Matthew 26 27

Matthew 26:27 kjv

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

Matthew 26:27 nkjv

Then He took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, "Drink from it, all of you.

Matthew 26:27 niv

Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, "Drink from it, all of you.

Matthew 26:27 esv

And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, saying, "Drink of it, all of you,

Matthew 26:27 nlt

And he took a cup of wine and gave thanks to God for it. He gave it to them and said, "Each of you drink from it,

Matthew 26 verses

Matthew 26 27 Meaning

Matthew 26:27 recounts Jesus at the Last Supper taking a cup, offering thanks, and giving it to His disciples with the clear instruction for all of them to drink from it. This pivotal moment initiates the sacrament of communion, symbolizing the establishment of the New Covenant sealed by His blood, which is shed for the remission of sins. The act emphasizes corporate participation in His redemptive work.

Matthew 26 27 Context

Matthew 26:27 is an integral part of the Last Supper narrative (Matthew 26:17-30), which immediately precedes Jesus' betrayal, arrest, and crucifixion. This event takes place during the Jewish feast of Passover, a deeply symbolic meal commemorating Israel's liberation from slavery in Egypt. Jesus and His disciples are observing the Passover Seder, a meal rich with ancient ritual and symbolism. Within this traditional context, Jesus reinterprets key elements, specifically the bread and the wine, to point to His impending sacrifice and the establishment of a New Covenant. Verse 27 follows Jesus' blessing and breaking of the bread, initiating the second main element of what would become the Christian communion. The scene is set for Jesus' final instructions before His suffering begins, solidifying His redemptive work as the ultimate Passover Lamb.

Matthew 26 27 Word analysis

• Then (καὶ - kai): A conjunction that continues the narrative directly from the institution of the bread (Matthew 26:26). It signifies a seamless transition within the Passover Seder, connecting the bread and the cup as two parts of one continuous, significant act.
• He (ὁ - ho): Refers directly to Jesus, emphasizing His unique and active role as the institutor of this new practice.
• took (λαβὼν - labōn): An aorist active participle of λαμβάνω (lambanō), meaning "having taken" or "after taking." It denotes a deliberate, conscious action by Jesus. In the context of the Last Supper, this mirrors the actions of the host at a Passover meal.
• the cup (τὸ ποτήριον - to potērion): The definite article "the" indicates a specific, identifiable cup. Within the Passover Seder, this is generally understood to be the third cup, the "Cup of Redemption," or possibly the fourth cup, the "Cup of Praise." Jesus infuses this pre-existing Jewish symbol with new, profound Christian meaning, associating it directly with His blood and the New Covenant. The cup, in prophetic and poetic contexts, also frequently symbolizes suffering or God's wrath (e.g., Ps 75:8, Isa 51:17, Jer 25:15).
• and gave thanks (εὐχαριστήσας - eucharistēsas): An aorist active participle of εὐχαριστέω (eucharisteō), the root word for "Eucharist." This is more than a polite "thank you"; it's a profound act of prayer, blessing, and thanksgiving to God, reflecting Jesus' habitual practice (Mt 14:19, 15:36). It points to the understanding that all spiritual gifts come from God and anticipate His glorious triumph over sin and death through His sacrifice.
• and gave it (ἔδωκεν - edōken): An aorist active indicative of δίδωμι (didōmi), meaning "He gave." This action emphasizes distribution and sharing, signifying that what Jesus established is meant for communal participation, not exclusive retention by Him.
• to them (αὐτοῖς - autois): Refers to the disciples present at the Last Supper.
• saying (λέγων - legōn): A present active participle of λέγω (legō), indicating that Jesus' words were spoken concurrently with the act of giving, highlighting the crucial explanatory nature of His words for the symbolism of the cup.
• “Drink (Πίετε - piete): An aorist active imperative of πίνω (pinō). This is a direct, emphatic command, not a suggestion or invitation. It stresses the necessity of participation in the act. The plural form ensures that the command applies to all addressed.
• from it (ἐξ αὐτοῦ - ex autou): Lit. "out of it." This prepositional phrase emphasizes that they are to partake from the contents of the cup, not just touch or acknowledge the vessel itself.
• all of you” (πάντες - pantes): This Greek word means "all," "every one," or "everyone without exception." It is a critical inclusion, ensuring that no disciple is excluded from partaking of the cup. This directly counters later practices in some Christian traditions where the laity might be denied the cup during communion. It underscores the universal call to partake in the benefits of Christ's New Covenant.

Words-group analysis

• He took the cup, and gave thanks: This phrase portrays Jesus acting as a high priest, sanctifying the cup through a prayer of thanksgiving. This solemn action, deeply rooted in Jewish tradition of blessing, elevates the mundane act of drinking into a sacred institution, establishing its spiritual significance for all time.
• and gave it to them: This indicates the transfer of the consecrated element to the disciples, signifying the communal aspect of the sacrament. It is not an individual ritual for Jesus alone, but a shared meal that establishes participation for all believers.
• saying, “Drink from it, all of you.”: This is Jesus' authoritative command, making it clear that partaking of the cup is a mandatory aspect of the instituted practice for those present. The inclusion of "all of you" highlights inclusivity and universal participation for those present, setting a precedent for communion in the church—that all communicants are meant to partake of both the bread and the cup.

Matthew 26 27 Bonus section

• Passover Seder Connection: The specific cup Jesus took is often identified as the third of the four cups traditionally drunk during the Passover Seder, known as the "Cup of Redemption" or the "Cup of Blessing." This particular cup follows the main meal and focuses on God's salvation. By associating His blood with this cup, Jesus redefined the traditional symbols of Israel's past redemption to signify His ultimate redemption for humanity.
• Blood of the Covenant: The phrase "blood of the covenant" has deep roots in the Old Testament, particularly in Exodus 24:8, where Moses sprinkles blood to ratify the Sinaitic covenant. Jesus’ use of this imagery establishes a powerful parallel and fulfillment: His blood replaces the animal sacrifices, ushering in a superior, eternal New Covenant prophesied by Jeremiah (Jer 31:31-34), under which sins are forgiven and the law is written on the heart.
• Polemics against restricting communion: The explicit command "all of you" in Matthew and "they all drank from it" in Mark 14:23 provided crucial biblical backing for Christian traditions that emphasize the importance of laity partaking of both the bread and the cup in communion, countering practices in history that withheld the cup from the common believer. This universal command underlines the equal access to the full benefits of Christ's atoning work for every believer.
• Meaning of "Thanksgiving": The term "gave thanks" (εὐχαριστήσας) gives rise to the English word "Eucharist." It implies more than mere politeness. It is a liturgical act of profound gratitude to God, acknowledging His saving power and blessings. Jesus' thanksgiving sets a pattern for believers to approach the sacrament with a heart of praise for God's redemptive work.

Matthew 26 27 Commentary

Matthew 26:27 details Jesus' action of taking the cup, giving thanks, and instructing His disciples to partake, underscoring the communal and participatory nature of the New Covenant He was inaugurating. This is a foundational moment for Christian communion, symbolizing Christ's shed blood as the new covenant sacrifice, which brings forgiveness of sins. The thanksgiving (eucharisteo) Jesus offered not only sanctified the cup but also acknowledged God's redemptive plan. The imperative "Drink from it, all of you" is significant; it ensures that every disciple present partakes in the new covenant, highlighting unity in Christ's atonement. This command holds immense theological weight, emphasizing that the benefits of Christ's sacrifice are for all who believe, providing a divine mandate against practices that might limit access to the cup for believers.