1 Corinthians 11:24

KJV

And when he had given thanks, he brake [it], and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} when he had given thanks {G2168}, he brake {G2806} it, and {G2532} said {G2036}, Take {G2983}, eat {G5315}: this {G5124} is {G2076} my {G3450} body {G4983}, which {G3588} is broken {G2806} for {G5228} you {G5216}: this {G5124} do {G4160} in {G1519} remembrance {G364} of me {G1699}.

Complete Jewish Bible

and after he had made the b’rakhah he broke it and said, “This is my body, which is for you. Do this as a memorial to me”;

Berean Standard Bible

and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, “This is My body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of Me.”

American Standard Version

and when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, This is my body, which is for you: this do in remembrance of me.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Corinthians 11:24 records the foundational words of Jesus at the Last Supper, as recounted by the Apostle Paul, establishing the Lord's Supper as a perpetual ordinance for believers. This verse encapsulates the profound meaning of Christ's sacrificial death—His body broken for humanity—and mandates its regular observance as a solemn act of remembrance, ensuring that the central act of Christian redemption remains at the forefront of the church's worship and identity.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within Paul's extensive instructions to the Corinthian church concerning their conduct during corporate worship, specifically addressing their abuses of the Lord's Supper in [1 Corinthians 11](/1_corinthians/11 "1 Corinthians 11 - Instructions on Worship and the Lord's Supper"). Paul begins this section by commending them for remembering his teachings but quickly pivots to correct their divisive and selfish practices during their communal meals (verses 17-22). To underscore the gravity of their misconduct, he appeals to the direct tradition he received "from the Lord" (verse 23) regarding the institution of the Supper. Verses 23-26 constitute a direct quotation of Jesus' words and actions on the night He was betrayed, serving as the divine blueprint against which the Corinthians' behavior is measured. Paul's aim is not merely to recount history but to re-establish the sacredness, unity, and Christ-centered focus of this central Christian rite, leading into warnings about partaking unworthily in [1 Corinthians 11:27-34](/1_corinthians/11-27-34 "1 Corinthians 11:27-34 - Warning Against Unworthy Participation").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Corinthian church was a diverse community grappling with social stratification, spiritual pride, and ethical issues, all of which manifested in their gatherings. Their "love feasts" (agape meals) preceding the Lord's Supper had become occasions for division, where wealthier members ate sumptuously while the poor went hungry, creating shame and disunity (cf. [1 Corinthians 11:21-22](/1_corinthians/11-21-22 "1 Corinthians 11:21-22 - Abuses at the Lord's Supper")). This behavior starkly contrasted with the communal, self-giving spirit intended for the Lord's Supper. In the broader Greco-Roman world, banquets often reflected social status, with different qualities of food and drink served to various guests. Paul's teaching here directly challenges such hierarchical practices within the Christian assembly, emphasizing that the Lord's Supper transcends social distinctions and demands a unified, humble, and reverent approach, rooted in the self-emptying act of Christ.
* **Key Themes:** 1 Corinthians 11:24 profoundly contributes to several major theological and narrative themes within the broader book and Christian theology. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Sacrifice and Atonement**, highlighting that Jesus' physical body was "broken for you," directly linking His death to the provision of salvation and forgiveness of sins, a truth echoed throughout Paul's epistles (e.g., [Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God's Love in Christ's Sacrifice")). Secondly, the command "this do in remembrance of me" establishes **Remembrance and Memorial** as a central purpose of the Supper, ensuring that the church perpetually recalls the person and work of Christ, fostering gratitude and renewed commitment, a concept also seen in the Passover tradition (cf. [Exodus 12:14](/exodus/12-14 "Exodus 12:14 - Passover as a Memorial")). Thirdly, while [1 Corinthians 11:25](/1_corinthians/11-25 "1 Corinthians 11:25 - The New Covenant in His Blood") explicitly mentions the "new covenant," verse 24 lays the groundwork by signifying the inauguration of a **New Covenant** through Christ's broken body, a covenant ratified by His blood and fulfilling Old Testament prophecies of a transformed relationship with God (e.g., [Jeremiah 31:31-34](/jeremiah/31-31-34 "Jeremiah 31:31-34 - Prophecy of the New Covenant")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **given thanks (Greek, _eucharistéō'_):** From G2168, meaning "to be grateful, i.e. (actively) to express gratitude (towards); specially, to say grace at a meal." This word is the root of "Eucharist," a common term for the Lord's Supper, emphasizing that the meal is fundamentally an act of thanksgiving to God for Christ's redemptive work. It highlights Jesus' own posture of gratitude even in the face of His imminent suffering, setting a paradigm for believers.
* **brake (Greek, _kláō'_):** From G2806, a primary verb meaning "to break (specially, of bread)." This word is used twice in the verse, first describing Jesus' action with the bread ("he brake it") and then in the passive participle describing the body ("which is broken"). This stark imagery directly connects the physical act of breaking the bread to the physical suffering and death of Jesus on the cross, signifying the violent, sacrificial nature of His atonement.
* **remembrance (Greek, _anámnēsis'_):** From G364, meaning "recollection." This term goes beyond mere mental recall; it implies a re-presentation or re-enactment that makes the past event powerfully present in its effects. In the context of the Lord's Supper, it means not just thinking about Christ, but actively participating in a way that brings the reality and power of His sacrifice into the present experience of the worshiper, fostering a deep spiritual connection and renewed commitment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when he had given thanks,"**: This phrase highlights Jesus' posture of gratitude and dependence on God, even as He instituted a meal that would commemorate His impending suffering and death. The act of "giving thanks" (eucharistéō) transforms a simple meal into a sacred act of worship and gratitude for God's redemptive plan.
* **"he brake [it],"**: This physical action of breaking the bread is highly symbolic. It directly foreshadows the breaking of Jesus' body on the cross—His physical suffering, humiliation, and death. The breaking is not accidental but intentional, a deliberate act of self-sacrifice for the sake of humanity.
* **"and said, "Take, eat:"**: These are direct commands from Jesus, inviting His disciples to participate actively in the meal. "Take" implies reception and acceptance of what He is offering, while "eat" signifies internalizing and identifying with the meaning of the broken bread. It is an invitation to partake in His sacrifice.
* **"this is my body, which is broken for you:"**: This is the core interpretative statement. The bread is identified with Jesus' body, not literally transformed but symbolically representing it. The phrase "broken for you" unequivocally declares the substitutionary and vicarious nature of Christ's death: His body was offered as a sacrifice on behalf of and for the benefit of humanity, to atone for sins and reconcile believers to God.
* **"this do in remembrance of me."**: This is Jesus' explicit command for the ongoing observance of the Supper. "Do this" establishes the Supper as a perpetual ordinance, not a one-time event. "In remembrance of me" (eis anámnēsin emou) signifies that the primary purpose of the meal is to recall, re-present, and internalize the profound reality of Jesus' person, His sacrificial work, and His covenant with His people. It is a spiritual act that brings the past redemptive event into the present experience of faith.

