Matthew 26:27
And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it;
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 13
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ποτήριον
the cup
G4221
ποτήριον
the cup
Strong's:
G4221
Word #:
4 of 13
a drinking-vessel; by extension, the contents thereof, i.e., a cupful (draught); figuratively, a lot or fate
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
5 of 13
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
εὐχαριστήσας
gave thanks
G2168
εὐχαριστήσας
gave thanks
Strong's:
G2168
Word #:
6 of 13
to be grateful, i.e., (actively) to express gratitude (towards); specially, to say grace at a meal
ἔδωκεν
and gave
G1325
ἔδωκεν
and gave
Strong's:
G1325
Word #:
7 of 13
to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)
αὐτοῦ
it
G846
αὐτοῦ
it
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
8 of 13
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 13
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
ἐξ
of
G1537
ἐξ
of
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
11 of 13
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
Cross References
Isaiah 25:6And in this mountain shall the LORD of hosts make unto all people a feast of fat things, a feast of wines on the lees, of fat things full of marrow, of wines on the lees well refined.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?Isaiah 55:1Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.Psalms 116:13I will take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the LORD.1 Corinthians 11:28But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup.Luke 22:20Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you.Song of Solomon 7:9And the roof of thy mouth like the best wine for my beloved, that goeth down sweetly, causing the lips of those that are asleep to speak.Song of Solomon 5:1I am come into my garden, my sister, my spouse: I have gathered my myrrh with my spice; I have eaten my honeycomb with my honey; I have drunk my wine with my milk: eat, O friends; drink, yea, drink abundantly, O beloved.
Historical Context
The Passover meal included four cups of wine, each with symbolic meaning. The third cup, taken after the meal, was the 'cup of redemption' or 'cup of blessing' (1 Corinthians 10:16). Jesus imbued this with new meaning: redemption not from Egypt but from sin; blessing not of temporal deliverance but eternal salvation.
Early church practice included both bread and wine for all communicants. The medieval restriction of the cup to priests contradicted Jesus's command and was corrected during the Reformation, which restored the cup to all believers.
Questions for Reflection
- Why is it significant that Jesus commanded all disciples to drink from the cup, and what does this teach about equality in the body of Christ?
- How does Jesus giving thanks before instituting the Lord's Supper challenge us to approach Communion with gratitude rather than casual familiarity?
- What does it mean that the cup is specifically called the 'cup of redemption' in Jewish tradition, and how does this illuminate Christ's use of it?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it. After the bread, Jesus took 'the cup' (τὸ ποτήριον/to potērion), likely the third cup of the Passover Seder, called the 'cup of redemption.' How fitting that Jesus used this cup to institute the sacrament of His redeeming blood.
'And gave thanks' (εὐχαριστήσας/eucharistēsas)—from which we get 'Eucharist,' a name for the Lord's Supper. Again, even facing the cross, Jesus gave thanks. This demonstrates perfect submission to the Father's will and confidence in redemption's accomplishment.
'Drink ye all of it' (πίετε ἐξ αὐτοῦ πάντες/piete ex autou pantes)—all disciples are to partake. Unlike medieval practice that restricted the cup to clergy while laity received only bread, Jesus commanded all believers to drink. This egalitarian instruction emphasizes the priesthood of all believers; we all equally need Christ's blood and equally share in its benefits.