1 Corinthians 11:25

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.”

Berean Standard Bible

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.”

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 1 Corinthians 11:25, the Apostle Paul continues his instruction to the Corinthian church on the proper observance of the Lord's Supper, recounting Jesus' words concerning the cup. This pivotal verse establishes the institution of the new covenant, sealed by Christ's own sacrificial blood, and issues a perpetual command for believers to partake in the Supper as a profound act of remembrance of His atoning work until His return.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of Paul's extensive teaching in [1 Corinthians 11:17-34](/1_corinthians/11-17-34 "1 Corinthians 11:17-34 - Instructions on the Lord's Supper") concerning the proper conduct during the communal gathering of the Corinthian church, specifically their celebration of the Lord's Supper. Paul had received troubling reports of divisions, gluttony, and drunkenness among them, which utterly desecrated the sacred meal and undermined its profound spiritual significance. To rectify these abuses and restore reverence, Paul appeals directly to the tradition he "received from the Lord" (1 Corinthians 11:23), detailing the institution of the Supper by Jesus Himself. Verse 25, following the instruction regarding the bread, focuses on the cup, completing the two elements of the sacrament and emphasizing the covenantal nature of Christ's sacrifice.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Corinthian church, situated in a bustling Greco-Roman city, faced unique challenges. Their communal meals (agape feasts), which preceded the Lord's Supper, were influenced by prevailing social hierarchies. Wealthier members would often eat their fill, while poorer members, arriving later from work, would go hungry, leading to the very divisions and abuses Paul condemns (cf. [1 Corinthians 11:20-22](/1_corinthians/11-20-22 "1 Corinthians 11:20-22 - Abuses in the Corinthian Church")). Against this backdrop, Paul reasserts the counter-cultural, unifying nature of the Lord's Supper. Furthermore, the Last Supper itself, from which Paul draws his account, occurred within the framework of a Jewish Passover meal. This deeply significant historical context draws powerful parallels between the Old Covenant deliverance of Israel from Egyptian bondage through the blood of the lamb ([Exodus 12](/exodus/12 "Exodus 12 - The Passover Institution")) and humanity's ultimate redemption from sin through the blood of Christ, the true Passover Lamb.
* **Key Themes:** The verse profoundly contributes to several major theological themes within 1 Corinthians and the broader New Testament. Foremost is the **New Covenant in Christ's Blood**, signifying a radical shift from the Old Covenant. Unlike the Mosaic Covenant, which relied on animal sacrifices and legalistic observance, this new covenant is inaugurated and sealed by the singular, perfect, and sufficient sacrifice of Jesus Christ, offering complete forgiveness of sins and direct access to God (cf. [Jeremiah 31:31-34](/jeremiah/31-31-34 "Jeremiah 31:31-34 - Prophecy of the New Covenant")). This leads to the theme of **Sacrifice and Atonement**, as the phrase "in my blood" unmistakably points to Jesus' life poured out on the cross as the ultimate propitiatory and expiatory sacrifice, fulfilling God's righteous demands and providing redemption for all who believe. Finally, the command "this do ye, as oft as ye drink [it], in remembrance of me" establishes the Lord's Supper as a perpetual **Remembrance and Proclamation**. It is not merely a nostalgic recollection but an active, communal re-presentation of the profound significance of Christ's death, His resurrection, and His promised return. As Paul explicitly states in the subsequent verse, it is a proclamation of His death [until He comes](/1_corinthians/11-26 "1 Corinthians 11:26 - Proclaiming Christ's Death Until He Comes").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **testament (Greek, _diathḗkē'_):** This word (G1242) signifies a disposition, a contract, or specifically, a devisory will. In biblical usage, it is most often translated as "covenant," denoting a solemn, binding agreement initiated by God, establishing a relationship with humanity on His terms. Here, "new testament" (or new covenant) contrasts sharply with the Old Covenant, highlighting God's gracious initiative to establish a new and superior relationship through Christ's self-sacrifice.
* **blood (Greek, _haîma'_):** The term (G129) refers literally to blood, but here carries profound theological weight. It signifies the atoning blood of Christ, representing His life poured out as a sacrificial offering. In ancient thought, blood was synonymous with life, and its shedding symbolized the giving of life unto death, particularly in the context of sacrifice for the remission of sins.
* **remembrance (Greek, _anámnēsis'_):** This word (G364) means recollection. However, in the context of the Lord's Supper, it implies more than a simple mental recall of a past event. It carries a liturgical and theological sense of "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. It's a dynamic act that brings the past saving event into the present experience of the worshipper.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying,"**: This phrase connects the institution of the cup to the institution of the bread (described in the preceding verse, 1 Corinthians 11:23-24), indicating that both elements are integral to the Supper. The timing "when he had supped" places the cup's institution after the Passover meal itself, signifying its distinct, post-meal significance. Jesus' "saying" introduces the interpretive words that define the meaning of the cup.
* **"This cup is the new testament in my blood:"**: This is the theological core of the verse. The cup, containing wine, is declared to "be" (G2076, _estí_) the new covenant, not literally transubstantiated into the covenant itself, but representing and embodying it. The covenant is explicitly "in my blood," meaning it is established, ratified, and made effective by the shedding of Jesus' blood on the cross. This blood signifies His sacrificial death, which inaugurates a new relationship between God and humanity, offering forgiveness and reconciliation unlike any previous covenant.
* **"this do ye, as oft as ye drink [it], in remembrance of me."**: This is the command for the ongoing observance of the Supper. The phrase "this do ye" (G4160, _poiéō_) is an imperative, establishing a perpetual ordinance for believers. "As oft as ye drink [it]" indicates that the Supper is to be a recurring practice, not a one-time event. The ultimate purpose of this observance is "in remembrance of me" (G1519, _eis_ G364, _anámnēsis_ G1699, _emós_), which, as discussed in the Key Word Analysis, is a dynamic act of recalling and making present the saving reality of Christ's sacrifice.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices that enrich its meaning. **Metaphor** is central, particularly in the declaration, "This cup is the new testament in my blood." The cup itself is not literally the covenant, but it stands as a powerful symbol and representation of the new covenant established through Christ's sacrifice. This statement also uses **Symbolism**, where the physical elements of the cup (containing wine) symbolize the new covenant and the blood of Christ. The wine, traditionally associated with joy and celebration, here takes on the profound meaning of the life-giving, atoning blood of the Savior. Furthermore, the concept of "remembrance" (_anámnēsis_) functions as a form of **Sacramental Language**, implying that the act of remembering is not merely intellectual recall but a participation in the efficacy and reality of the event being remembered. This dynamic understanding of remembrance elevates the Supper beyond a mere memorial to a living encounter with the saving work of Christ.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Corinthians 11:25 stands as a foundational text for understanding the nature of the New Covenant and the significance of Christ's sacrifice. It unequivocally declares that the old sacrificial system, which relied on the repeated shedding of animal blood, has been superseded by the singular, perfect, and all-sufficient sacrifice of Jesus Christ. His blood, poured out on the cross, inaugurates a new and better covenant, one that offers complete forgiveness of sins, direct access to God, and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. This covenant is not based on human merit or adherence to a rigid law but on God's grace and Christ's atoning work, establishing a relationship of grace and faith. The Lord's Supper, therefore, serves as a tangible sign and seal of this new covenant, continually reminding believers of the immense cost of their redemption and the profound depth of God's love.