#### Literary Devices
1 Corinthians 11:24 is rich in literary devices that amplify its theological weight. **Symbolism** is paramount, as the physical bread profoundly symbolizes Jesus' body, and its breaking symbolizes His physical suffering and sacrificial death. This is an example of **Metaphor**, where "this is my body" asserts an identity between the bread and the body, conveying a deeper spiritual reality rather than a literal transformation. The verse also employs **Imperative Mood** ("Take, eat," "this do"), conveying direct commands from Jesus, establishing the Lord's Supper as an obligatory and perpetual ordinance for His followers. Furthermore, the phrase "broken for you" utilizes **Substitutionary Language**, clearly articulating that Christ's suffering was endured on behalf of others, a cornerstone of Christian soteriology. The entire passage functions as a **Narrative Recounting** of a foundational event, lending it historical authority and theological gravitas as Paul transmits what he "received from the Lord."

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Corinthians 11:24 stands as a theological anchor, grounding the Christian faith in the historical reality and redemptive efficacy of Christ's sacrificial death. It underscores the substitutionary atonement, where Jesus' body was "broken for you," meaning His suffering and death were a vicarious act, endured on humanity's behalf to satisfy divine justice and reconcile sinners to God. This act inaugurates the New Covenant, establishing a new relationship with God based on grace and forgiveness, rather than adherence to the Law. The command to "do this in remembrance of me" transforms a simple meal into a sacred act of worship, ensuring that the church perpetually recalls and re-affirms its identity as those redeemed by Christ's blood, fostering unity among believers who partake in the "one bread" and look forward to His return.

