John 18:11

KJV

Then said Jesus unto Peter, Put up thy sword into the sheath: the cup which my Father hath given me, shall I not drink it?

KJV (with Strong's)

Then {G3767} said {G2036} Jesus {G2424} unto Peter {G4074}, Put up {G906} thy {G4675} sword {G3162} into {G1519} the sheath {G2336}: the cup {G4221} which {G3739} my Father {G3962} hath given {G1325} me {G3427}, shall I {G4095} not {G3378} drink {G4095} it {G846}?

Complete Jewish Bible

Yeshua said to Kefa, “Put your sword back in its scabbard! This is the cup the Father has given me; am I not to drink it?”

Berean Standard Bible

“Put your sword back in its sheath!” Jesus said to Peter. “Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given Me?”

American Standard Version

Jesus therefore said unto Peter, Put up the sword into the sheath: the cup which the Father hath given me, shall I not drink it?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
John 18:11 captures a pivotal moment during Jesus' arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane, where He decisively rebukes Peter's impulsive act of violence. This verse profoundly reveals Jesus' unwavering commitment to His Father's predetermined will, His rejection of human-initiated force for His defense, and His resolute acceptance of the suffering ordained for Him as the path to accomplish His redemptive mission. It stands as a powerful testament to His divine submission and sovereign control even in the face of betrayal and imminent passion.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows Peter's rash attempt to defend Jesus by drawing a sword and striking Malchus, the high priest's servant, cutting off his ear, as recorded in [John 18:10](/john/18-10 "John 18:10 - Peter's Impulsive Act"). The scene is set in the Garden of Gethsemane, where Jesus has just been betrayed by Judas and confronted by a detachment of Roman soldiers and Jewish temple guards. Jesus' command to Peter halts the escalation of violence, preventing further bloodshed and demonstrating His authority even as He is being arrested. This moment also finds parallels in the Synoptic Gospels, particularly in [Matthew 26:52-54](/matthew/26-52-54 "Matthew 26:52-54 - Jesus Rebukes Peter") and [Luke 22:49-51](/luke/22-49-51 "Luke 22:49-51 - Jesus Heals Malchus's Ear"), where Luke uniquely records Jesus healing Malchus's ear, further emphasizing His compassion and power amidst His arrest.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The arrest of Jesus by a contingent of Roman soldiers and temple guards highlights the political and religious tensions of the time. The Jewish authorities, fearing an uprising and seeking to maintain order under Roman rule, viewed Jesus as a threat. Peter's action reflects a Zealot-like impulse, a common sentiment among some Jews who hoped for a Messiah who would lead a military overthrow of Roman oppression. However, Jesus' response firmly rejects this worldly approach to establishing His kingdom. The "cup" metaphor, deeply rooted in Old Testament prophetic imagery, would have been understood by Jewish audiences as symbolizing God's appointed destiny, often involving suffering or judgment, as seen in passages like [Isaiah 51:17](/isaiah/51-17 "Isaiah 51:17 - The Cup of God's Wrath") or [Jeremiah 25:15](/jeremiah/25-15 "Jeremiah 25:15 - The Cup of Wrath for the Nations").
* **Key Themes:** John 18:11 is rich with profound theological themes. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Submission**. Jesus' rhetorical question, "shall I not drink it?", reveals His complete and willing submission to the Father's predetermined plan, which included His suffering, crucifixion, and death. This echoes His prayer in Gethsemane where He wrestled with this very "cup" but ultimately yielded to God's will ([Luke 22:42](/luke/22-42 "Luke 22:42 - Jesus Prays in Gethsemane")). Secondly, the verse highlights the **Rejection of Violence** as a means to advance God's kingdom. Jesus' command to "Put up thy sword" demonstrates that His mission was not to be achieved through worldly power, armed resistance, or human defense, but through self-sacrifice and spiritual means. This aligns with His declaration that His kingdom is "not of this world" ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - Jesus' Kingdom is Not of This World")). Finally, the **"Cup" Metaphor** itself is a central theme, representing the totality of the suffering, betrayal, judgment, and ultimate sacrifice that Jesus was appointed to endure for the redemption of humanity, a path uniquely ordained by His Father.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **sword (Greek, _máchaira'_):** From G3162, meaning a knife, dirk; figuratively, war or judicial punishment. In this context, it refers to the short sword Peter carried, symbolizing human attempts at resistance and the use of physical force. Jesus' command to put it away signifies His rejection of such means for His defense and the advancement of His kingdom.
* **sheath (Greek, _thḗkē'_):** From G2336, meaning a receptacle or scabbard. The command to return the sword to its sheath is a definitive act of disarming, emphasizing the cessation of violence and the abandonment of earthly means of defense in favor of divine will.
* **cup (Greek, _potḗrion'_):** From G4221, meaning a drinking-vessel; by extension, its contents, a draught; figuratively, a lot or fate. Here, "the cup" is a profound metaphor for the specific destiny appointed to Jesus by His Father, which entailed immense suffering, humiliation, and death as the atoning sacrifice for humanity's sins.
* **drink (Greek, _pínō'_):** From G4095, meaning to imbibe, literally or figuratively. Jesus' rhetorical question, "shall I not drink it?", signifies His full and conscious acceptance of the suffering and death represented by the "cup," demonstrating His obedience and resolve to fulfill His Father's will.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then said Jesus unto Peter":** This opening phrase establishes Jesus' immediate and authoritative response to Peter's impulsive act. It underscores Jesus' control over the situation, even as He is being arrested, and His direct address to Peter highlights the personal nature of the rebuke and instruction.
* **"Put up thy sword into the sheath":** This is a direct command from Jesus, firmly rejecting Peter's violent intervention. It signifies Jesus' refusal to be defended by human force and His commitment to a non-violent path for the establishment of His kingdom. This command also prevents further bloodshed and potential escalation of conflict.
* **"the cup which my Father hath given me, shall I not drink it?":** This rhetorical question is the theological core of the verse. "The cup" metaphorically represents the entirety of the suffering, abandonment, and death that Jesus was appointed to endure as part of God's redemptive plan. The phrase "which my Father hath given me" emphasizes the divine origin and necessity of this suffering. The rhetorical question itself conveys Jesus' unwavering resolve and willing acceptance of this divine will, indicating that there is no alternative path for Him other than to fully embrace His destiny.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Metaphor** is prominently featured with "the cup," which symbolizes the suffering and death Jesus was destined to endure. This metaphor is deeply rooted in Old Testament imagery, where a cup often represents God's wrath or an appointed destiny. The use of a **Rhetorical Question** ("shall I not drink it?") is powerful, as it is not seeking an answer but rather affirming Jesus' resolute determination and willing submission to the Father's will. It underscores the divine necessity of His suffering. Furthermore, there is **Symbolism** in the "sword," representing human resistance, worldly power, and the temptation to achieve spiritual ends through physical means, which Jesus explicitly rejects. The contrast between Peter's impulsive action and Jesus' calm, resolute acceptance highlights the divergent paths of human will versus divine will.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 18:11 is a profound theological statement on the nature of God's redemptive plan and Jesus' role within it. It underscores the absolute sovereignty of God, whose will is perfectly embraced by the Son, even when that will involves immense suffering. Jesus' willingness to "drink the cup" reveals the depth of His obedience and His singular focus on accomplishing the Father's mission, which was to secure salvation through His atoning sacrifice. This moment also clarifies that the kingdom of God is not advanced by earthly power or violence, but through divine love, self-sacrifice, and spiritual truth. It sets the stage for understanding the cross not as a defeat, but as the ultimate act of obedience and the means by which God's justice and love are perfectly reconciled.