* [Luke 22:20](/luke/22-20 "Luke 22:20 - The Cup of the New Covenant")
* [Matthew 26:28](/matthew/26-28 "Matthew 26:28 - Blood of the New Covenant for Forgiveness")
* [Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11-14 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Corinthians 11:25 calls every believer to a profound and reverent engagement with the Lord's Supper. It is not a casual meal or a mere tradition, but a sacred encounter with the very heart of the gospel. When we partake of the cup, we are called to remember with deep gratitude that our salvation is not earned but freely given through the costly sacrifice of Christ's blood, which sealed the new covenant of grace. This remembrance should stir within us a renewed appreciation for the forgiveness of sins, the reconciliation with God, and the promise of eternal life that are ours in Christ. It also prompts us to examine our hearts, ensuring that we approach this holy meal with humility, unity with fellow believers, and a genuine desire to honor the Lord who gave Himself for us (cf. [1 Corinthians 11:28](/1_corinthians/11-28 "1 Corinthians 11:28 - Self-Examination Before Communion")). The Supper is a call to live out the implications of this new covenant daily, walking in purity, love, and obedience, as those who have been bought with a price.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does my participation in the Lord's Supper reflect my understanding and appreciation of the new covenant established in Christ's blood?**
* **In what specific ways does "remembering" Christ's sacrifice through the Supper impact my daily walk, my relationships, and my commitment to His purposes?**
* **Considering Paul's instructions to the Corinthians, how can I better prepare my heart to partake in the Lord's Supper with the reverence, unity, and gratitude it deserves?**

