Matthew 26:28

KJV

For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G1063} this {G5124} is {G2076} my {G3450} blood {G129} of the new {G2537} testament {G1242}, which {G3588} is shed {G1632} for {G4012} many {G4183} for {G1519} the remission {G859} of sins {G266}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For this is my blood, which ratifies the New Covenant, my blood shed on behalf of many, so that they may have their sins forgiven.

Berean Standard Bible

This is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.

American Standard Version

for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many unto remission of sins.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 26:28, spoken by Jesus during the Last Supper, profoundly reveals the theological essence of His impending sacrifice. This pivotal declaration establishes His shed blood as the foundation of the New Covenant, a divine agreement that provides complete forgiveness and release from the penalty of sin for all who believe, thereby fulfilling ancient prophecies and inaugurating a new era of God's redemptive plan.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the dramatic narrative of Jesus' final hours before His crucifixion, specifically during the institution of the Lord's Supper (also known as the Eucharist or Communion). Following the Passover meal with His disciples in the upper room, Jesus takes the bread, identifies it as His body given for them, and then takes the cup, declaring it to be His blood. This act immediately precedes His prayer in Gethsemane, His betrayal by Judas, and His subsequent arrest and trials. The disciples' initial confusion and later understanding of these words underscore their profound significance as the interpretive key to His death. The passage in [Matthew 26:26-29](/matthew/26-26-29 "Matthew 26:26-29 - Institution of the Lord's Supper") serves as the synoptic parallel to similar accounts in [Mark 14:22-25](/mark/14-22-25 "Mark 14:22-25 - Jesus Institutes the Lord's Supper") and [Luke 22:17-20](/luke/22-17-20 "Luke 22:17-20 - The Last Supper").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Last Supper was a Passover Seder, a foundational Jewish observance commemorating Israel's deliverance from slavery in Egypt through the blood of the lamb applied to their doorposts ([Exodus 12:1-13](/exodus/12-1-13 "Exodus 12:1-13 - The First Passover")). Jesus intentionally reinterprets this ancient ritual, shifting its focus from the historical deliverance of Israel to His own imminent, ultimate redemptive act. The concept of "covenant" was deeply embedded in Jewish thought, representing a solemn, binding agreement between God and His people, often sealed with blood ([Exodus 24:6-8](/exodus/24-6-8 "Exodus 24:6-8 - The Covenant at Sinai")). By speaking of "my blood of the new testament" (covenant), Jesus directly invokes and transforms this rich biblical tradition, signaling a radical new phase in God's relationship with humanity, one that would supersede the Old Covenant established at Sinai.