* [Matthew 20:22](/matthew/20-22 "Matthew 20:22 - Can You Drink My Cup?")
* [Luke 22:42](/luke/22-42 "Luke 22:42 - Jesus' Prayer in Gethsemane")
* [Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
John 18:11 offers profound lessons for believers navigating the complexities of faith and life. Jesus' resolute acceptance of the "cup" calls us to cultivate a deep trust in God's sovereign plan, even when that plan involves hardship, suffering, or paths we would not naturally choose. It challenges us to surrender our own desires for control or immediate gratification, embracing instead a spirit of obedience and submission to divine wisdom. Peter's impulsive act serves as a cautionary tale against acting out of human emotion or misguided zeal, reminding us that true spiritual victory is not achieved through worldly means but through alignment with God's revealed will. Understanding Jesus' willingness to suffer for a greater purpose helps us reframe our own trials, seeing them not as arbitrary misfortunes but potentially as instruments in God's redemptive work, refining our character and drawing us closer to Him. This verse ultimately invites us to reflect on the nature of Christ's kingdom, which is not built on power or coercion, but on love, sacrifice, and the transformative power of the cross.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life am I tempted to "draw a sword" (i.e., resort to my own strength or worldly solutions) rather than trusting God's sovereign plan?**
* **How does Jesus' willingness to "drink the cup" inform my perspective on suffering and hardship in my own life?**
* **What does Jesus' rejection of violence in this moment teach me about the nature of His kingdom and how I should represent it in the world?**
* **How can I cultivate a deeper sense of submission and obedience to God's will, even when it is difficult or counter-intuitive?**

