Mark 14:22

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} as they {G846} did eat {G2068}, Jesus {G2424} took {G2983} bread {G740}, and blessed {G2127}, and brake {G2806} it, and {G2532} gave {G1325} to them {G846}, and {G2532} said {G2036}, Take {G2983}, eat {G5315}: this {G5124} is {G2076} my {G3450} body {G4983}.

Complete Jewish Bible

While they were eating, Yeshua took a piece of matzah, made the b'rakhah, broke it, gave it to them and said, "Take it! This is my body."

Berean Standard Bible

While they were eating, Jesus took bread, spoke a blessing and broke it, and gave it to the disciples, saying, “Take it; this is My body.”

American Standard Version

And as they were eating, he took bread, and when he had blessed, he brake it, and gave to them, and said, Take ye: this is my body.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mark 14:22 records the pivotal moment during the Last Supper when Jesus instituted the sacred meal that would become known as the Lord's Supper or Holy Communion. In this profound act, Jesus took bread, blessed it, broke it, and declared it to be His body, thereby establishing a new covenant ceremony that would forever serve as a memorial of His imminent sacrifice and the foundation of Christian worship.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within Mark's detailed account of Jesus' Passion, specifically the events leading up to His crucifixion. Immediately preceding this passage, Jesus has made preparations for the Passover meal with His disciples ([Mark 14:12-16](/mark/14-12-16 "Mark 14:12-16 - Passover Preparations")), and has solemnly announced that one of them will betray Him ([Mark 14:17-21](/mark/14-17-21 "Mark 14:17-21 - Jesus Predicts His Betrayal")). The institution of the bread (Mark 14:22) is followed directly by the institution of the cup ([Mark 14:23-25](/mark/14-23-25 "Mark 14:23-25 - Institution of the Cup")), sealing the new covenant in His blood. This entire sequence underscores the gravity and intentionality of Jesus' actions, framing the Last Supper not as an ordinary meal, but as a deeply significant, pre-ordained event that redefines the very nature of sacrifice and covenant.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is the Passover Seder, an annual Jewish feast commemorating God's deliverance of Israel from slavery in Egypt, particularly the sparing of the firstborn through the blood of the lamb ([Exodus 12](/exodus/12 "Exodus 12 - The First Passover")). The meal involved specific elements, including unleavened bread (matzah) and wine, consumed according to prescribed rituals. Jesus, as a devout Jew, observed this tradition. However, in Mark 14:22 and the subsequent verses, He reinterprets these traditional elements, imbuing them with new, profound meaning that points to His own sacrificial death as the ultimate act of redemption. The bread, typically a symbol of haste and affliction in the Exodus narrative, now becomes a symbol of His broken body, offered for the sins of the world. This reinterpretation marks a dramatic shift from the Old Covenant, established through the Law and animal sacrifices, to the New Covenant, inaugurated by Christ's self-sacrifice.
* **Key Themes:** Mark 14:22 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Mark's Gospel and broader biblical theology. It is the foundational moment for the **Institution of the Lord's Supper**, establishing a sacred ordinance for the church to observe throughout history, serving as a perpetual memorial of Christ's atoning work. The declaration "this is my body" introduces the theme of **Sacrificial Atonement**, clearly linking Jesus' physical body to the offering made for sin, foreshadowing His suffering and death on the cross as the ultimate payment for humanity's redemption. This act also highlights the theme of **New Covenant**, as Jesus redefines the Passover meal to point to a new relationship between God and humanity, mediated not by the blood of animals, but by His own blood ([Mark 14:24](/mark/14-24 "Mark 14:24 - The Blood of the New Covenant")). Furthermore, it reinforces the theme of **Discipleship and Remembrance**, calling believers to continually remember and participate in the saving work of Christ.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **took (Greek, _lambánō'_):** This verb (G2983) means "to take, to get hold of." In this context, it signifies Jesus' deliberate and authoritative action. He doesn't merely happen upon the bread; He purposefully "takes" it, initiating the sacred ritual. This act of taking is an intentional setting apart of the common element for a holy purpose.
* **blessed (Greek, _eulogéō'_):** The Greek word (G2127) means "to speak well of, to praise, to invoke a benediction upon." Here, it indicates Jesus offering a prayer of thanksgiving and consecration over the bread. This blessing transforms the ordinary bread into a sacred symbol, set apart for a specific, holy use in the new covenant. It is an act of acknowledging God's provision and sanctifying the elements.
* **body (Greek, _sōma'_):** This term (G4983) refers to the physical body, a sound whole. Jesus' declaration, "this is my body," directly links the bread to His physical self, which would soon be broken on the cross. This is not merely a metaphorical statement but a profound identification that underscores the reality of His incarnation and the tangible nature of His sacrifice. The "body" here points to His entire person, offered completely for redemption.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And as they did eat":** This phrase establishes the immediate context of the event, placing it within the Passover meal that Jesus was sharing with His disciples. It emphasizes that this profound revelation and institution occurred during a communal, traditional meal, giving it a familiar yet reinterpreted setting.
* **"Jesus took bread, and blessed, and brake [it], and gave to them":** This sequence of four actions by Jesus is highly significant. "Took" highlights intentionality; "blessed" signifies a prayer of thanksgiving and consecration; "brake [it]" vividly foreshadows the breaking of His body in suffering and death; and "gave to them" emphasizes the communal nature of the gift and the invitation to participate in His sacrifice. Each action is deliberate and symbolic, preparing the disciples for the profound meaning of His words.
* **"and said, "Take, eat: this is my body."":** These are the interpretive words of Jesus, giving meaning to His actions. "Take, eat" is an imperative, a command to participate actively. The declaration "this is my body" is the theological core of the verse. The Greek word "is" (G2076, _estí_) is direct, indicating a profound identification between the bread and His person. While theological traditions interpret the exact nature of this identification differently (e.g., literal presence, symbolic representation, sacramental union), the statement unequivocally links the physical bread to His personal, sacrificial offering, making the meal a profound act of remembrance and participation in His saving work.

