Matthew Chapter 26 · Verse 27

Authorized King James Version

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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
λαβὼν he took G2983
λαβὼν he took
Strong's: G2983
Word #: 2 of 13
while g0138 is more violent, to seize or remove))
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
Πίετε Drink ye G4095
Πίετε Drink ye
Strong's: G4095
Word #: 10 of 13
to imbibe (literally or figuratively)
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
αὐτοῦ it G846
αὐτοῦ it
Strong's: G846
Word #: 12 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
πάντες all G3956
πάντες all
Strong's: G3956
Word #: 13 of 13
all, any, every, the whole

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.

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