What does "fruit of the vine" mean in this context?

In the context of Luke 22:18, "fruit of the vine" refers to wine, specifically the wine used during the Jewish Passover Seder. It's a common biblical idiom for wine, and its use here connects Jesus' words directly to the traditional elements of the Passover meal. However, Jesus reinterprets its meaning, transforming it from merely a symbol of the Old Covenant Passover into a profound symbol of the future, perfect communion in the Kingdom of God. This term highlights the continuity with Jewish tradition while simultaneously signaling a new, eschatological significance.

What is the "kingdom of God" that Jesus refers to?

The "kingdom of God" is a central theme in Jesus' teachings, referring to God's sovereign rule and reign. In Luke 22:18, it refers specifically to the *consummated* or *fully manifested* Kingdom. While the Kingdom of God was already inaugurated through Jesus' ministry (as seen in Luke 17:20-21), this verse points to its future, glorious realization when God's perfect will is fully established on earth, suffering is abolished, and believers enjoy perfect fellowship with God. It signifies the ultimate triumph of God's redemptive plan.

How does this verse relate to the Lord's Supper (Communion)?

Luke 22:18 profoundly shapes our understanding of the Lord's Supper. It transforms the meal from solely a remembrance of Christ's sacrifice into a forward-looking anticipation of His return and the full establishment of the Kingdom of God. When believers partake in communion, they not only recall Jesus' death and the New Covenant established through His blood (as described in Luke 22:20), but they also express their eager hope for the future messianic banquet, when they will share perfect fellowship with Christ in His eternal Kingdom. It makes communion a pledge of future joy and a foretaste of glory.

22:17 22:17

Luke 22:18

22:19 22:19

Bible Versions

For I say unto you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine, until the kingdom of God shall come.

For {G1063} I say {G3004} unto you {G5213},{G3754} I will {G4095} not {G3364} drink {G4095} of {G575} the fruit {G1081} of the vine {G288}, until {G2193}{G3755} the kingdom {G932} of God {G2316} shall come {G2064}.

For I tell you that from now on, I will not drink the ‘fruit of the vine’ until the Kingdom of God comes.”

For I tell you that I will not drink of the fruit of the vine from now on until the kingdom of God comes.”

for I say unto you, I shall not drink from henceforth of the fruit of the vine, until the kingdom of God shall come.

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.

Verse Lookup

Cross-References

Matthew 26:29

But I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father's kingdom.
Mark 14:25

Verily I say unto you, I will drink no more of the fruit of the vine, until that day that I drink it new in the kingdom of God.
Isaiah 55:1

¶ Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.
Luke 22:16

For I say unto you, I will not any more eat thereof, until it be fulfilled in the kingdom of God.
Mark 9:1

¶ And he said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That there be some of them that stand here, which shall not taste of death, till they have seen the kingdom of God come with power.
Song Of Solomon 5:1

¶ I am come into my garden, my sister, [my] spouse: I have gathered my myrrh with my spice; I have eaten my honeycomb with my honey; I have drunk my wine with my milk: eat, O friends; drink, yea, drink abundantly, O beloved.
Matthew 16:18

And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

Bible Versions

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