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.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **potḗrion**, represented by `{{G4221}}`, refers to a **drinking-vessel**. It appears **33 times** across **30 unique verses** in the Bible. While its literal meaning is a **cup**, it extends to mean the contents of the vessel, and more importantly, it is used figuratively to represent a person's **lot or fate**.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its literal sense, `{{G4221}}` is used when Jesus critiques the **Pharisees** `{{G5330}}` who "make clean the outside of the **cup** and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess" [[Matthew 23:25]]. It is also used to describe a simple act of charity, where giving even a **cup** of cold **water** `{{G5593}}` to a disciple will not lose its reward [[Matthew 10:42]]. The word takes on profound figurative weight in several key contexts. It symbolizes the suffering of Christ, who prayed, "O my **Father**, if it be possible, let this **cup** pass from me" [[Matthew 26:39]]. It is also central to the establishment of communion, where the **cup** becomes the "new **testament** in my **blood**" [[Luke 22:20]]. In Revelation, it represents divine judgment, referring to "the **cup** of his **indignation**" [[Revelation 14:10]] and the **golden** `{{G5552}}` **cup** in the hand of Babylon, "full of **abominations**" [[Revelation 17:4]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words expand upon the literal and figurative meanings of the **cup**:
* `{{G4095}}` **pínō** (to drink): As the verb from which **potḗrion** is derived, **pínō** is essential to its meaning. It is used both literally and figuratively, often in direct connection with the **cup**, as when Jesus says "the **cup** which my Father hath given me, shall I not **drink** it?" [[John 18:11]].
* `{{G129}}` **haîma** (blood): This word is directly linked to the **cup** of the New Covenant. In the Last Supper, the **cup** is explicitly defined by its connection to the atoning **blood** of **Christ** `{{G5547}}`, establishing the "communion of the **blood** of Christ" ([[1 Corinthians 10:16]], [[Luke 22:20]]).
* `{{G1242}}` **diathḗkē** (covenant, testament): This term defines the sacred agreement that the **cup** represents. Jesus calls the **cup** "the new **testament** in my blood," signifying a new **covenant** established through his sacrifice ([[Luke 22:20]], [[1 Corinthians 11:25]]).
* `{{G3709}}` **orgḗ** (wrath, indignation): This word describes the content of the figurative **cup** of judgment. In Revelation, the unrighteous drink from "the **cup** of his **indignation**," which holds the **wine** `{{G3631}}` of God's **wrath** ([[Revelation 14:10]], [[Revelation 16:19]]).
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G4221}}` is immense, encompassing themes of suffering, communion, and judgment.
* **The Cup of Suffering:** The **cup** represents the immense suffering and **death** `{{G2288}}` Jesus was destined to endure. His prayer to let the **cup** pass, followed by his submission to the **Father's** `{{G3962}}` **will** `{{G2307}}`, demonstrates his obedience and the depth of his sacrifice ([[Matthew 26:39]], [[Luke 22:42]]).
* **The Cup of the New Covenant:** At the Last Supper, the **cup** is transformed into a symbol of the **new testament** `{{G1242}}` ratified by Christ's **blood** `{{G129}}`. This "cup of blessing" [[1 Corinthians 10:16]] establishes the **communion** `{{G2842}}` between Christ and believers, who are to drink it in **remembrance** of him [[1 Corinthians 11:25]].
* **The Cup of Divine Judgment:** In stark contrast, `{{G4221}}` is also used to symbolize God's judgment upon sin. Those who worship the beast must **drink** of the **wine** of the **wrath** of **God** from the **cup** of His **indignation** [[Revelation 14:10]]. Babylon is given this **cup** to drink [[Revelation 16:19]], and her own golden **cup** is full of the **filthiness** `{{G168}}` of her **fornication** `{{G4202}}` [[Revelation 17:4]].
### Summary
In summary, **potḗrion** `{{G4221}}` evolves from a simple **drinking-vessel** to one of scripture's most potent symbols. It encapsulates a profound duality: representing both the suffering and submission of Christ in the **cup** given by the **Father**, and the **communion** of the **new covenant** in his **blood**. At the same time, it serves as a terrifying image of divine judgment, the **cup** of **wrath** poured out upon unrepentant wickedness. Thus, `{{G4221}}` illustrates how a common object can be imbued with layers of theological meaning, signifying fate, covenant, and final judgment.
TRV