King James Version

What Does Luke 22:20 Mean?

Luke 22:20 in the King James Version says “Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you.” — study this verse from Luke chapter 22 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Luke 22:20 · KJV

Context

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.

22

And truly the Son of man goeth, as it was determined: but woe unto that man by whom he is betrayed!

Read Luke 22 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The New Covenant cup: 'Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you.' After instituting the bread, Jesus took 'the cup after supper' (τὸ ποτήριον... μετὰ τὸ δειπνῆσαι, to potērion... meta to deipnēsai), declaring: 'This cup is the new testament in my blood' (Τοῦτο τὸ ποτήριον ἡ καινὴ διαθήκη ἐν τῷ αἵματί μου, Touto to potērion hē kainē diathēkē en tō haimati mou). The term 'testament' (διαθήκη, diathēkē) means covenant. Jesus institutes a 'new covenant' prophesied in Jeremiah 31:31-34, ratified by His blood 'which is shed for you' (τὸ ὑπὲρ ὑμῶν ἐκχυννόμενον, to hyper hymōn ekchynnomenon, poured out on your behalf). The Old Covenant at Sinai was ratified with animal blood (Exodus 24:8); the New Covenant is ratified with Christ's blood. This is the heart of the gospel: Christ's substitutionary death establishes relationship with God.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The Last Supper occurred during Passover, when Jews remembered deliverance from Egypt through the lamb's blood (Exodus 12). Jesus reinterprets Passover through Himself—He is the true Lamb whose blood delivers from sin and death. The 'new covenant' fulfills Jeremiah's prophecy of internal transformation, written law on hearts, universal knowledge of God, and complete forgiveness (Jeremiah 31:31-34). Hebrews 8-10 extensively develops how Christ's once-for-all sacrifice surpasses the Old Covenant's repeated offerings. The Lord's Supper/Eucharist/Communion has been observed by Christians for 2,000 years, remembering Christ's death until He returns (1 Corinthians 11:26). This simple meal encapsulates the gospel: Christ's body broken and blood shed for sinners' salvation.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Jesus' institution of the New Covenant fulfill Old Testament prophecy and typology?
  2. What does it mean that the covenant is 'in my blood'—why was blood necessary?
  3. How should regular observance of Communion shape Christian life and worship?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 22 words
ὡσαύτως1 of 22

“Likewise”

G5615

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

καὶ2 of 22

“also”

G2532

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

τὸ3 of 22

“which”

G3588

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

ποτήριον4 of 22

“cup”

G4221

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

μετὰ5 of 22

“after”

G3326

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

τὸ6 of 22

“which”

G3588

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

δειπνῆσαι7 of 22

“supper”

G1172

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

λέγων,8 of 22

“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 22

“This”

G5124

that thing

τὸ10 of 22

“which”

G3588

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

ποτήριον11 of 22

“cup”

G4221

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

τὸ12 of 22

“which”

G3588

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

καινὴ13 of 22

“is the new”

G2537

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

διαθήκη14 of 22

“testament”

G1242

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

ἐν15 of 22

“in”

G1722

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

τὸ16 of 22

“which”

G3588

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

αἵματί17 of 22

“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

μου18 of 22

“my”

G3450

of me

τὸ19 of 22

“which”

G3588

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

ὑπὲρ20 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

ὑμῶν21 of 22

“you”

G5216

of (from or concerning) you

ἐκχυνόμενον22 of 22

“is shed”

G1632

to pour forth; figuratively, to bestow

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 22:20 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 22:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 26:281 Corinthians 11:25Zechariah 9:11Hebrews 13:20Exodus 24:82 Corinthians 3:6

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