### FAQ

**What is the "new testament" mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: The "new testament" (Greek: _diathḗkē_) refers to the new covenant that God established with humanity through the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ. This new covenant supersedes the Old Covenant (or Mosaic Law) given to Israel, which was characterized by animal sacrifices and a system of laws. Unlike the Old Covenant, which highlighted humanity's inability to perfectly obey God, the new covenant is based on God's grace and provides for the forgiveness of sins, direct access to God, and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, all made possible by Christ's shed blood. This was prophesied in the Old Testament (e.g., [Jeremiah 31:31-34](/jeremiah/31-31-34 "Jeremiah 31:31-34 - Prophecy of the New Covenant")) and fully realized in Christ (e.g., [Hebrews 8:6-13](/hebrews/8-6-13 "Hebrews 8:6-13 - Christ, Mediator of a Better Covenant")).

**What does "in remembrance of me" truly mean in the context of the Lord's Supper?**

Answer: The Greek word for "remembrance" (_anámnēsis_) is richer than mere mental recall. In a liturgical and theological sense, it implies a "making present" or a re-presentation of the reality of what is remembered. When believers partake "in remembrance of me," they are not simply thinking about a past event; they are actively participating in the ongoing efficacy and power of Christ's sacrifice. It is a dynamic act where the saving work of Christ on the cross is brought into the present experience of the worshipper, allowing them to appropriate its benefits and proclaim its truth. As Paul clarifies in the very next verse, this remembrance is also a proclamation of Christ's death [until He comes](/1_corinthians/11-26 "1 Corinthians 11:26 - Proclaiming Christ's Death Until He Comes").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Corinthians 11:25 finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who is the mediator and substance of the new covenant. He is the prophesied "better covenant" (cf. [Hebrews 8:6](/hebrews/8-6 "Hebrews 8:6 - Christ, Mediator of a Better Covenant")) promised by God, replacing the temporary and insufficient sacrifices of the Old Testament. Jesus, as the true [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), offered His own perfect and sinless blood as the once-for-all atonement for humanity's sin, rendering all previous animal sacrifices obsolete (cf. [Hebrews 9:12](/hebrews/9-12 "Hebrews 9:12 - Christ's Once-for-All Sacrifice")). The cup, representing His blood, signifies the ratification of this new covenant, by which believers receive forgiveness, righteousness, and eternal life, not by works of the law, but by grace through faith in Him. Thus, the Lord's Supper, commanded by Christ Himself, serves as a perpetual reminder of His completed redemptive work, His ongoing presence with His people, and the promised [marriage supper of the Lamb](/revelation/19-9 "Revelation 19:9 - The Marriage Supper of the Lamb") when He returns to fully consummate His kingdom.

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

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.