Luke 22:19

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} he took {G2983} bread {G740}, and gave thanks {G2168}, and brake {G2806} it, and {G2532} gave {G1325} unto them {G846}, saying {G3004}, This {G5124} is {G2076} my {G3450} body {G4983} which {G3588} is given {G1325} for {G5228} you {G5216}: this {G5124} do {G4160} in remembrance {G364} of {G1519} me {G1699}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Also, taking a piece of matzah, he made the b’rakhah, broke it, gave it to them and said, “This is my body, which is being given for you; do this in memory of me.”

Berean Standard Bible

And He took the bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is My body, given for you; do this in remembrance of Me.”

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 22:19 records the pivotal moment during the Last Supper when Jesus instituted the sacrament of communion, transforming the traditional Passover meal into a profound act of remembrance and prophetic declaration. By taking bread, giving thanks, breaking it, and distributing it to His disciples, Jesus symbolically presented His body as the ultimate sacrifice "given for you," commanding His followers to repeat this action as an ongoing memorial of His atoning death until His return. This verse establishes the foundational practice of the Lord's Supper, inviting believers to continually recall and participate in the redemptive work of Christ.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Luke 22:19 is situated within the narrative of Jesus' final hours before His crucifixion, specifically during the Passover meal He shared with His disciples, traditionally known as the Last Supper. This account immediately follows Jesus' instruction to His disciples to prepare the Passover and His declaration of His fervent desire to eat this meal with them before His suffering. The institution of the bread and the cup (the latter described in the subsequent verse, [Luke 22:20](/luke/22-20 "Luke 22:20 - Institution of the New Covenant")) serves as the climax of this meal, reinterpreting the ancient Passover ritual through the lens of His impending sacrifice. This event is paralleled in the other Synoptic Gospels ([Matthew 26:26-29](/matthew/26-26-29 "Matthew's Account of the Last Supper") and [Mark 14:22-25](/mark/14-22-25 "Mark's Account of the Last Supper")) and is given significant theological weight by the Apostle Paul in his instructions to the Corinthian church concerning the Lord's Supper ([1 Corinthians 11:23-26](/1_corinthians/11-23-26 "Paul's Account of the Lord's Supper and its Meaning")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Last Supper was a Passover Seder, a highly symbolic meal commemorating Israel's deliverance from slavery in Egypt, as detailed in [Exodus 12](/exodus/12 "Exodus 12 - The First Passover"). Central to the Passover meal were unleavened bread and wine, each element imbued with historical significance. The breaking of bread was a common practice in Jewish meals, often performed by the head of the household, symbolizing fellowship and sustenance. However, Jesus' actions here radically recontextualize these elements. By identifying the bread as "my body" and the wine (in [Luke 22:20](/luke/22-20 "Luke 22:20 - The Cup of the New Covenant")) as "my blood of the covenant," Jesus transforms a remembrance of past physical deliverance into a prophetic anticipation of spiritual deliverance through His own sacrificial death. The setting, an "upper room" in Jerusalem, suggests a private, intimate gathering, typical for such a sacred meal among close associates.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Luke's Gospel and broader biblical theology. Foremost is the theme of **Sacrifice and Atonement**, as Jesus explicitly links the broken bread to His body "given for you," foreshadowing His atoning death on the cross as the ultimate sacrifice for sin, echoing the sacrificial system of the Old Testament. Another crucial theme is the **Institution of the New Covenant**, which, while fully articulated with the cup in [Luke 22:20](/luke/22-20 "Luke 22:20 - The New Covenant in His Blood"), begins its establishment with the breaking of the bread. This new covenant, sealed by Christ's blood, supersedes the Old Covenant and offers forgiveness and direct access to God. Furthermore, the command "this do in remembrance of me" introduces the theme of **Remembrance and Communal Worship**, establishing a perpetual ordinance for the church that fosters gratitude, unity, and a forward-looking hope for Christ's return, as seen in Paul's teaching in [1 Corinthians 11:26](/1_corinthians/11-26 "1 Corinthians 11:26 - Proclaiming the Lord's Death").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **gave thanks (Greek, _eucharistéō_):** From this verb, we derive the term "Eucharist," a common name for the Lord's Supper. The root signifies "to be grateful" or "to express gratitude." In this context, Jesus' act of giving thanks elevates the meal beyond a mere physical act of eating, imbuing it with spiritual significance as an act of profound gratitude to God the Father for His redemptive plan and the imminent offering of His Son. It emphasizes that the institution of communion is fundamentally an act of thanksgiving for salvation.