* **Key Themes:** Matthew 26:28 encapsulates several profound theological themes that resonate throughout the Gospels and the broader biblical narrative. It highlights the theme of **Sacrificial Atonement**, presenting Jesus' death not as a tragic accident but as a purposeful, substitutionary act to reconcile humanity with God. His blood is the means by which this atonement is achieved, echoing the Old Testament sacrificial system where blood was essential for cleansing and forgiveness ([Leviticus 17:11](/leviticus/17-11 "Leviticus 17:11 - Life in the Blood")). The verse also introduces the critical theme of the **New Covenant**, prophesied in [Jeremiah 31:31-34](/jeremiah/31-31-34 "Jeremiah 31:31-34 - Prophecy of the New Covenant"), signifying a new and superior arrangement between God and His people, characterized by an inward law and direct knowledge of God, sealed by Christ's blood rather than animal sacrifices. Finally, the phrase "for the remission of sins" underscores the theme of **Divine Forgiveness**, emphasizing that the ultimate purpose and glorious outcome of Christ's sacrifice is the complete pardon and release from the guilt and penalty of sin for all who believe in Him, fulfilling the promise of salvation found in passages like [Isaiah 53:5-6](/isaiah/53-5-6 "Isaiah 53:5-6 - The Suffering Servant").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **blood (Greek, _haîma'_):** This term, G129, refers to literal blood, but in this context, it carries immense theological weight. It represents life itself ([Leviticus 17:11](/leviticus/17-11 "Leviticus 17:11 - The Life is in the Blood")), and in the biblical sacrificial system, it was the essential element for atonement and cleansing from sin. Jesus' declaration that this is "my blood" signifies that His life, uniquely pure and divine, is being offered as the ultimate sacrifice, far surpassing the efficacy of animal blood. It is the very essence of His atoning work.
* **new (Greek, _kainós'_):** G2537, this word denotes "new" in quality, freshness, and unprecedented nature, as opposed to _neos_ (new in age). Jesus' use of _kainós_ for the covenant highlights that this is not merely a renewed Old Covenant but a fundamentally different and superior one. It is qualitatively fresh, bringing about a new spiritual reality and relationship with God that was previously unattainable, marked by inward transformation and direct access to God's grace.
* **testament (Greek, _diathḗkē'_):** G1242, this term is best translated as "covenant" or "agreement." While it can refer to a will or disposition, in the biblical context, especially when paired with "blood," it signifies a solemn, binding agreement established by God. Jesus' declaration points to the establishment of a new divine agreement, sealed by His own blood, which supersedes and fulfills the Old Covenant made at Sinai. This new covenant promises forgiveness, intimate knowledge of God, and the indwelling of His Spirit.
* **remission (Greek, _áphesis'_):** G859, meaning "freedom" or "pardon," specifically "forgiveness" or "release." In the context of sin, it signifies the complete cancellation of debt, the liberation from the guilt, power, and penalty of sin. This word underscores the comprehensive nature of the forgiveness achieved through Christ's shed blood, offering a full and final release from the bondage of sin.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For this is my blood of the new testament,"**: This clause is a profound declaration by Jesus, identifying the wine in the cup with His very blood, which is about to be shed. The phrase "new testament" translates the Greek _kainē diathēkē_, meaning "new covenant." This signifies a radical departure from the Old Covenant established through Moses, which was sealed with the blood of animals and characterized by the Law. Jesus is inaugurating a new divine agreement, a new relationship between God and humanity, based not on human obedience to the Law, but on His perfect, once-for-all sacrifice. His blood is the sealing agent of this superior, eternal covenant.
* **"which is shed for many"**: This phrase emphasizes the sacrificial nature and scope of Jesus' impending death. The verb "shed" (Greek _ekchéō_) points to a violent, deliberate outpouring, signifying a sacrificial act. The phrase "for many" (Greek _hyper pollōn_) indicates that His sacrifice is substitutionary and effective for a multitude of people, not just a select few. It highlights the breadth of His atoning work, encompassing all who would believe in Him across time and nations, providing atonement for their sins.
* **"for the remission of sins."**: This final clause states the ultimate purpose and glorious outcome of Jesus' blood being shed. "Remission" (Greek _áphesis_) means forgiveness, pardon, or release. Through His sacrifice, Jesus provides complete and definitive forgiveness of sins, liberating humanity from their guilt, the penalty of eternal death, and the power of sin. This is the central benefit of the New Covenant, offering a full reconciliation with God that was foreshadowed but not fully accomplished by the Old Testament sacrifices.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 26:28 is rich in **Symbolism**, where the wine in the cup symbolizes the very blood of Jesus, and by extension, His life poured out as a sacrifice. This symbolism directly connects to the Passover lamb's blood, which protected Israel from death, establishing Jesus as the ultimate Passover Lamb whose blood brings eternal salvation. The phrase "blood of the new testament" also functions as a powerful **Metaphor**, equating Jesus' blood with the very foundation and seal of this new divine agreement. His physical blood is not merely a sign, but the efficacious means by which the covenant is ratified. Furthermore, the verse employs **Foreshadowing**, as Jesus' words here anticipate and explain the profound theological meaning of His imminent crucifixion, revealing it not as a defeat but as the divinely ordained act of redemption. This statement also serves as a **Eucharistic Formula**, providing the foundational words for the Christian practice of Communion, imbuing the elements with deep spiritual significance.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 26:28 stands as a theological cornerstone, revealing the heart of God's redemptive plan. It profoundly connects the Old Testament sacrificial system and covenant theology with the New Testament's fulfillment in Christ. The shedding of Jesus' blood marks the transition from a covenant based on external law and repeated animal sacrifices to a new covenant founded on grace and a single, perfect sacrifice. This new covenant provides not just a covering for sin, but a complete and final remission, enabling a direct, intimate relationship with God. It underscores the substitutionary nature of Christ's atonement, where His sinless life is given as a ransom for the sinful lives of many, demonstrating God's immense love and justice. The verse emphasizes that forgiveness is not earned but freely given through the atoning work of Christ, making salvation accessible to all who put their faith in Him.

