Luke 22:18
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Luke 22:18
18 For I say unto you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine, until the kingdom of God shall come.
Chapter Context
Luke 22 is a historical gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of truth, creation, covenant. Written during the late first century CE (c. 80-85 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Written when Christians needed to understand their place in the Roman world.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-71: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it reveals key aspects of God's character through divine actions and declarations. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Luke and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Luke 22:18
18 For I say unto you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine, until the kingdom of God shall come.
Analysis
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.
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).
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?
Word Studies
- God: Θεός (Theos) G2316 - God
Cross-References
- Kingdom: Luke 22:16, Matthew 26:29, Mark 14:25