* **brake (Greek, _kláō_):** This verb specifically means "to break," particularly in the context of breaking bread. While a common action at meals, here it takes on immense symbolic weight. The breaking of the bread directly prefigures the breaking of Jesus' body—His physical suffering, crucifixion, and death. It points to the violent, yet voluntary, act of sacrifice that His body would undergo for the sake of humanity's redemption.
* **remembrance (Greek, _anámnēsis_):** This term implies more than a simple mental recall of a past event. In a liturgical or cultic context, _anámnēsis_ often carries the sense of "making present" or "re-presenting" an event, so that its power and significance become active in the present moment for the participants. Thus, "in remembrance of me" means that through the act of communion, believers are not merely thinking about Christ's death, but are participating in and experiencing the reality and benefits of His sacrifice anew, bringing the past redemptive act into their present experience.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he took bread":** This simple action initiates the transformative moment. Jesus, as the host of the Passover meal, performs the traditional action of taking the bread, but with an unprecedented new meaning. This act highlights His authority and intentionality in instituting this new covenant meal.
* **"and gave thanks":** As discussed in the key word analysis, this is the act of _eucharistéō_. It signifies Jesus' profound gratitude to God and consecrates the bread, setting it apart for a sacred purpose. It also models the proper posture of worship and gratitude for believers participating in the sacrament.
* **"and brake [it]":** This physical act of breaking the bread is deeply symbolic, foreshadowing the violent breaking of Jesus' body on the cross. It represents His suffering, His death, and the ultimate sacrifice He would make for the forgiveness of sins. The brokenness of the bread points to the brokenness of His physical form.
* **"and gave unto them, saying":** Jesus' act of giving the broken bread to His disciples signifies the distribution of the benefits of His sacrifice. It is a gift freely offered, inviting participation and reception. His accompanying words are crucial for interpreting the symbolic action.
* **"‹This is my body which is given for you":** This is the core interpretive statement. Jesus identifies the bread not merely as a symbol, but as a representation of His very self, His physical body, which is about to be "given" (sacrificed) on the cross. The phrase "for you" emphasizes the substitutionary and vicarious nature of His death—it is for the benefit of humanity, for their redemption and reconciliation with God.
* **"this do in remembrance of me.›":** This is Jesus' explicit command, establishing the continuing practice of the Lord's Supper for His followers. As explored in the key word analysis, "remembrance" (_anámnēsis_) is a dynamic act of making present the reality of Christ's sacrifice, ensuring that its power and meaning are continually apprehended by the community of faith across generations until His return.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 22:19 is rich with literary devices that amplify its theological significance. The most prominent is **Symbolism**, where the physical elements of bread and wine (in [Luke 22:20](/luke/22-20 "Luke 22:20 - The Cup of the New Covenant")) are imbued with profound spiritual meaning, representing Christ's body and blood. The breaking of the bread is a powerful **Metaphor** for the breaking of Jesus' body in crucifixion, making an abstract theological truth tangible. The entire scene functions as an **Institution Narrative**, formally establishing a new ritual practice for the nascent Christian community, akin to how the Passover itself was instituted for Israel. There is also significant **Foreshadowing**, as Jesus' words and actions anticipate His imminent suffering and death, giving His disciples a framework for understanding the traumatic events that would soon unfold. The command "this do in remembrance of me" is a direct **Imperative**, highlighting the ongoing, mandatory nature of this practice for believers.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 22:19 stands as a foundational text for Christian theology, particularly concerning atonement, covenant, and ecclesiology. It teaches that Jesus' physical body was voluntarily "given" as a substitutionary sacrifice, bearing the sins of humanity to reconcile them to God. This act inaugurates the New Covenant, a relationship based not on adherence to law but on grace through faith in Christ's shed blood. The command to "do this in remembrance" underscores the communal and perpetual nature of this act, serving as a constant reminder of God's redemptive love and a visible sign of the church's unity in Christ. The Lord's Supper is thus both a backward look to the cross and a forward look to Christ's second coming, sustaining believers in their pilgrim journey.