* [Jeremiah 31:31-34](/jeremiah/31-31-34 "Jeremiah 31:31-34 - Prophecy of the New Covenant")
* [Hebrews 9:22](/hebrews/9-22 "Hebrews 9:22 - Necessity of Blood for Remission")
* [1 Peter 1:18-19](/1_peter/1-18-19 "1 Peter 1:18-19 - Redemption Through Christ's Precious Blood")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 26:28 invites believers into a profound contemplation of the immense cost and boundless grace of their salvation. To understand that Jesus deliberately offered His life, His very blood, as the seal of a new covenant for the remission of sins should evoke deep gratitude and humility. It reminds us that our forgiveness is not a trivial matter, nor is it something we could ever earn; it is the direct result of a divine, costly sacrifice. This verse calls us to live in light of this truth, recognizing that we have been released from the bondage of sin and reconciled to a holy God. It should compel us to embrace the freedom found in Christ, to walk in newness of life, and to share this glorious message of remission with a world still enslaved by sin. Furthermore, it deepens our appreciation for the Lord's Supper, transforming it from a mere ritual into a sacred remembrance and proclamation of the central act of Christian faith—Christ's atoning death and the new life it inaugurates.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding Jesus' blood as the "blood of the new testament" transform your view of God's relationship with humanity?**
* **What does "remission of sins" truly mean for your daily life and your standing before God?**
* **In what ways does partaking in the Lord's Supper connect you to the profound truth of Matthew 26:28?**

### FAQ

**What is the "new testament" Jesus refers to in this verse?**

Answer: The "new testament" is more accurately translated as the "New Covenant." This refers to a new and superior divine agreement that God establishes with humanity through Jesus Christ, as prophesied in [Jeremiah 31:31-34](/jeremiah/31-31-34 "Jeremiah 31:31-34 - Prophecy of the New Covenant"). Unlike the Old Covenant, which was mediated by Moses and sealed with animal blood, the New Covenant is sealed by the precious blood of Jesus Himself. It is characterized by God's law being written on hearts, direct knowledge of God, and the complete forgiveness of sins, making possible a deeper, more intimate relationship with Him.

**Why is Jesus' blood necessary for the "remission of sins"?**

Answer: In biblical theology, blood represents life, and the shedding of blood signifies a life given as a sacrifice. The Old Testament established the principle that "without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins" ([Hebrews 9:22](/hebrews/9-22 "Hebrews 9:22 - Necessity of Blood for Remission")). This pointed forward to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus. His blood, being the sinless blood of the Son of God, was the only perfect and sufficient payment for the infinite debt of human sin. It is through His atoning death that God's justice is satisfied, and His mercy is extended, providing complete pardon and release from the guilt and penalty of sin for all who believe, as highlighted in [Ephesians 1:7](/ephesians/1-7 "Ephesians 1:7 - Redemption Through His Blood").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 26:28 stands as a powerful declaration of Christ's fulfillment of Old Testament types and prophecies. Jesus, the ultimate Passover Lamb, takes the place of the sacrificial lambs of old, whose blood protected Israel from death ([Exodus 12:1-13](/exodus/12-1-13 "Exodus 12:1-13 - The First Passover")). His blood, however, brings not just temporal deliverance but eternal salvation, providing a once-for-all atonement for sin that the repeated sacrifices of the Old Covenant could never fully achieve ([Hebrews 10:1-4](/hebrews/10-1-4 "Hebrews 10:1-4 - The Inadequacy of Old Covenant Sacrifices")). He is the Mediator of the New Covenant, the very one prophesied by Jeremiah, who would inaugurate a new era where God's law is written on hearts and sins are remembered no more ([Jeremiah 31:31-34](/jeremiah/31-31-34 "Jeremiah 31:31-34 - Prophecy of the New Covenant")). By shedding His blood, Jesus fulfills the Servant Song prophecies of Isaiah, becoming the suffering servant "pierced for our transgressions" and bearing "the iniquity of us all" ([Isaiah 53:5-6](/isaiah/53-5-6 "Isaiah 53:5-6 - The Suffering Servant")). His words at the Last Supper transform the ancient Passover into a celebration of His own redemptive work, establishing the means by which humanity can be reconciled to God and enter into the fullness of His grace, securing eternal life for all who put their faith in the efficacy of His shed blood ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God's Love and Eternal Life")).

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

Hebrews 10:4

For [it is] not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins.

Hebrews 10:14

For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.

Hebrews 9:14

How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?

Hebrews 9:22

And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.

Leviticus 17:11

For the life of the flesh [is] in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls: for it [is] the blood [that] maketh an atonement for the soul.

Matthew 20:28

Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.

Exodus 24:7

And he took the book of the covenant, and read in the audience of the people: and they said, All that the LORD hath said will we do, and be obedient.