Luke 22:17

KJV

And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and said, Take this, and divide [it] among yourselves:

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} he took {G1209} the cup {G4221}, and gave thanks {G2168}, and said {G2036}, Take {G2983} this {G5124}, and {G2532} divide {G1266} it among yourselves {G1438}:

Complete Jewish Bible

Then, taking a cup of wine, he made the b’rakhah and said, “Take this and share it among yourselves.

Berean Standard Bible

After taking the cup, He gave thanks and said, “Take this and divide it among yourselves.

American Standard Version

And he received a cup, and when he had given thanks, he said, Take this, and divide it among yourselves:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 22:17 captures a profound moment during the Last Supper, where Jesus takes the first of the Passover cups, offers thanks, and instructs His disciples to share it among themselves. This act, preceding the institution of the New Covenant through His body and blood, emphasizes the communal nature of the Passover meal and sets a precedent for gratitude and shared participation, foreshadowing the fellowship of the early church and the ongoing practice of Christian communion.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at the very beginning of Luke's account of the Last Supper, immediately following Jesus' declaration of His fervent desire to eat this Passover with His disciples before His suffering ([Luke 22:15](/luke/22-15 "Luke 22:15 - Jesus' Desire for the Passover")). It introduces the first of two cups mentioned in Luke's Gospel, distinct from the "cup of the new covenant" described later in [Luke 22:20](/luke/22-20 "Luke 22:20 - The Cup of the New Covenant"). Unlike Matthew and Mark, Luke presents the cup before the bread in this initial instance, suggesting it is one of the traditional Passover Seder cups, emphasizing the communal sharing of the ancient festival before Jesus reinterprets its elements with new, covenantal significance. This initial distribution highlights the continuity with the Old Covenant Passover while preparing the disciples for the radical redefinition that is to follow.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Last Supper was a Passover Seder, an annual Jewish feast commemorating God's deliverance of Israel from slavery in Egypt ([Exodus 12](/exodus/12 "Exodus 12 - The First Passover")). The Seder meal traditionally involved four cups of wine, each with specific blessings and symbolic meaning. The first cup, often called the "Cup of Sanctification" or "Cup of Blessing," marked the beginning of the meal. Jesus' actions in [Luke 22:17](/luke/22-17 "Luke 22:17 - The First Cup of the Last Supper") align with this Jewish custom, demonstrating His participation in and fulfillment of the ancient traditions. The act of giving thanks (eucharistia) was also a standard practice in Jewish meals, where blessings (berakot) were offered to God for His provision. This setting underscores Jesus' identity as a faithful Jew observing the traditions, even as He imbues them with new, revolutionary meaning.
* **Key Themes:** Luke 22:17 contributes to several overarching themes within Luke's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Transition and Fulfillment**, as Jesus, the ultimate Passover Lamb, prepares to fulfill the Old Covenant's sacrificial system through His own impending death ([Luke 22:19-20](/luke/22-19-20 "Luke 22:19-20 - Institution of the Lord's Supper")). Secondly, the instruction to "divide it among yourselves" underscores the theme of **Communal Fellowship and Unity**, a hallmark of the early Christian community depicted in the Book of Acts, where believers shared all things in common ([Acts 2:42-47](/acts/2-42-47 "Acts 2:42-47 - Life in the Early Church")). Thirdly, Jesus' act of "giving thanks" introduces the theme of **Gratitude and Worship (Eucharist)**, establishing a pattern of thankfulness that would become central to Christian worship, even in the face of suffering and sacrifice. Finally, the verse subtly points to the theme of **Anticipation of the Kingdom**, as Jesus declares in the subsequent verse that He "will not drink of the fruit of the vine, until the kingdom of God shall come" ([Luke 22:18](/luke/22-18 "Luke 22:18 - Anticipation of the Kingdom")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **took (Greek, _déchomai'_):** This verb, often translated as "receive" or "accept," implies a welcoming or taking into possession. In this context, Jesus "took" the cup, signifying His intentional and authoritative action in initiating this sacred meal. Unlike `lambánō`, which can imply a more forceful or active taking, `déchomai` suggests a reception or acceptance, perhaps hinting at Jesus' willing embrace of the Passover tradition and the divine plan unfolding through it.
* **gave thanks (Greek, _eucharistéō'_):** Derived from `eucharistos` (grateful, thankful), this word specifically means "to be grateful" or "to express gratitude." It is the root of the English word "Eucharist." Jesus' act of giving thanks, even on the eve of His betrayal and crucifixion, demonstrates profound trust, submission, and gratitude to God. It transforms a simple meal into an act of worship and sets a precedent for the thankful disposition of believers in their remembrance of Him.
* **divide (Greek, _diamerízō'_):** This verb means "to partition thoroughly," implying a distribution or sharing among a group. Jesus' command to "divide it among yourselves" emphasizes the communal and participatory nature of the act. It is not for individual consumption in isolation but for shared experience, fostering unity and mutual participation among the disciples. This highlights the corporate identity of those who follow Christ.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he took the cup,"**: This opening phrase establishes Jesus as the initiator and central figure of the event. The "cup" refers to one of the traditional cups of wine used in the Passover Seder, likely the first, the "Cup of Sanctification." Jesus' action of taking it signifies His authority and intentionality in leading this sacred meal.
* **"and gave thanks,"**: This crucial phrase highlights Jesus' posture of gratitude and worship. "Giving thanks" (eucharistēsas) transforms the ordinary act of drinking wine into a sacred moment of acknowledging God's provision and sovereignty. It underscores the spiritual dimension of the meal, setting an example for believers to approach all things with a thankful heart, even in the shadow of impending suffering.
* **"and said, 'Take this, and divide [it] among yourselves:'"**: Jesus' direct command emphasizes the communal aspect of the meal. The instruction to "take this" refers to the cup, and "divide it among yourselves" explicitly calls for shared participation. This is not a private act but a corporate one, fostering unity and fellowship among the disciples. It anticipates the shared life and communal worship of the early church and the ongoing practice of Christian communion, where believers partake together as one body.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 22:17 employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. **Symbolism** is evident in "the cup" itself, which, in the context of the Passover, symbolizes God's deliverance and covenant with Israel. Jesus' action of taking and distributing it begins to reinterpret this symbol, foreshadowing its new significance in the New Covenant. The phrase "gave thanks" is an example of **Eucharistia**, not just as a word, but as a thematic and spiritual act that permeates the narrative, establishing a tone of gratitude amidst solemnity. The instruction "divide it among yourselves" utilizes **Imperative Mood**, directly commanding the disciples to participate communally, emphasizing the corporate nature of the nascent Christian community. Finally, the entire scene functions as **Foreshadowing**, subtly hinting at the deeper meaning of the Lord's Supper and the New Covenant, which will be explicitly revealed in the subsequent verses.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 22:17 serves as a foundational moment, linking the ancient Passover tradition to the nascent practices of the Christian faith. Jesus' act of taking the cup and giving thanks before distributing it highlights the continuity of God's redemptive plan, moving from the Old Covenant's liberation from Egypt to the New Covenant's liberation from sin through Christ. The emphasis on communal sharing underscores the corporate nature of salvation and the importance of fellowship among believers, reflecting the unity of the body of Christ. This initial act of thanksgiving sets the tone for Christian worship, where gratitude for God's grace and provision, especially through Christ's sacrifice, remains central. It reminds us that even in the face of immense suffering, a posture of thankfulness can prevail, rooted in trust in God's sovereign plan.

