Matthew 26 28

Matthew 26:28 kjv

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

Matthew 26:28 nkjv

For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.

Matthew 26:28 niv

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

Matthew 26:28 esv

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

Matthew 26:28 nlt

for this is my blood, which confirms the covenant between God and his people. It is poured out as a sacrifice to forgive the sins of many.

Matthew 26 verses

Matthew 26 28 Meaning

Matthew 26:28 declares the profound purpose of Jesus' sacrificial blood. It identifies this blood as the seal of the new covenant, not a temporary agreement but one that perpetually remits sin. This singular act of His self-sacrifice, poured out for many, provides the means for true and lasting forgiveness of sins, establishing a direct and renewed relationship between God and humanity.

Matthew 26 28 Context

Matthew 26:28 is part of Jesus' discourse during the Last Supper with His disciples, held in the context of the Jewish Passover feast. This momentous event, occurring the night before His crucifixion, serves as a pivotal transition point. The Passover commemorated God's deliverance of Israel from slavery in Egypt through the blood of the lamb. Jesus redefines this ancient feast, transforming its meaning from a remembrance of past physical deliverance to a prophetic declaration of future spiritual liberation. He institutes the new ritual of the Lord's Supper, wherein the bread represents His broken body and the wine, His shed blood. This verse, specifically about the cup, explains the profound significance and purpose of His impending sacrifice, directly linking His blood to the establishment of the New Covenant and the forgiveness of sins. It encapsulates the very essence of His mission and the New Testament message of redemption.

Matthew 26 28 Word Analysis

• For (γὰρ - gar): A conjunction indicating a reason or explanation, introducing the profound meaning behind the statement concerning the cup. It connects Jesus' declaration to the previous act of distributing the cup.
• this (τοῦτο - touto): Neuter demonstrative pronoun, referring to the content of the cup, which is the wine, but directly identifying it symbolically with His blood. This is a substantive statement of identity in function, not literal transubstantiation in the sense of the physical substance, but rather it is truly and effectively His blood in its salvific power.
• is (ἐστιν - estin): The present indicative verb "is" denotes direct identification and reality. It’s a predicate nominative, establishing a direct link between the cup's content and Jesus' sacrificial blood.
• My (μου - mou): Possessive pronoun emphasizing the personal and unique nature of the sacrifice. It highlights that this is His blood, distinguishing it from all other sacrificial blood.
• blood (αἷμά - haima): Central to Old Testament atonement. Blood symbolized life (Lev 17:11) and was required for covenant sealing (Ex 24:8) and forgiveness of sin through sacrifice. Jesus' blood fulfills and surpasses all prior animal sacrifices, being the perfect and ultimate sacrifice for reconciliation.
• of the new (τῆς καινῆς - tēs kainēs):
  • new (καινῆς - kainēs): Not merely "recent" (neos) but "new in quality" or "fresh, unprecedented." This signifies a covenant fundamentally different and superior to the Mosaic covenant. It implies a qualitative change, marking a new relationship, internal transformation, and spiritual renewal, as prophesied in Jer 31.
• covenant (διαθήκης - diathēkēs): From diatheke, meaning "a disposition," "will," or "testament," often referring to a binding agreement initiated by God. In the biblical context, it describes a relationship God establishes with humanity, based on His promises and terms. Here, it refers to the New Covenant prophesied by Jeremiah (Jer 31:31-34), sealed by Jesus' blood.
• which is shed (τὸ ἐκχυνόμενον - to ekchymenon):
  • shed (ἐκχυνόμενον - ekchymenon): A present participle, indicating a pouring out that is about to happen or is presently in the act of happening from Jesus' perspective (His immediate future crucifixion). It signifies a violent, sacrificial pouring forth, reflecting the voluntary offering of His life. It echoes Old Testament language for pouring out of life, e.g., in sacrifice or death.
• for many (περὶ πολλῶν - peri pollōn):
  • for (περὶ - peri): Means "concerning" or "on behalf of," indicating the beneficial purpose of the shedding.
  • many (πολλῶν - pollōn): From polys, often translated as "many." In a Semitic idiom, particularly in Isaiah 53, "many" can denote "all" or "the multitude" of people (both Jews and Gentiles) who would benefit from the sacrifice, rather than a limited number. It signifies a universal efficacy and vast reach, though its application requires faith. It implies that while available to all, its specific salvific application is for those who receive it.
• for the forgiveness (εἰς ἄφεσιν - eis aphesin):
  • for (εἰς - eis): Denotes purpose or result, clearly stating the ultimate aim of the blood's shedding.
  • forgiveness (ἄφεσιν - aphesin): From aphesis, meaning "release," "remission," "pardon," "sending away," or "discharge." It signifies a complete legal and spiritual pardon, the removal and dismissal of sins, breaking the bond of guilt and sin's penalty.
• of sins (ἁμαρτιῶν - hamartiōn): Plural of hamartia, referring to acts of disobedience or a state of estrangement from God resulting from such acts. The blood provides forgiveness for all types and acts of sin.

Words-group analysis:

• "My blood of the new covenant": This phrase links Jesus' self-sacrifice directly to the fulfillment of prophecy, establishing a completely new covenant relationship with God. It contrasts with the Old Covenant which relied on animal blood, and points to the permanent efficacy of Jesus' single offering.
• "which is shed for many": Highlights the purpose and scope of Jesus' death. It emphasizes His vicarious suffering and sacrificial atonement, poured out for a vast multitude, echoing the suffering Servant passages in Isaiah 53, signifying a broad and redemptive efficacy.
• "for the forgiveness of sins": Clearly articulates the salvific outcome of Jesus' death. This forgiveness is total and complete release from the guilt, penalty, and power of sin, enabling reconciliation with a holy God. This is the ultimate goal of the entire salvific act.

Matthew 26 28 Bonus Section

The terminology of "new covenant" immediately signals a contrast with the "old covenant," the Mosaic Law given at Sinai. The original context of the Jewish Passover and the established sacrificial system highlighted humanity's need for atonement and divine provision for dealing with sin. Jesus' declaration during the Last Supper performs a transformative reinterpretation: the ultimate Passover Lamb is Himself, His sacrifice bringing a more excellent and enduring reconciliation. The concept of "shed for many" implicitly emphasizes corporate solidarity; just as Adam's sin brought condemnation to "many," Christ's obedience brings justification to "many" (Rom 5:15-19), ensuring His work covers the vast expanse of human brokenness and opens the way for all who believe. This covenant, unlike its predecessor, cannot be broken by human failure because it rests solely on God's unwavering grace and Christ's finished work.

Matthew 26 28 Commentary

Matthew 26:28 stands as a theological cornerstone, presenting the heart of the gospel message in a single declaration by Jesus during the institution of the Lord's Supper. His declaration that "this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the forgiveness of sins" is multifaceted. Firstly, it unmistakably identifies His forthcoming death as a true sacrifice, a fulfillment of centuries of Israel's sacrificial system but transcending all previous offerings in its finality and perfection. The concept of "blood" is deeply rooted in the Old Testament, where it symbolized life and was the means of atonement; Jesus' blood is the ultimate, non-repeating atonement (Heb 9:12, 28).

Secondly, it inaugurates the "new covenant," prophesied in Jeremiah 31:31-34. This new agreement is qualitatively different, established not on external laws and temporary sacrifices, but on an internal transformation and the perpetual efficacy of Christ's blood. This covenant promises a direct, intimate relationship with God, characterized by indwelling of His Spirit and a remembering of sins no more.

Thirdly, the blood is "shed for many." This phrase, reflecting the language of Isaiah 53:11-12, indicates a vicarious and efficacious atonement that extends to a vast, inclusive number—encompassing both Jews and Gentiles—who respond in faith. It is not numerically restrictive but denotes the abundant and sufficient scope of Christ's saving work for humanity.

Finally, the explicit purpose of this sacrificial act is "the forgiveness of sins." This forgiveness (aphesis) is not merely overlooking sin, but a complete release from its guilt, power, and condemnation. Through His blood, humanity is reconciled to God, granting access to His presence and the promise of eternal life. This verse underscores that the core objective of Christ's passion was to deal decisively with the sin that separates humanity from God, providing full and final pardon through His perfect sacrifice.

• Practical usage example: When Christians partake in communion, this verse reminds them that they are participating in the new covenant, sealed by Christ's shed blood, through which they continually receive the assurance of God's forgiveness for their sins. It calls them to remember the cost of their salvation and to live in light of His liberating grace.