1 Corinthians 11:25

After 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.

After the same manner {G5615} also {G2532} he took the cup {G4221}, when {G3326} he had supped {G1172}, saying {G3004}, This {G5124} cup {G4221} is {G2076} the new {G2537} testament {G1242} in {G1722} my {G1699} blood {G129}: this {G5124} do ye {G4160}, as oft as {G3740}{G302} ye drink {G4095} it, in {G1519} remembrance {G364} of me {G1699}.

likewise also the cup after the meal, saying, “This cup is the New Covenant effected by my blood; do this, as often as you drink it, as a memorial to me.”

In the same way, after supper He took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood; do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.”

In like manner also the cup, after supper, saying, This cup is the new covenant in my blood: this do, as often as ye drink it, in remembrance of me.

In 1 Corinthians 11:25, the Apostle Paul continues his instruction on the proper observance of the Lord's Supper, specifically detailing Jesus' words concerning the cup. This verse highlights the establishment of the new covenant through Christ's sacrificial blood and the ongoing command for believers to remember His atoning work.

Context

This verse is part of Paul's comprehensive teaching to the Corinthian church regarding their conduct during communal gatherings, particularly their celebration of the Lord's Supper. Reports had reached Paul about disorder, divisions, and even gluttony and drunkenness among them, which dishonored the sacred meal. To correct these abuses, Paul recounts the institution of the Supper directly from the Lord, emphasizing its true meaning and purpose. The Last Supper itself took place within the context of a Passover meal, drawing parallels between the deliverance of Israel from Egypt and humanity's redemption through Christ.

Key Themes

  • The New Covenant in Christ's Blood: The central message of this verse is the inauguration of the new covenant (or "new testament") sealed by Jesus' blood. Unlike the Old Covenant, which involved animal sacrifices and was mediated by Moses, this new covenant is established by Christ's singular, perfect sacrifice, offering forgiveness of sins and direct access to God.
  • Sacrifice and Atonement: The phrase "in my blood" underscores the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. His blood represents His life poured out as an atoning sacrifice, fulfilling the requirements of God's justice and providing redemption for all who believe. This is the foundation of Christian faith.
  • Remembrance and Proclamation: The command "this do ye, as oft as ye drink [it], in remembrance of me" establishes the Lord's Supper as a perpetual memorial. It's not merely a historical recollection but an active, communal act of remembering the profound significance of Christ's death, His resurrection, and His promise to return. As Paul states in the following verse, it is a proclamation of His death until He comes again.

Linguistic Insights

  • The Greek word for "testament" in "new testament" is diathēkē (διαθήκη), which can also be translated as "covenant." It signifies a solemn, binding agreement or disposition, often initiated by one party. In this context, it highlights God's gracious initiative to establish a new relationship with humanity through Christ's self-sacrifice.
  • The term "remembrance" comes from the Greek word anamnēsis (ἀνάμνησις). This is more profound than simply recalling a past event. It implies a "making present" or a re-presentation of the reality of what is remembered, allowing believers to participate in the ongoing power and significance of Christ's sacrifice.

Practical Application

For believers today, 1 Corinthians 11:25 calls for a reverent and reflective approach to the Lord's Supper. It reminds us:

  • To continually appreciate the profound nature of the new covenant, which offers forgiveness and reconciliation through Christ's blood.
  • To participate in Communion with deep gratitude for Jesus' unparalleled sacrifice for our sins.
  • That the Supper is a powerful act of remembering Christ's death and looking forward to His glorious return. As Paul urges elsewhere, we should examine ourselves before partaking, ensuring our hearts are aligned with the sanctity of the occasion.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Luke 22:20

    Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup [is] the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you.

  • Hebrews 9:15

    ¶ And 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.

  • Hebrews 9:20

    Saying, This [is] the blood of the testament which God hath enjoined unto you.

  • Hebrews 13:20

    Now 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,

  • 1 Corinthians 10:16

    The 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?

  • 2 Corinthians 3:6

    ¶ Who 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.

  • 2 Corinthians 3:14

    But their minds were blinded: for until this day remaineth the same vail untaken away in the reading of the old testament; which [vail] is done away in Christ.

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