Luke 22:20
Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
2 of 22
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τὸ
which
G3588
τὸ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ποτήριον
cup
G4221
ποτήριον
cup
Strong's:
G4221
Word #:
4 of 22
a drinking-vessel; by extension, the contents thereof, i.e., a cupful (draught); figuratively, a lot or fate
μετὰ
after
G3326
μετὰ
after
Strong's:
G3326
Word #:
5 of 22
properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)
τὸ
which
G3588
τὸ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
δειπνῆσαι
supper
G1172
δειπνῆσαι
supper
Strong's:
G1172
Word #:
7 of 22
to dine, i.e., take the principle (or evening) meal
λέγων,
saying
G3004
λέγων,
saying
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
8 of 22
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
τὸ
which
G3588
τὸ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ποτήριον
cup
G4221
ποτήριον
cup
Strong's:
G4221
Word #:
11 of 22
a drinking-vessel; by extension, the contents thereof, i.e., a cupful (draught); figuratively, a lot or fate
τὸ
which
G3588
τὸ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καινὴ
is the new
G2537
καινὴ
is the new
Strong's:
G2537
Word #:
13 of 22
new (especially in freshness; while g3501 is properly so with respect to age
διαθήκη
testament
G1242
διαθήκη
testament
Strong's:
G1242
Word #:
14 of 22
properly, a disposition, i.e., (specially) a contract (especially a devisory will)
τὸ
which
G3588
τὸ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
16 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αἵματί
blood
G129
αἵματί
blood
Strong's:
G129
Word #:
17 of 22
blood, literally (of men or animals), figuratively (the juice of grapes) or specially (the atoning blood of christ); by implication, bloodshed, also k
τὸ
which
G3588
τὸ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
19 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
1 Corinthians 11:25After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me.Matthew 26:28For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.Zechariah 9:11As for thee also, by the blood of thy covenant I have sent forth thy prisoners out of the pit wherein is no water.Hebrews 13:20Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant,Exodus 24:8And Moses took the blood, and sprinkled it on the people, and said, Behold the blood of the covenant, which the LORD hath made with you concerning all these words.Hebrews 12:24And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel.Jeremiah 31:31Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah:Hebrews 9:17For a testament is of force after men are dead: otherwise it is of no strength at all while the testator liveth.2 Corinthians 3:6Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life.Hebrews 9:15And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.
Historical Context
The Last Supper occurred during Passover, when Jews remembered deliverance from Egypt through the lamb's blood (Exodus 12). Jesus reinterprets Passover through Himself—He is the true Lamb whose blood delivers from sin and death. The 'new covenant' fulfills Jeremiah's prophecy of internal transformation, written law on hearts, universal knowledge of God, and complete forgiveness (Jeremiah 31:31-34). Hebrews 8-10 extensively develops how Christ's once-for-all sacrifice surpasses the Old Covenant's repeated offerings. The Lord's Supper/Eucharist/Communion has been observed by Christians for 2,000 years, remembering Christ's death until He returns (1 Corinthians 11:26). This simple meal encapsulates the gospel: Christ's body broken and blood shed for sinners' salvation.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Jesus' institution of the New Covenant fulfill Old Testament prophecy and typology?
- What does it mean that the covenant is 'in my blood'—why was blood necessary?
- How should regular observance of Communion shape Christian life and worship?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The New Covenant cup: 'Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you.' After instituting the bread, Jesus took 'the cup after supper' (τὸ ποτήριον... μετὰ τὸ δειπνῆσαι, to potērion... meta to deipnēsai), declaring: 'This cup is the new testament in my blood' (Τοῦτο τὸ ποτήριον ἡ καινὴ διαθήκη ἐν τῷ αἵματί μου, Touto to potērion hē kainē diathēkē en tō haimati mou). The term 'testament' (διαθήκη, diathēkē) means covenant. Jesus institutes a 'new covenant' prophesied in Jeremiah 31:31-34, ratified by His blood 'which is shed for you' (τὸ ὑπὲρ ὑμῶν ἐκχυννόμενον, to hyper hymōn ekchynnomenon, poured out on your behalf). The Old Covenant at Sinai was ratified with animal blood (Exodus 24:8); the New Covenant is ratified with Christ's blood. This is the heart of the gospel: Christ's substitutionary death establishes relationship with God.