* [Matthew 26:26-29](/matthew/26-26-29 "Matthew 26:26-29 - Institution of the Lord's Supper in Matthew")
* [Mark 14:22-25](/mark/14-22-25 "Mark 14:22-25 - Institution of the Lord's Supper in Mark")
* [1 Corinthians 10:16-17](/1_corinthians/10-16-17 "1 Corinthians 10:16-17 - The Cup of Blessing and Fellowship")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 22:17 invites believers to reflect deeply on the communal and thankful nature of their faith. Jesus, on the brink of His ultimate sacrifice, models a profound spirit of gratitude, teaching us that even in trials, thanksgiving is a powerful act of trust and worship. His instruction to "divide it among yourselves" calls us to embrace the corporate dimension of our spiritual journey. Faith is not a solitary pursuit but a shared experience, meant to be lived out in community, fostering unity, mutual support, and shared worship. This verse challenges us to consider how we participate in communal acts of faith, whether in breaking bread, sharing resources, or offering encouragement. It reminds us that our individual faith finds its fullest expression and deepest meaning when lived out in fellowship with others, reflecting the very heart of God who exists in communal relationship.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jesus' act of "giving thanks" in this verse challenge or affirm your own practice of gratitude, especially during difficult times?**
* **In what ways do you actively "divide" or share your spiritual blessings, resources, or burdens with others in your faith community?**
* **How does understanding the communal aspect of this verse deepen your appreciation for Christian fellowship and the Lord's Supper?**