### FAQ
**Why did Jesus rebuke Peter for trying to defend Him?**

Answer: Jesus rebuked Peter not because self-defense is inherently wrong, but because Peter's action fundamentally misunderstood and opposed the divine plan for Jesus. Jesus' mission was not to be achieved through worldly power or armed resistance, but through His willing sacrifice. His kingdom is "not of this world" ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - Jesus' Kingdom is Not of This World")), and His path to victory was through the cross, not through human might. Peter's attempt to defend Him with a sword was an attempt to thwart God's will and prevent the very act of atonement Jesus came to accomplish.

**What does "the cup which my Father hath given me" symbolize?**

Answer: "The cup" is a powerful biblical metaphor representing the specific destiny or portion allotted by God. In Jesus' context, it symbolizes the totality of the suffering, humiliation, abandonment, and death that He was appointed to endure as the atoning sacrifice for the sins of humanity. It encompasses the full weight of divine wrath against sin that Jesus, as the sinless Lamb of God, would bear on the cross. This concept is echoed in His prayer in Gethsemane, where He wrestled with this very "cup" ([Luke 22:42](/luke/22-42 "Luke 22:42 - Jesus' Prayer in Gethsemane")).

**Does this verse condemn all use of force or self-defense for believers?**

Answer: This verse primarily speaks to Jesus' unique mission and the nature of His kingdom, which is not advanced or defended by worldly violence. It does not provide a universal condemnation of all self-defense or the legitimate use of force by governing authorities. Rather, it highlights that for Jesus, at this pivotal moment, embracing suffering was the Father's specific will for the redemption of humanity. Believers are called to follow Christ's example of submission to God's will, understanding that the kingdom of God operates on spiritual principles of love, sacrifice, and truth, rather than physical coercion.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
John 18:11 stands as a profound declaration of Christ's unwavering commitment to His redemptive mission, fulfilling the very purpose for which He came into the world. By willingly embracing the "cup" of suffering given by His Father, Jesus perfectly embodies the obedient Servant foretold in [Isaiah 53](/isaiah/53 "Isaiah 53 - The Suffering Servant"), who would willingly bear the iniquities of us all. His rejection of Peter's sword underscores that His victory would not be achieved through earthly power or violence, but through His ultimate self-sacrifice as the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). This moment in Gethsemane, where He resolutely chooses to drink the cup, directly anticipates His atoning death on the cross, where He fully exhausted the divine wrath against sin, making reconciliation possible for humanity. His suffering was not an accident or a defeat, but the preordained means by which He secured eternal life for all who believe, demonstrating the depth of God's love for us while we were still sinners ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God's Love for Sinners")). Thus, John 18:11 is not merely a historical account of an arrest, but a powerful testament to Christ's sovereign choice to fulfill His Father's will, paving the way for our salvation and demonstrating the true nature of the kingdom of God. He endured the cross, despising its shame, for the joy that was set before Him ([Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Jesus, the Pioneer and Perfecter of Faith")), ultimately triumphing over sin and death through His resurrection.

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

Matthew 20:22

But Jesus answered and said, Ye know not what ye ask. Are ye able to drink of the cup that I shall drink of, and to be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with? They say unto him, We are able.

Matthew 26:39

And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou [wilt].

John 20:17

Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and [to] my God, and your God.

John 15:10

If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love.

John 12:27

¶ Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour: but for this cause came I unto this hour.

John 12:28

Father, glorify thy name. Then came there a voice from heaven, [saying], I have both glorified [it], and will glorify [it] again.

Mark 14:35

And he went forward a little, and fell on the ground, and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him.