neuter of a derivative of the alternate of πίνω; a drinking-vessel; by extension, the contents thereof, i.e. a cupful (draught); figuratively, a lot or fate:--cup.
Transliteration:potḗrion
Pronunciation:pot-ay'-ree-on
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word ποτήριον (potḗrion, `{{G4221}}`) primarily denotes a "drinking-vessel" or "cup." Its etymological root traces back to πίνω (pinō, `{{G4095}}`), meaning "to drink," clearly establishing its primary function. Beyond this literal sense of a physical container, ποτήριον extends semantically to encompass the "contents of the cup," referring to the liquid itself, such as a "cupful" or "draught."
Crucially, ποτήριον also carries profound figurative meanings. In biblical literature, it frequently symbolizes a "lot," "portion," "destiny," or "experience" assigned to an individual or group. This figurative usage can signify either a share of blessing and salvation or, more commonly, a portion of suffering, affliction, or divine judgment. This dual capacity for both literal and highly symbolic meaning makes ποτήριον a word of significant theological depth.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The occurrences of ποτήριον in the New Testament are highly significant, often appearing in contexts central to Christian theology:
1. **The Last Supper and Eucharist:** The most prominent literal usage is found in the accounts of the Last Supper, where Jesus institutes the Lord's Supper. Here, the cup represents the new covenant established through His blood, poured out for the forgiveness of sins ([[Matthew 26:27-28]], [[Mark 14:23-24]], [[Luke 22:17-20]]). Paul elaborates on this in his instructions concerning the Lord's Supper, referring to the "cup of blessing" as a participation in the blood of Christ and the "cup of the Lord" as distinct from the "cup of demons" ([[1 Corinthians 10:16]], [[1 Corinthians 11:25-26]]). In these contexts, the cup is a tangible symbol of Christ's sacrificial work and the new covenant.
2. **The Cup of Suffering/Divine Will:** Perhaps the most poignant figurative use is found in the Garden of Gethsemane, where Jesus prays, "My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will" ([[Matthew 26:39]]; cf. [[Mark 14:36]], [[Luke 22:42]]). Here, the "cup" unequivocally symbolizes the immense suffering, separation from the Father, and the full weight of divine wrath against sin that Jesus was about to endure on the cross. It represents the specific, dreadful portion assigned to Him by the Father's will. Earlier, Jesus challenges James and John about their ability to "drink the cup that I drink" ([[Mark 10:38-39]]; cf. [[Matthew 20:22-23]]), indicating a sharing in His suffering and destiny.
3. **The Cup of Divine Wrath/Judgment:** In the book of Revelation, ποτήριον frequently denotes the "cup of God's wrath" or "cup of His indignation." This imagery is drawn from the Old Testament prophets (e.g., [[Isaiah 51:17]], [[Jeremiah 25:15-16]], [[Psalm 75:8]]) and signifies the outpouring of God's righteous judgment upon the wicked ([[Revelation 14:10]], [[Revelation 16:19]], [[Revelation 18:6]]). It represents a full measure of deserved retribution.
4. **Figurative of Purity/Hypocrisy:** In a different application, Jesus critiques the Pharisees for cleaning "the outside of the cup and of the dish, but inside they are full of robbery and self-indulgence" ([[Matthew 23:25-26]]). Here, the cup represents the outward appearance of righteousness, contrasting sharply with the inner corruption.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of ποτήριον is enriched by its connections to several related terms and concepts:
* πίνω (pinō, `{{G4095}}`): The verb "to drink," from which ποτήριον is derived, highlights the action associated with the cup.
* οἶνος (oinos, `{{G3631}}`): "Wine," the typical content of the cup in many biblical contexts, particularly the Last Supper.
* ἄρτος (artos, `{{G740}}`): "Bread," which, alongside the cup, forms the two elements of the Lord's Supper, symbolizing Christ's body and blood.
* **Old Testament Parallels:** The concept of the "cup" as a metaphor for destiny or judgment is deeply rooted in the Old Testament. The "cup of wrath" or "cup of trembling" (e.g., `{{H3563}}` *kos* in [[Psalm 75:8]], [[Isaiah 51:17]], [[Jeremiah 25:15]]) directly prefigures the New Testament usage in Revelation and Gethsemane. Conversely, the "cup of salvation" ([[Psalm 116:13]]) offers a counterpoint, representing deliverance and blessing.
* **Theological Concepts:** The word ποτήριον is intrinsically linked to core theological concepts such as:
* **Covenant:** The "new covenant in My blood" ([[Luke 22:20]]).
* **Sacrifice/Atonement:** Christ's drinking of the cup of wrath.
* **Communion/Fellowship:** Participation in the Lord's Supper.
* **Judgment/Wrath:** The cup of divine indignation.
* **Suffering:** The shared experience of Christ and His followers.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of ποτήριον is profound and multifaceted:
1. **The Heart of the New Covenant:** In the institution of the Lord's Supper, the cup stands as a tangible symbol of the new covenant, inaugurated by the shedding of Christ's blood. It points to the vicarious atonement, where His life was given as a ransom for many, establishing a new relationship between God and humanity based on grace and forgiveness. Partaking of the cup is an act of remembrance, proclamation, and participation in this covenant.
2. **The Depth of Christ's Obedience and Sacrifice:** The "cup" in Gethsemane reveals the agonizing reality of Christ's mission. It was not merely physical suffering He dreaded, but the bearing of the full, unmitigated wrath of God against sin. His willingness to drink this cup demonstrates His perfect obedience to the Father's will and the infinite cost of redemption. It underscores the substitutionary nature of His sacrifice.
3. **Divine Justice and Judgment:** The "cup of wrath" imagery in Revelation serves as a stark reminder of God's absolute holiness and righteous judgment against all forms of ungodliness and rebellion. It assures believers that evil will not ultimately triumph and that divine justice will be fully executed.
4. **Call to Discipleship and Shared Experience:** Jesus' challenge to His disciples to drink His cup signifies that following Him involves a willingness to share in His sufferings, persecutions, and self-denial. It is a call to radical commitment and identification with Christ's mission, even unto death.
5. **Communion and Identity:** The "cup of blessing" in [[1 Corinthians 10:16]] signifies the believer's profound communion with Christ and with one another. Through this shared meal, believers affirm their identity as the body of Christ, united by His blood.
### Summary
The Greek word ποτήριον (potḗrion, `{{G4221}}`), while literally denoting a "cup" or "drinking-vessel," carries immense theological weight through its extended semantic range. It serves as a powerful metaphor for a person's destiny or allotted portion, whether of blessing, suffering, or divine judgment. Its most significant biblical occurrences are found in the institution of the Lord's Supper, where it symbolizes the new covenant in Christ's blood, and in Gethsemane, where it represents the full agony of divine wrath Christ willingly bore for humanity's redemption. Furthermore, ποτήριον depicts God's righteous judgment in Revelation and underscores the call to discipleship involving shared suffering. Thus, ποτήριον is a word central to understanding the vicarious atonement, the nature of Christian communion, and the profound justice and mercy of God.
TRV