### FAQ

**Why does Luke's account present the cup before the bread in Luke 22:17, unlike Matthew and Mark?**

Answer: Luke's unique sequencing in [Luke 22:17-18](/luke/22-17-18 "Luke 22:17-18 - The First Cup and Jesus' Vow") places an initial cup before the bread, which is then followed by a second, distinct cup in [Luke 22:20](/luke/22-20 "Luke 22:20 - The Cup of the New Covenant"). This is generally understood to reflect the traditional Jewish Passover Seder, which involved multiple cups of wine throughout the meal. The cup in [Luke 22:17](/luke/22-17 "Luke 22:17 - The First Cup of the Last Supper") is likely the first cup of the Seder, the "Cup of Sanctification," emphasizing the communal nature of the ancient festival. Luke then highlights Jesus' reinterpretation of the *second* cup (or a later cup) as the "new covenant in my blood," making a clear distinction between the traditional Passover elements and their new, Christ-centered significance. This emphasis allows Luke to show both the continuity with Jewish tradition and the radical newness of the covenant established by Jesus.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 22:17, while seemingly a simple act of sharing a cup, profoundly points to Christ's ultimate fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. Jesus, the true Passover Lamb, takes the traditional cup of deliverance and, through His act of thanksgiving, sanctifies it, preparing His disciples for the deeper meaning of His impending sacrifice. This initial communal sharing foreshadows the new community, the church, that would be formed by His blood. Just as He instructed them to "divide it among yourselves," so too would His body be broken and His blood shed, not for individual isolation, but for the corporate redemption of all who believe. The "cup" here, though not yet explicitly the cup of the New Covenant, anticipates the ultimate "cup of suffering" that Jesus would drink in Gethsemane ([Luke 22:42](/luke/22-42 "Luke 22:42 - Jesus' Prayer in Gethsemane")), and the "cup of blessing" that believers now share in remembrance of His atoning work ([1 Corinthians 10:16](/1_corinthians/10-16 "1 Corinthians 10:16 - The Cup of Blessing")). Thus, this verse is a crucial bridge, connecting the shadows of the Old Covenant to the substance of Christ, who perfectly embodies and fulfills the communal, thankful, and redemptive purposes of God, inviting all into His new covenant fellowship ([Hebrews 9:15](/hebrews/9-15 "Hebrews 9:15 - Christ, Mediator of the New Covenant")).

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

Psalms 116:13

I will take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the LORD.

Luke 22:19

And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake [it], and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me.

Luke 9:16

Then he took the five loaves and the two fishes, and looking up to heaven, he blessed them, and brake, and gave to the disciples to set before the multitude.

Deuteronomy 8:10

¶ When thou hast eaten and art full, then thou shalt bless the LORD thy God for the good land which he hath given thee.

Romans 14:6

He that regardeth the day, regardeth [it] unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard [it]. He that eateth, eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks.

Jeremiah 16:7

Neither shall [men] tear [themselves] for them in mourning, to comfort them for the dead; neither shall [men] give them the cup of consolation to drink for their father or for their mother.

1 Timothy 4:4

For every creature of God [is] good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving: