Luke 22:17

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

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}:

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

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

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

Luke 22:17 is a pivotal verse in the New Testament, capturing a moment during the Last Supper where Jesus initiates a new practice for His disciples. This verse sets the stage for the institution of the Lord's Supper, a central act of Christian worship and remembrance.

Context of Luke 22:17

This verse is part of Jesus' final Passover meal with His disciples in the upper room, just hours before His betrayal and crucifixion. This gathering, known as the Last Supper, is the setting for Jesus' profound teachings and the establishment of the New Covenant. In Luke's Gospel, Jesus takes the cup first, before the bread, a unique sequencing compared to the accounts in Matthew 26:26-29 and Mark 14:22-25. This initial cup is generally understood to be one of the customary cups of the Passover Seder, emphasizing the communal nature of the meal before the deeper significance of the blood of the covenant is introduced with a second cup later in Luke 22:20.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Thanksgiving (Eucharist): The phrase "gave thanks" translates the Greek word eucharistēsas (εὐχαριστήσας), from which the term "Eucharist" is derived. This highlights that gratitude and praise to God are fundamental to this sacred meal. Jesus, even in the shadow of His impending suffering, offers thanks, setting an example of profound trust and dependence on God.
  • Communal Sharing and Fellowship: Jesus instructs, "Take this, and divide it among yourselves." This command underscores the corporate nature of the Christian faith. The cup is not for individual consumption in isolation but for shared participation, fostering unity and fellowship among believers. This echoes the early church's practice of fellowship and breaking of bread.
  • Preparation for the New Covenant: While the explicit connection of the cup to His blood and the new covenant comes in a later verse (Luke 22:20), this initial act of distributing the cup sets the stage. It signifies a transition from the old Passover observance to a new, Christ-centered remembrance, anticipating the fulfillment of the prophecy of a new covenant.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek verb eucharistēsas (εὐχαριστήσας) literally means "having given thanks." Its emphasis on gratitude is a profound aspect of the Last Supper, transforming a traditional meal into an act of worship and remembrance. This word choice underscores the solemn yet thankful disposition of Jesus as He prepares to make the ultimate sacrifice.

Practical Application

Luke 22:17 reminds believers of several important aspects of their faith journey:

  • The Power of Gratitude: Even in difficult circumstances, the example of Jesus giving thanks encourages us to cultivate a spirit of gratitude in our own lives, recognizing God's sovereignty and provision.
  • Importance of Community: The instruction to "divide it among yourselves" highlights the essential role of Christian community. Faith is not meant to be practiced in isolation but shared in fellowship, mutual support, and corporate worship.
  • Anticipation and Remembrance: This verse initiates a sacred act that Christians continue to observe today. It calls us to remember Christ's sacrifice and to look forward to His return, as also described by Paul in 1 Corinthians 11:26.
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.

  • 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:
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