Luke 22 17

Luke 22:17 kjv

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

Luke 22:17 nkjv

Then He took the cup, and gave thanks, and said, "Take this and divide it among yourselves;

Luke 22:17 niv

After taking the cup, he gave thanks and said, "Take this and divide it among you.

Luke 22:17 esv

And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he said, "Take this, and divide it among yourselves.

Luke 22:17 nlt

Then he took a cup of wine and gave thanks to God for it. Then he said, "Take this and share it among yourselves.

Luke 22 verses

Luke 22 17 Meaning

Luke 22:17 describes an early phase of the Passover meal, where Jesus takes a cup, expresses gratitude to God, and instructs His disciples to share its contents among themselves. This action establishes a precedent for shared participation and fellowship, transforming a customary element of the Passover into a symbolic gesture that foreshadows the unity and communal experience of believers in Christ.

Luke 22 17 Context

Luke 22:17 is set during Jesus' final Passover meal with His disciples, described in Luke's Gospel as the Passover (Lk 22:7-8). This verse introduces the first of two distinct cups in Luke's unique account of the Last Supper. Unlike Matthew and Mark, who feature a single cup (associated with the New Covenant and Christ's blood after the bread), Luke records an earlier cup before the bread, followed by the specific covenantal cup in verse 20. Culturally, the Jewish Passover Seder traditionally included four cups of wine. This initial cup in Luke 22:17 likely corresponds to one of the first two ceremonial cups of the Seder (e.g., the "cup of sanctification"). Jesus' participation in this tradition, while imbuing it with new spiritual significance, prepares His disciples for His impending suffering and the institution of a New Covenant. The explicit command to "divide it among yourselves" also subtly foreshadows the disciples' later argument about who among them was the greatest (Lk 22:24).

Luke 22 17 Word analysis

• And: Kai (Greek: καὶ). A connective conjunction, seamlessly linking this action to the ongoing narrative of the Passover meal.
• he took: labōn (Greek: λαβών). A participle from lambanō, meaning to take, seize, or receive. It highlights Jesus' intentional and authoritative act, initiating the significant ritual.
• the cup,: to potērion (Greek: τὸ ποτήριον). The definite article 'the' denotes a specific, identifiable cup within the Passover Seder, signaling its significance. It refers to a traditional cup of wine used early in the meal, distinct from the New Covenant cup.
• and gave thanks,: kai eucharistēsas (Greek: καὶ εὐχαριστήσας). From eucharisteō, meaning to give thanks, to express gratitude. This pivotal word is the root of "Eucharist" or "Communion." Jesus frequently performed this act before significant meals or miracles involving food (e.g., feeding the multitudes), demonstrating a devout acknowledgement of God's provision and sovereignty. It underscores prayer and blessing offered to God.
• and said,: kai eipen (Greek: καὶ εἶπεν). Introduces Jesus' direct spoken instruction, giving His subsequent words a tone of authority and imperative for His disciples.
• Take this,: Labete touto (Greek: Λάβετε τοῦτο). A direct imperative ("Take ye," plural), instructing all disciples present to receive or accept the cup. It emphasizes their individual yet collective participation in the action commanded by Jesus.
• and divide it: kai diamerisasthe (Greek: καὶ διαμερίσασθε). From diamerizō, a strong verb meaning to distribute thoroughly, share out, or apportion among many. This clear command dictates that the contents of the cup are not for solitary consumption but for a common, shared experience among the group.
• among yourselves: eis heautous (Greek: εἰς ἑαυτούς). Literally "among yourselves." This phrase directly specifies the beneficiaries of the sharing—the disciples themselves—underscoring the communal, unified, and inclusive nature of their fellowship around Jesus. It implies an egalitarian distribution, with no one disciple receiving a special portion or exclusion.

Luke 22 17 Bonus section

Luke's unique portrayal of two distinct cups in his Last Supper narrative (v.17 and v.20) has generated much scholarly discussion, highlighting a detailed preservation of Passover ritual elements. The cup in verse 17, likely an initial Passover cup of sanctification or blessing, signifies Jesus’ reverence for and fulfillment of the Law and Jewish tradition even as He prepares to initiate the new. This act of communal sharing of the cup is a precursor to the Christian communion, where participation is universally shared, reinforcing the message of equality in Christ. This shared experience underlines that the New Covenant, though singular, is to be entered into and lived out collectively by the community of believers.

Luke 22 17 Commentary

Luke 22:17 provides crucial insight into the Lukan sequence of the Last Supper, marking an early moment distinct from the later institution of the New Covenant. Jesus, acting within the customary framework of the Jewish Passover Seder, transforms a traditional practice of taking a ceremonial cup and giving thanks into an act imbued with renewed purpose. His direct command to "divide it among yourselves" emphasizes not just the act of sharing, but the profound significance of community and mutual participation within the unfolding Kingdom of God. This instruction fosters a sense of unity and shared blessing among the disciples, laying the groundwork for the koinonia (fellowship) that would characterize the nascent Christian church. It highlights that the blessings of God are meant to be collectively experienced and shared, serving as an important backdrop to the forthcoming dispute among the disciples concerning their individual greatness (Lk 22:24).