King James Version

What Does Luke 22:18 Mean?

Luke 22:18 in the King James Version says “For I say unto you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine, until the kingdom of God shall come.” — study this verse from Luke chapter 22 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Luke 22:18 · KJV

Context

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.

20

Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you.

Read Luke 22 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For I say unto you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine, until the kingdom of God shall come. Jesus repeats the solemn vow structure from verse 16, again using emphatic double negative: I will not drink (οὐ μὴ πίω, ou mē piō, aorist subjunctive with ou mē). The fruit of the vine (τοῦ γενήματος τῆς ἀμπέλου, tou genēmatos tēs ampelou) is the liturgical phrase for wine in Jewish blessings, emphasizing natural origins—God's gift from vineyard to cup.

Until the kingdom of God shall come (ἕως οὗ ἡ βασιλεία τοῦ θεοῦ ἔλθῃ, heōs hou hē basileia tou theou elthē) points to Kingdom consummation. The Kingdom 'comes' in stages: inaugurated at Christ's first advent, advanced through the church age, consummated at His return. Jesus abstains until that final fulfillment when He drinks wine 'new' (Matthew 26:29) with His people at the eschatological banquet. This vow transforms the meal from memorial of past deliverance to anticipation of future glory—communion becomes both remembrance (anamnēsis) and foretaste (prolepsis) of the coming feast.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Wine symbolized covenant joy throughout Scripture (Psalm 104:15, Proverbs 3:10, John 2:1-11). The messianic age was portrayed as abundant wine (Amos 9:13-14, Joel 3:18). Jesus' vow to abstain heightens the tragedy of the cross—He who would give His blood refuses wine's comfort, taking only the 'cup' of God's wrath (Luke 22:42).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Jesus' abstinence from wine 'until the kingdom comes' affect your understanding of His sacrifice and self-denial?
  2. What does it mean that communion is both backward-looking (remembrance) and forward-looking (anticipation of the Kingdom)?
  3. How should the promise that Jesus will drink wine 'new' with you in the Kingdom shape your hope and perseverance?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 19 words
λέγω1 of 19

“I say”

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

γὰρ2 of 19

“For”

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

ὑμῖν3 of 19

“unto you”

G5213

to (with or by) you

ὅτι4 of 19
G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

οὐ5 of 19
G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

μὴ6 of 19
G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

πίω7 of 19

“I will”

G4095

to imbibe (literally or figuratively)

ἀπὸ8 of 19

“of”

G575

"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)

τοῦ9 of 19
G3588

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

γεννήματος10 of 19

“the fruit”

G1081

offspring; by analogy, produce (literally or figuratively)

τῆς11 of 19
G3588

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

ἀμπέλου12 of 19

“of the vine”

G288

a vine (as coiling about a support)

ἕως13 of 19

“until”

G2193

a conjunction, preposition and adverb of continuance, until (of time and place)

ὅτου14 of 19
G3755

during which same time, i.e., whilst

ἡ15 of 19
G3588

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

βασιλεία16 of 19

“the kingdom”

G932

properly, royalty, i.e., (abstractly) rule, or (concretely) a realm (literally or figuratively)

τοῦ17 of 19
G3588

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

θεοῦ18 of 19

“of God”

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

ἔλθῃ19 of 19

“shall come”

G2064

to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

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 22:18 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 22:18 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 26:29Luke 22:16Isaiah 55:1Mark 14:25Zechariah 9:15Acts 2:30-36

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