Mark 14:23

KJV

And he took the cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave [it] to them: and they all drank of it.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} he took {G2983} the cup {G4221}, and when he had given thanks {G2168}, he gave {G1325} it to them {G846}: and {G2532} they all {G3956} drank {G4095} of {G1537} it {G846}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Also he took a cup of wine, made the b'rakhah, and gave it to them; and they all drank.

Berean Standard Bible

Then He took the cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them, and they all drank from it.

American Standard Version

And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave to them: and they all drank of it.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mark 14:23 details Jesus' actions with the cup during the Last Supper, a pivotal moment in the institution of the Lord's Supper. After taking the cup and giving thanks, Jesus distributed it to His disciples, and they all partook. This act, following the breaking of bread, signifies the establishment of the new covenant sealed by His impending sacrifice, inviting His followers into a communal remembrance of His redemptive work and a foretaste of the coming kingdom.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Mark 14:23 is situated within the intensely dramatic Passion Narrative, specifically the account of the Last Supper (Mark 14:12-25). It immediately follows Jesus' actions concerning the bread, which He broke and declared to be His body (Mark 14:22). The distribution of the cup, symbolizing His blood, forms the second integral part of this foundational meal, leading directly into Jesus' profound statement about the "blood of the new covenant" in the very next verse (Mark 14:24). This sequence highlights Jesus' intentional reinterpretation of the Passover meal, transforming its ancient meaning to point to His ultimate sacrifice and the new covenant He would inaugurate. The narrative then swiftly moves to Gethsemane, the betrayal, and the crucifixion, emphasizing the immediate fulfillment of Jesus' words.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Last Supper was a Passover Seder, a sacred annual meal commemorating God's deliverance of Israel from slavery in Egypt (Exodus 12). Central to the Passover Seder were specific elements, including unleavened bread and multiple cups of wine, each with symbolic significance. The third cup, known as the "cup of redemption" or "cup of blessing," was particularly significant, recalling God's promise to redeem His people. By taking *the* cup and giving thanks, Jesus was not merely performing a new ritual but re-signifying an existing one. He infused the traditional Passover elements with new, Christological meaning, shifting the focus from the Exodus deliverance to His own redemptive work, thereby establishing a new covenant through His blood, superseding the old covenant sealed by animal sacrifices (Exodus 24:8). The communal sharing of the cup was also a common practice at festive meals, underscoring unity and shared experience.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several major theological and narrative themes in Mark's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the **Institution of the Lord's Supper**, establishing a sacred ritual that would become central to Christian worship and identity, a theme further elaborated in [Paul's account in 1 Corinthians 11](/1_corinthians/11-23-26 "1 Corinthians 11:23-26 - Paul's Account of the Lord's Supper"). Secondly, the act of **Thanksgiving** (Greek: _eucharistéō_) is paramount, giving rise to the term "Eucharist" and emphasizing a posture of gratitude for God's redemptive plan, a posture Jesus Himself modeled. Thirdly, while explicitly stated in [Mark 14:24](/mark/14-24 "Mark 14:24 - The Blood of the New Covenant"), the action with the cup here profoundly foreshadows the **New Covenant** established through Jesus' blood, fulfilling prophecies like [Jeremiah 31:31-34](/jeremiah/31-31-34 "Jeremiah 31:31-34 - Prophecy of the New Covenant"). Finally, the phrase "and they all drank of it" highlights **Communal Participation** and unity, signifying that all who partake are united in Christ's redemptive work and share in the blessings of the new covenant, a concept echoed in [1 Corinthians 10:16-17](/1_corinthians/10-16-17 "1 Corinthians 10:16-17 - The Cup of Blessing and the Bread").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **took (Greek, _lambánō'_):** G2983. This verb signifies an active grasping or receiving. In this context, Jesus "took" the cup, indicating His deliberate and authoritative action in initiating this sacred rite. It's not a passive reception but an intentional appropriation of the element for a specific, symbolic purpose.
* **given thanks (Greek, _eucharistéō'_):** G2168. This word denotes expressing gratitude or saying grace. Jesus' act of giving thanks transforms the ordinary cup of wine into a consecrated symbol. It highlights His posture of profound gratitude to the Father, even in the face of His imminent suffering, and sets a precedent for the thankful remembrance that characterizes the Christian observance of the Lord's Supper.
* **cup (Greek, _potḗrion'_):** G4221. Literally, a drinking vessel, but figuratively, it often represents one's lot or fate. In the Old Testament, a "cup" could symbolize divine judgment or blessing. Here, it signifies the contents of the cup – wine – which Jesus will immediately associate with His blood, symbolizing the new covenant and His sacrificial death. It represents the "cup" of suffering He is about to drink (cf. Mark 14:36).

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he took the cup":** This phrase emphasizes Jesus' deliberate action. He initiates the second element of the sacred meal, mirroring His action with the bread. The "cup" is not just any cup but likely the third cup of the Passover Seder, traditionally known as the "cup of redemption," which Jesus now redefines with profound personal significance.
* **"and when he had given thanks":** This is a crucial detail, highlighting Jesus' posture of gratitude and blessing. The Greek word _eucharistéō_ underscores that this is a meal of thanksgiving. Jesus, even on the eve of His betrayal and crucifixion, gives thanks to God, setting a pattern for believers to approach this sacrament with profound gratitude for His redemptive work.
* **"he gave [it] to them":** Jesus' act of giving the cup to His disciples signifies His intention for them to partake in what He is instituting. It is a communal sharing, not a private act. This distribution underscores that the benefits and responsibilities of this new covenant are shared by all His followers.
* **"and they all drank of it":** The universality of "they all" is significant. It emphasizes the corporate nature of the new covenant and the shared participation in Christ's sacrifice. Every disciple present partook, signifying their collective acceptance and involvement in the new covenant established by Jesus' blood. This communal act reinforces unity among believers.

