King James Version

What Does Luke 22:17 Mean?

Luke 22:17 in the King James Version says “And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and said, Take this, and divide it among yourselves:” — study this verse from Luke chapter 22 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Luke 22:17 · KJV

Context

15

And he said unto them, With desire I have desired to eat this passover with you before I suffer: With desire: or, I have heartily desired

16

For I say unto you, I will not any more eat thereof , until it be fulfilled in the kingdom of God.

17

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

18

For I say unto you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine, until the kingdom of God shall come.

19

And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me.

Read Luke 22 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and said, Take this, and divide it among yourselves. Jesus took the cup (δεξάμενος ποτήριον, dexamenos potērion), likely the first or second of the four Passover cups. He gave thanks (εὐχαριστήσας, eucharistēsas, aorist active participle), using the root eucharistia from which we derive 'Eucharist.' This thanksgiving (εὐχαριστέω, eucharisteō) blessed God for the fruit of the vine and redemption it symbolized.

Take this, and divide it among yourselves (λάβετε τοῦτο καὶ διαμερίσατε ἑαυτοῖς, labete touto kai diamerisate heautois) commands communal participation. The verb divide (διαμερίσατε, diamerisate, aorist active imperative) emphasizes sharing the single cup among all—corporate unity in covenant participation. Ironically, the same verb will describe soldiers dividing Christ's garments (Luke 23:34). The shared cup anticipates the 'cup of the new covenant in my blood' (v. 20), binding participants together as the blood of Exodus 24:8 bound Israel to God at Sinai.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The Passover Seder involved four cups of wine: (1) Cup of Sanctification (blessing), (2) Cup of Instruction (during haggadah recitation), (3) Cup of Redemption (after the meal, likely what became the communion cup), and (4) Cup of Consummation (praise). Wine was mixed with water (typically 3 parts wine to 1 part water) and passed ceremonially.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the act of 'dividing' the cup among themselves illustrate the unity and equality of believers in Christ?
  2. What significance do you find in Jesus 'giving thanks' (eucharistēsas) even as He faced the cross hours away?
  3. How should the communal nature of the Lord's Table ('divide it among yourselves') challenge individualistic approaches to faith?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 10 words
καὶ1 of 10

“And”

G2532

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

δεξάμενος2 of 10

“he took”

G1209

to receive (in various applications, literally or figuratively)

ποτήριον3 of 10

“the cup”

G4221

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

εὐχαριστήσας4 of 10

“and gave thanks”

G2168

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

εἶπεν5 of 10

“and said”

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

Λάβετε6 of 10

“Take”

G2983

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

τοῦτο7 of 10

“this”

G5124

that thing

καὶ8 of 10

“And”

G2532

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

διαμερίσατε9 of 10

“divide”

G1266

to partition thoroughly (literally in distribution, figuratively in dissension)

ἑαυτοῖς·10 of 10

“it among yourselves”

G1438

(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc

Study Guide

Historical Context

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

Theological Significance

Luke 22:17 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 Luke 22:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 116:13Luke 22:19Deuteronomy 8:10Jeremiah 16:7Luke 9:161 Timothy 4:4-5

Test Your Knowledge

Luke 22 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterLuke Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Luke 22 with CommentaryAll Luke ChaptersComplete Luke QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes