King James Version

What Does 1 Corinthians 11:24 Mean?

1 Corinthians 11:24 in the King James Version says “And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in rem... — study this verse from 1 Corinthians chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. in: or, for a remembrance

1 Corinthians 11:24 · KJV


Context

22

What? have ye not houses to eat and to drink in? or despise ye the church of God, and shame them that have not? What shall I say to you? shall I praise you in this? I praise you not. have not: or, are poor?

23

For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread:

24

And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. in: or, for a remembrance

25

After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me.

26

For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come. ye do: or, shew ye


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of meΕὐχαριστήσας (eucharistēsas, having given thanks)—the term from which "Eucharist" derives. Jesus thanked the Father for the bread that symbolized His impending death—stunning faith. Ἔκλασεν (eklasen, he broke) is symbolic: breaking bread pictures His body broken on the cross.

This is my body, which is broken for youΤοῦτό μού ἐστιν τὸ σῶμα τὸ ὑπὲρ ὑμῶν. The verb "is" has generated centuries of debate (transubstantiation, consubstantiation, memorialism). Paul's focus is hyper hymōn (for you)—substitutionary atonement. Christ's body broken for us, in our place, bearing our judgment. This do in remembrance of me (τοῦτο ποιεῖτε εἰς τὴν ἐμὴν ἀνάμνησιν)—anamnēsis (remembrance) is more than mental recall; it's covenant renewal, re-presenting and participating in the reality of Christ's death. The Table makes the past sacrifice present to faith.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Jewish Passover was zikkaron (memorial)—not mere memory but covenant actualization. Each generation participated in the Exodus (Exodus 13:8: 'tell your son... what the Lord did for me'). Jesus reinterprets this: the Lord's Supper is Christian Passover, re-enacting and applying Christ's exodus from sin and death. Early Christians celebrated weekly (Acts 20:7), seeing the Table as central to Christian identity and worship. Paul's account emphasizes the meal's covenantal and memorial nature against Corinthian abuse.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does it mean that Christ's body was broken 'for you'—how does substitutionary atonement shape your approach to the Table?
  2. How is 'remembrance' in the Lord's Supper different from ordinary memory—what does covenant renewal look like?
  3. How often should churches celebrate the Lord's Supper, and what theology of the Table shapes that frequency?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 22 words
καὶ1 of 22

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

εὐχαριστήσας2 of 22

when he had given thanks

G2168

to be grateful, i.e., (actively) to express gratitude (towards); specially, to say grace at a meal

κλώμενον·3 of 22

he brake

G2806

to break (specially, of bread)

καὶ4 of 22

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

εἶπεν5 of 22

said

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

Λάβετε,6 of 22

Take

G2983

while g0138 is more violent, to seize or remove))

φάγετε,7 of 22

eat

G5315

to eat (literally or figuratively)

τοῦτο8 of 22

this

G5124

that thing

μου9 of 22

my

G3450

of me

ἐστὶν10 of 22

is

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

τὴν11 of 22

which

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

σῶμα12 of 22

body

G4983

the body (as a sound whole), used in a very wide application, literally or figuratively

τὴν13 of 22

which

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ὑπὲρ14 of 22

for

G5228

"over", i.e., (with the genitive case) of place, above, beyond, across, or causal, for the sake of, instead, regarding; with the accusative case super

ὑμῶν15 of 22

you

G5216

of (from or concerning) you

κλώμενον·16 of 22

he brake

G2806

to break (specially, of bread)

τοῦτο17 of 22

this

G5124

that thing

ποιεῖτε18 of 22

do

G4160

to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)

εἰς19 of 22

in

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

τὴν20 of 22

which

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἐμὴν21 of 22

of me

G1699

my

ἀνάμνησιν22 of 22

remembrance

G364

recollection


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 1 Corinthians. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 Corinthians 11:24 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 Corinthians 11:24 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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