink (οὐ μὴ πίω, ou mē piō, aorist subjunctive with ou mē). The fruit of the vine (τοῦ γενήματος τῆς ἀμπέλου, tou genēmatos tēs ampelou) is the liturgical phrase for wine in Jewish blessings, emphasizing natural origins—God's gift from vineyard to cup.
Until the kingdom of God shall come (ἕως οὗ ἡ βασιλεία τοῦ θεοῦ ἔλθῃ, heōs hou hē basileia tou theou elthē) points to Kingdom consummation. The Kingdom 'comes' in stages: inaugurated at Christ's first advent, advanced through the church age, consummated at His return. Jesus abstains until that final fulfillment when He drinks wine 'new' (Matthew 26:29) with His people at the eschatological banquet. This vow transforms the meal from memorial of past deliverance to anticipation of future glory—communion becomes both remembrance (anamnēsis) and foretaste (prolepsis) of the coming feast.