#### Literary Devices
Mark 14:23 is rich in **Symbolism**. The "cup" itself is a potent symbol, moving beyond its literal function as a drinking vessel to represent the new covenant established by Jesus' blood (as explicitly stated in the next verse, Mark 14:24). It also subtly foreshadows the "cup" of suffering and God's wrath that Jesus would soon pray to have removed from Him in Gethsemane (Mark 14:36). The act of "drinking" is symbolic of participation, internalizing the meaning and benefits of the covenant. The entire scene functions as a **Ritual/Ceremony**, establishing a foundational practice for the nascent Christian community. The deliberate, ordered actions of Jesus — taking, giving thanks, giving, and the disciples drinking — imbue the event with solemnity and enduring significance. Furthermore, there is a profound sense of **Foreshadowing**, as the actions with the cup anticipate Jesus' imminent death and the establishment of a new relationship between God and humanity through His atoning sacrifice.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 14:23, though seemingly a simple description of an action, carries immense theological weight, serving as a cornerstone for Christian understanding of covenant, sacrifice, and communion. Jesus' act of taking the cup and giving thanks transforms a traditional Passover element into a profound symbol of the new covenant, sealed not by animal blood but by His own. This act signifies the shift from the old covenant, which required repeated sacrifices and was based on law, to a new covenant of grace, offering complete forgiveness of sins and direct access to God through Christ's singular, perfect sacrifice. The communal drinking emphasizes that this new covenant is for all who believe, uniting them in Christ and in His redemptive work. It is a meal of remembrance, gratitude, and anticipation—looking back at what Christ accomplished and forward to His return.

* [Matthew 26:27-28](/matthew/26-27-28 "Matthew 26:27-28 - Parallel Account of the Cup")
* [Luke 22:19-20](/luke/22-19-20 "Luke 22:19-20 - Luke's Account of the Lord's Supper")
* [1 Corinthians 11:25](/1_corinthians/11-25 "1 Corinthians 11:25 - Paul on the New Covenant in Christ's Blood")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Mark 14:23 invites believers to a deeper appreciation of the Lord's Supper, not merely as a ritual but as a profound encounter with the heart of the Gospel. Jesus' act of giving thanks, even in the shadow of His betrayal and suffering, calls us to cultivate a spirit of profound gratitude for the immense cost of our salvation. When we partake of the cup, we are called to remember the new covenant established by His blood, acknowledging that our forgiveness and reconciliation with God are entirely due to His sacrificial love. This communal act also reinforces our unity as the body of Christ, reminding us that we are bound together by His shared life and shared redemption. It is a moment to reflect on our participation in His suffering and His glory, living out the implications of His sacrifice in our daily lives through love, service, and obedience.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jesus' act of "giving thanks" before distributing the cup challenge or deepen your understanding of gratitude, especially in difficult circumstances?**
* **What does the phrase "they all drank of it" imply about the communal nature of faith and our shared identity in Christ?**
* **In what ways does partaking in the Lord's Supper help you remember and apply the truth of the new covenant in your daily life?**

### FAQ

**Why is giving thanks so important in this verse, and what does it mean for us today?**

Answer: Jesus' act of "giving thanks" (Greek: _eucharistéō_) before distributing the cup is profoundly significant. It highlights His posture of gratitude and dependence on the Father, even as He faces His imminent suffering and death. This act transforms the ordinary elements into sacred symbols, setting apart the meal as a holy commemoration. For believers today, it means that the Lord's Supper, often called the Eucharist (from _eucharistéō_), should always be approached with a spirit of profound gratitude for Christ's sacrifice and the new covenant He established. It reminds us that our salvation is a gift, and our participation is an act of thankful remembrance and worship.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 14:23, though a snapshot of the institution of the Lord's Supper, powerfully points to Jesus as the ultimate fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. The "cup" here is not merely a vessel but a symbol of the new covenant, sealed by the very blood of God's Son. This act fulfills the Old Testament prophecies of a new covenant (e.g., [Jeremiah 31:31-34](/jeremiah/31-31-34 "Jeremiah 31:31-34 - Prophecy of the New Covenant")), where sins would be remembered no more. Jesus, by offering His blood, becomes the perfect and final sacrifice, rendering obsolete the animal sacrifices of the old covenant (as explored in [Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11-14 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice")). His action foreshadows His agonizing prayer in Gethsemane to "remove this cup" (Mark 14:36), revealing His willingness to drink the cup of God's wrath against sin on our behalf. Thus, Mark 14:23 is a profound declaration that in Jesus, the Lamb of God, the long-awaited redemption has arrived, making a way for humanity to enter into a new, living relationship with God through His atoning work on the cross, a truth celebrated in [Revelation 5:9-10](/revelation/5-9-10 "Revelation 5:9-10 - The Lamb is Worthy").

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 26:27

And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave [it] to them, saying, Drink ye all of it;

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.

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 22:17

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

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.