#### Literary Devices
Mark 14:22 is rich in literary devices that amplify its theological significance. **Symbolism** is paramount, as the physical bread is transformed into a potent symbol of Jesus' body, offered for humanity. This act serves as powerful **Foreshadowing**, with the breaking of the bread vividly predicting the breaking of Jesus' body on the cross. The entire event is an **Institution**, marking the establishment of a new ritual that would become central to Christian worship. The concise and direct nature of Jesus' declaration, "This is my body," employs **Eucharistic Language**, which is both declarative and invitational, drawing the disciples (and future believers) into the profound reality of His sacrifice. The simplicity of the narrative belies the immense theological weight of the moment, creating a scene of solemn gravity and eternal consequence.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 14:22 serves as the foundational text for the Christian sacrament of the Eucharist or Holy Communion, profoundly linking the physical elements of bread and wine to the spiritual realities of Christ's sacrifice and the New Covenant. It underscores the concept of substitutionary atonement, where Jesus' body is given as a ransom for many, fulfilling the Old Testament sacrificial system. This act transforms the Passover from a memorial of physical liberation into a celebration of spiritual redemption, inviting believers into a new relationship with God through Christ's broken body and shed blood. The meal becomes a tangible expression of remembrance, participation in Christ's suffering and victory, and anticipation of His return.

* [Matthew 26:26](/matthew/26-26 "Matthew 26:26 - Institution of the Lord's Supper")
* [Luke 22:19](/luke/22-19 "Luke 22:19 - Institution of the Lord's Supper")
* [1 Corinthians 11:23-24](/1_corinthians/11-23-24 "1 Corinthians 11:23-24 - Paul's Account of the Lord's Supper")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Mark 14:22 calls believers to a profound engagement with the reality of Christ's sacrifice every time they partake in the Lord's Supper. It is a tangible reminder of the immense cost of our salvation and Jesus' selfless willingness to give His body for us. This act of remembrance should lead to deep gratitude and renewed commitment. Beyond mere ritual, it is an invitation to participate spiritually in the benefits of His atoning work, fostering unity within the body of Christ as we share in one bread. It also serves as a moment for solemn self-examination, prompting us to reflect on our relationship with God and with one another, ensuring we approach this sacred meal with reverence and a repentant heart. Ultimately, the Lord's Supper is not only a look back at the cross but also a forward look to the glorious return of Christ and the consummation of His kingdom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does remembering Jesus' words, "This is my body," impact your understanding of the Lord's Supper?**
* **In what ways does partaking in communion deepen your appreciation for Christ's sacrifice?**
* **How can the communal act of sharing the bread strengthen your connection with fellow believers?**
* **What does it mean to "take, eat" in a way that honors the significance of Christ's body given for you?**

### FAQ
**What is the theological significance of Jesus declaring, "This is my body," over the bread?**

Answer: Jesus' declaration, "this is my body," is central to Christian theology regarding the Eucharist or Lord's Supper. Theologically, it signifies a profound identification between the physical bread and Jesus' own person, particularly His body that would be broken on the cross. While interpretations vary among Christian traditions (e.g., transubstantiation, consubstantiation, symbolic representation, spiritual presence), all agree that this statement establishes the bread as a powerful, sacred sign that points directly to Christ's atoning sacrifice. It means that in partaking of the bread, believers are not merely remembering an event, but are spiritually participating in the benefits of His broken body, which was given for the forgiveness of sins and the establishment of the New Covenant. It underscores the real, tangible nature of His self-offering for humanity's redemption.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 14:22 stands as a profound Christ-centered fulfillment of Old Testament types and shadows, particularly the Passover. Just as the Passover lamb's blood protected Israel from death, Jesus, the true [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), offers His body as the ultimate sacrifice, establishing a new and eternal covenant. His declaration, "this is my body," reveals that He is the living bread, the very sustenance for eternal life, as He taught in [John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life"). The breaking of the bread vividly foreshadows the physical suffering and death He would endure on the cross, through which He took on the sins of humanity. This act of giving His body fulfills the prophetic yearning for a perfect sacrifice, making atonement for sin once and for all ([Hebrews 10:5-10](/hebrews/10-5-10 "Hebrews 10:5-10 - Christ's Body as the Ultimate Sacrifice")). Through His broken body, believers are reconciled to God ([Colossians 1:22](/colossians/1-22 "Colossians 1:22 - Reconciliation Through Christ's Body")) and healed from sin's wounds ([1 Peter 2:24](/1_peter/2-24 "1 Peter 2:24 - By His Wounds We Are Healed")), demonstrating that in Christ, the Old Covenant's shadows find their glorious, life-giving reality.

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 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.

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 14:24

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

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?

1 Corinthians 10:17

For we [being] many are one bread, [and] one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread.

Luke 22:18

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

Luke 22:20

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