King James Version

What Does Luke 22:19 Mean?

Luke 22:19 in the King James Version says “And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: th... — study this verse from Luke chapter 22 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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.

Luke 22:19 · KJV


Context

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.

21

But, behold, the hand of him that betrayeth me is with me on the table.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jesus institutes the Lord's Supper using unleavened bread from the Passover meal to symbolize His body 'given for you' (Greek 'didomenon'—present passive participle, emphasizing ongoing giving). The command 'this do in remembrance of me' (Greek 'anamnēsin'—remembrance/memorial) establishes a recurring ordinance for the church to regularly remember Christ's sacrifice. This parallels the Passover's memorial function, now pointing not backward to Egyptian deliverance but forward to the cross and backward from the post-resurrection church. Luke's account emphasizes the sacrificial nature ('given for you') and the memorial purpose, making Christ's death personal, substitutionary, and perpetually significant for His people.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Instituted during the Last Supper on Passover evening, Thursday of Holy Week (around 30 AD), in an upper room in Jerusalem. This transformed the Passover meal by giving it new meaning centered on Jesus as the true Passover Lamb (1 Corinthians 5:7), whose death would accomplish the ultimate exodus from sin.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the command to 'remember' Christ's sacrifice affect your understanding of regular communion participation?
  2. In what ways does Jesus' body being 'given for you' personally challenge you to respond with gratitude and devotion?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 24 words
καὶ1 of 24

And

G2532

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

λαβὼν2 of 24

he took

G2983

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

ἄρτον3 of 24

bread

G740

bread (as raised) or a loaf

εὐχαριστήσας4 of 24

and gave thanks

G2168

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

ἔκλασεν5 of 24

and brake

G2806

to break (specially, of bread)

καὶ6 of 24

And

G2532

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

διδόμενον·7 of 24

gave

G1325

to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)

αὐτοῖς8 of 24

unto them

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

λέγων,9 of 24

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

τοῦτο10 of 24

This

G5124

that thing

ἐστιν11 of 24

is

G2076

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

τὴν12 of 24

which

G3588

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

σῶμά13 of 24

body

G4983

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

μου14 of 24

my

G3450

of me

τὴν15 of 24

which

G3588

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

ὑπὲρ16 of 24

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

ὑμῶν17 of 24

you

G5216

of (from or concerning) you

διδόμενον·18 of 24

gave

G1325

to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)

τοῦτο19 of 24

This

G5124

that thing

ποιεῖτε20 of 24

do

G4160

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

εἰς21 of 24

of

G1519

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

τὴν22 of 24

which

G3588

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

ἐμὴν23 of 24

me

G1699

my

ἀνάμνησιν24 of 24

in remembrance

G364

recollection


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 22:19 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 22:19 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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