* [1 Corinthians 11:23-26](/1_corinthians/11-23-26 "Paul's Account of the Lord's Supper")
* [Matthew 26:26-29](/matthew/26-26-29 "The Last Supper in Matthew's Gospel")
* [Hebrews 9:22](/hebrews/9-22 "Without the Shedding of Blood There is No Forgiveness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 22:19 calls believers to a profound and active engagement with the central act of Christian salvation. When we partake in the Lord's Supper, we are not merely performing a ritual; we are participating in a sacred remembrance that transcends time, making Christ's sacrifice powerfully present to us. This act deepens our gratitude for the immense cost of our redemption, reminding us that our salvation was purchased by the broken body of our Savior. It also solidifies our identity as members of Christ's body, fostering unity with fellow believers who share in this common meal and common hope. The Supper is a moment to confess our sins, renew our commitment to Christ, and anticipate His glorious return, strengthening our faith and empowering us to live lives worthy of His sacrifice.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding the "remembrance" (anámnēsis) aspect of the Lord's Supper deepen your appreciation for its significance beyond mere mental recall?**
* **In what ways does partaking in communion personally connect you to Christ's sacrifice and the community of believers?**
* **How might the command "this do in remembrance of me" influence your daily life and actions outside of the communion service?**

### FAQ

**What is the primary significance of Jesus saying, "This is my body which is given for you"?**

Answer: This statement is foundational to Christian theology, signifying that the bread Jesus broke and offered was a direct representation of His physical body, which was about to be sacrificed on the cross. The phrase "given for you" emphasizes the substitutionary nature of His death, meaning His life was offered as an atonement for the sins of humanity. It establishes the Lord's Supper as a perpetual reminder of His atoning sacrifice and the basis for the New Covenant.

**How does the Lord's Supper relate to the Jewish Passover meal?**

Answer: The Lord's Supper was instituted during a Passover Seder, a Jewish feast commemorating Israel's deliverance from slavery in Egypt ([Exodus 12](/exodus/12 "Exodus 12 - The First Passover")). Jesus reinterpreted the traditional Passover elements of bread and wine, transforming them into symbols of His own body and blood. Just as the Passover lamb's blood secured the deliverance of Israel, Christ, the ultimate "Lamb of God" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), offers a new and greater deliverance from sin and death through His sacrifice, establishing a New Covenant. The Lord's Supper thus fulfills and transcends the Passover.

**What does "in remembrance of me" truly mean in this context?**

Answer: The Greek word for "remembrance" (_anámnēsis_) implies more than simply recalling a past event. In a liturgical sense, it means to "make present" or "re-present" the saving act of Christ, so that its power and benefits are experienced anew by the participants. When believers partake in the Lord's Supper, they are not just thinking about Christ's death, but are actively participating in the reality of His sacrifice, experiencing its ongoing efficacy and proclaiming its truth until He returns ([1 Corinthians 11:26](/1_corinthians/11-26 "1 Corinthians 11:26 - Proclaiming the Lord's Death")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 22:19 finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in Jesus Himself being the ultimate Passover Lamb, whose body is "given for you" as the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice that atones for sin. The bread, broken and distributed, points directly to the Son of God who willingly offered His physical life on the cross to secure eternal redemption for humanity ([Hebrews 9:28](/hebrews/9-28 "Hebrews 9:28 - Christ Sacrificed Once for All")). This act inaugurates the New Covenant in His blood (as seen in [Luke 22:20](/luke/22-20 "Luke 22:20 - The New Covenant")), replacing the Old Covenant's sacrificial system with direct access to God through Christ's finished work ([Hebrews 10:10-14](/hebrews/10-10-14 "Hebrews 10:10-14 - Christ's Perfect Sacrifice")). Furthermore, the command "this do in remembrance of me" ensures that the church continually proclaims the Lord's death until His glorious return, keeping Christ's redemptive act at the very center of its worship and identity, anticipating the marriage supper of the Lamb ([Revelation 19:7-9](/revelation/19-7-9 "Revelation 19:7-9 - The Marriage Supper of the Lamb")). Thus, the Lord's Supper is a tangible expression of Christ's ongoing presence and His future triumph.

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

1 Corinthians 11:23

¶ For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the [same] night in which he was betrayed took bread:

1 Corinthians 11:29

For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's body.

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?

Luke 22:20

Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup [is] the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you.

Mark 14:22

And as they did eat, Jesus took bread, and blessed, and brake [it], and gave to them, and said, Take, eat: this is my body.

Mark 14:24

And he said unto them, This is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many.

Matthew 26:26

¶ And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed [it], and brake [it], and gave [it] to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body.