Luke 22:19
And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 24
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
εὐχαριστήσας
and gave thanks
G2168
εὐχαριστήσας
and gave thanks
Strong's:
G2168
Word #:
4 of 24
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 #:
6 of 24
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
διδόμενον·
gave
G1325
διδόμενον·
gave
Strong's:
G1325
Word #:
7 of 24
to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)
αὐτοῖς
unto them
G846
αὐτοῖς
unto them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
8 of 24
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
λέγων,
saying
G3004
λέγων,
saying
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
9 of 24
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
τὴν
which
G3588
τὴν
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
σῶμά
body
G4983
σῶμά
body
Strong's:
G4983
Word #:
13 of 24
the body (as a sound whole), used in a very wide application, literally or figuratively
τὴν
which
G3588
τὴν
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὑπὲρ
for
G5228
ὑπὲρ
for
Strong's:
G5228
Word #:
16 of 24
"over", i.e., (with the genitive case) of place, above, beyond, across, or causal, for the sake of, instead, regarding; with the accusative case super
διδόμενον·
gave
G1325
διδόμενον·
gave
Strong's:
G1325
Word #:
18 of 24
to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)
ποιεῖτε
do
G4160
ποιεῖτε
do
Strong's:
G4160
Word #:
20 of 24
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
εἰς
of
G1519
εἰς
of
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
21 of 24
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
Cross References
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?Luke 22:20Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you.1 Corinthians 10:4And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ.Psalms 111:4He hath made his wonderful works to be remembered: the LORD is gracious and full of compassion.Titus 2:14Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.Ephesians 5:2And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.John 6:51I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.Luke 24:30And it came to pass, as he sat at meat with them, he took bread, and blessed it, and brake, and gave to them.Galatians 1:4Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father:1 Peter 2:24Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.
Historical Context
Instituted during the Last Supper on Passover evening, Thursday of Holy Week (around 30 AD), in an upper room in Jerusalem. This transformed the Passover meal by giving it new meaning centered on Jesus as the true Passover Lamb (1 Corinthians 5:7), whose death would accomplish the ultimate exodus from sin.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the command to 'remember' Christ's sacrifice affect your understanding of regular communion participation?
- In what ways does Jesus' body being 'given for you' personally challenge you to respond with gratitude and devotion?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Jesus institutes the Lord's Supper using unleavened bread from the Passover meal to symbolize His body 'given for you' (Greek 'didomenon'—present passive participle, emphasizing ongoing giving). The command 'this do in remembrance of me' (Greek 'anamnēsin'—remembrance/memorial) establishes a recurring ordinance for the church to regularly remember Christ's sacrifice. This parallels the Passover's memorial function, now pointing not backward to Egyptian deliverance but forward to the cross and backward from the post-resurrection church. Luke's account emphasizes the sacrificial nature ('given for you') and the memorial purpose, making Christ's death personal, substitutionary, and perpetually significant for His people.