* [Matthew 26:26](/matthew/26-26 "Matthew 26:26 - Institution of the Lord's Supper")
* [Luke 22:19](/luke/22-19 "Luke 22:19 - Do This in Remembrance of Me")
* [Hebrews 10:10](/hebrews/10-10 "Hebrews 10:10 - Christ's Sacrifice Once For All")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Corinthians 11:24 calls believers to a profound and multifaceted engagement with the Lord's Supper. It is not merely a ritualistic observance but a deeply spiritual act demanding introspection, gratitude, and renewed commitment. When we partake, we are invited to consciously remember the immense cost of our salvation—the broken body of Christ—and to allow that remembrance to stir genuine thanksgiving and humility within us. This act should prompt us to examine our own lives, ensuring our hearts are aligned with Christ's selfless love and that we are living in unity with our fellow believers, recognizing that we are all part of the one body for whom Christ died. The Supper serves as a powerful reminder of our shared identity in Christ and our ongoing dependence on His grace, compelling us to live lives worthy of His sacrifice and to eagerly anticipate His glorious return.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does remembering Christ's "broken body" deepen your appreciation for His sacrifice and its personal significance for you?**
* **In what ways does your participation in the Lord's Supper reflect a genuine attitude of thanksgiving and self-examination?**
* **How does the command "this do in remembrance of me" shape your understanding of the ongoing purpose and importance of the Lord's Supper in the life of the church?**

### FAQ

**What does "this is my body, which is broken for you" truly mean?**

Answer: This phrase is central to the meaning of the Lord's Supper. "This is my body" means the bread symbolically represents Jesus' physical body, not that it literally transforms into His flesh. The phrase "which is broken for you" signifies the substitutionary and sacrificial nature of Jesus' death on the cross. His body was physically afflicted, wounded, and ultimately given up as a voluntary sacrifice on behalf of humanity. It means His suffering and death were endured to atone for our sins, to reconcile us to God, and to provide forgiveness and new life. It highlights that His sacrifice was not for Himself but entirely for the benefit of those He came to save, as emphasized in passages like [Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God's Love Demonstrated in Christ's Sacrifice").

**Why is "remembrance" so important in the context of the Lord's Supper?**

Answer: The command "this do in remembrance of me" (Greek: _anámnēsis_) goes beyond mere mental recall. It implies a dynamic act of re-presenting or making present the past event of Christ's sacrifice. When believers partake, they are not simply thinking about Jesus, but actively engaging in a spiritual exercise that brings the reality, power, and benefits of His death into their present experience. This remembrance serves several crucial purposes: it deepens gratitude for salvation, reinforces faith in Christ's finished work, renews commitment to Him, and fosters unity among believers who share in this common memorial. It also serves as a prophetic act, looking forward to Christ's return, as Paul notes in [1 Corinthians 11:26](/1_corinthians/11-26 "1 Corinthians 11:26 - Proclaiming the Lord's Death Until He Comes").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Corinthians 11:24 finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who is both the institutor and the substance of the Lord's Supper. The "broken body" explicitly points to Christ's unique and perfect sacrifice on the cross, the once-for-all atonement that fully satisfies God's righteous demands and provides complete redemption for humanity, as affirmed in [Hebrews 10:10-14](/hebrews/10-10-14 "Hebrews 10:10-14 - Christ's Perfect Sacrifice"). This act of self-giving love, where the Sinless One became sin for us ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Our Righteousness")), is the pinnacle of God's redemptive plan. The command to "do this in remembrance of me" ensures that Christ remains the central focus of the church's worship and identity. It is a perpetual reminder that our salvation is not earned but received through His finished work, and it continually draws our gaze to Him as the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). Furthermore, this remembrance is not merely backward-looking; it is forward-looking, anticipating the day when Christ will return and believers will share in the marriage supper of the Lamb ([Revelation 19:7-9](/revelation/19-7-9 "Revelation 19:7-9 - The Marriage Supper of the Lamb")), completing the fellowship initiated at the Last Supper and fulfilled in His glorious presence.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

John 6:53

Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you.

John 6:58

This is that bread which came down from heaven: not as your fathers did eat manna, and are dead: he that eateth of this bread shall live for ever.

1 Corinthians 11:27

Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink [this] cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord.

1 Corinthians 11:28

But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of [that] bread, and drink of [that] cup.

1 Corinthians 10:3

And did all eat the same spiritual meat;

1 Corinthians 10:4

And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ.

Isaiah 26:8

Yea, in the way of thy judgments, O LORD, have we waited for thee; the desire of [our] soul [is] to thy name, and to the remembrance of thee.