King James Version

What Does 1 Corinthians 11:25 Mean?

1 Corinthians 11:25 in the King James Version says “After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this ...” — study this verse from 1 Corinthians chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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.”

1 Corinthians 11:25 · KJV

Context

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

27

Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord.

Read 1 Corinthians 11 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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—Μετὰ τὸ δειπνῆσαι (after supper)—the cup came after the meal (the third or fourth Passover cup). Τοῦτο τὸ ποτήριον ἡ καινὴ διαθήκη ἐστὶν ἐν τῷ αἵματί μου—this cup is the new covenant in my blood.

Diathēkē (covenant/testament) evokes Jeremiah 31:31-34 (new covenant), Exodus 24:8 (Moses's blood ratification), and Zechariah 9:11 (blood of covenant). The new covenant, promised by the prophets, is ratified by Christ's blood, replacing the Mosaic covenant's animal sacrifices with His once-for-all offering (Hebrews 9:11-28). As oft as ye drink it (ὁσάκις ἐὰν πίνητε)—frequency is unspecified but regularity assumed. Each participation re-proclaims covenant membership in Christ's death and the new exodus from sin.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Passover's third cup was the 'cup of blessing' or 'cup of redemption,' celebrating Israel's deliverance from Egypt. Jesus transforms this into the cup of new covenant—deliverance from sin. The phrase 'new covenant' was revolutionary: it declared the Mosaic covenant fulfilled and inaugurated the messianic age. First-century Jews awaited this (Ezekiel 36:25-27, Jeremiah 31:31-34). Paul's inclusion of this language shows the Table's eschatological significance: we participate now in the age to come.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the new covenant ratified by Christ's blood differ from and fulfill the old covenant ratified by animal blood?
  2. What does it mean to 'drink the cup' of the new covenant—what are we affirming about our identity in Christ?
  3. How should the frequency of communion practice reflect its covenantal and memorial significance?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 28 words
ὡσαύτως1 of 28

“After the same manner”

G5615

as thus, i.e., in the same way

καὶ2 of 28

“also”

G2532

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

τὸ3 of 28
G3588

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

ποτήριον4 of 28

“cup”

G4221

a drinking-vessel; by extension, the contents thereof, i.e., a cupful (draught); figuratively, a lot or fate

μετὰ5 of 28

“when”

G3326

properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)

τὸ6 of 28
G3588

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

δειπνῆσαι7 of 28

“he had supped”

G1172

to dine, i.e., take the principle (or evening) meal

λέγων,8 of 28

“saying”

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

τοῦτο9 of 28

“This”

G5124

that thing

τὸ10 of 28
G3588

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

ποτήριον11 of 28

“cup”

G4221

a drinking-vessel; by extension, the contents thereof, i.e., a cupful (draught); figuratively, a lot or fate

ἡ12 of 28
G3588

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

καινὴ13 of 28

“the new”

G2537

new (especially in freshness; while g3501 is properly so with respect to age

διαθήκη14 of 28

“testament”

G1242

properly, a disposition, i.e., (specially) a contract (especially a devisory will)

ἐστὶν15 of 28

“is”

G2076

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

ἐν16 of 28

“in”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

τῷ17 of 28
G3588

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

ἐμὴν18 of 28

“my”

G1699

my

αἵματι·19 of 28

“blood”

G129

blood, literally (of men or animals), figuratively (the juice of grapes) or specially (the atoning blood of christ); by implication, bloodshed, also k

τοῦτο20 of 28

“This”

G5124

that thing

ποιεῖτε21 of 28

“do ye”

G4160

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

ὁσάκις22 of 28

“as oft as”

G3740

how (i.e., with g0302, so) many times as

ἂν23 of 28
G302

whatsoever

πίνητε24 of 28

“ye drink”

G4095

to imbibe (literally or figuratively)

εἰς25 of 28

“it in”

G1519

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

τὴν26 of 28
G3588

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

ἐμὴν27 of 28

“my”

G1699

my

ἀνάμνησιν28 of 28

“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 11:25 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 11:25 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Luke 22:20Hebrews 9:15-20Hebrews 13:202 Corinthians 3:61 Corinthians 10:162 Corinthians 3:14

Test Your Knowledge

1 Corinthians 11 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter1 Corinthians Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read 1 Corinthians 11 with CommentaryAll 1 Corinthians ChaptersComplete 1 Corinthians QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes