King James Version
What Does Mark 14:23 Mean?
“And he took the cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them: and they all drank of it.”
Mark 14:23 · KJV
Context
21
The Son of man indeed goeth, as it is written of him: but woe to that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! good were it for that man if he had never been born.
22
And as they did eat, Jesus took bread, and blessed, and brake it, and gave to them, and said, Take, eat: this is my body.
23
And he took the cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them: and they all drank of it.
24
And he said unto them, This is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many.
25
Verily I say unto you, I will drink no more of the fruit of the vine, until that day that I drink it new in the kingdom of God.
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryThis verse captures the institution of the Lord's Supper, the cup representing Christ's blood shed for covenant redemption. "He took the cup" (λαβὼν ποτήριον, labōn potērion) describes Jesus' deliberate action during the Passover meal. The definite article "the cup" likely refers to the third cup of the Passover Seder, the "cup of redemption," drunk after the meal. Jesus transformed this Jewish ritual into a new covenant memorial. "When he had given thanks" (εὐχαριστήσας, eucharistēsas) is the verb from which we get "Eucharist." This wasn't mere politeness but profound thanksgiving to the Father for redemption, even as Jesus faced the cross. "He gave it to them" demonstrates the cup's purpose wasn't Christ's consumption but the disciples' participation. The Lord's Supper is participatory—believers partake of Christ's redemptive work. "And they all drank of it" emphasizes universal participation. All disciples drank, unlike Roman Catholic practice restricting the cup to clergy. The New Testament pattern is clear: all believers partake of both bread and cup. The cup represents the new covenant in Christ's blood (Luke 22:20). Old covenant blood was sprinkled on the people (Exodus 24:8); new covenant blood is received spiritually through faith, symbolized in the cup. This fulfills Jeremiah 31:31-34—God's law written on hearts through Christ's sacrifice.
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Historical & Cultural Context
This event occurred in the Upper Room during Passover, likely Thursday evening before Jesus' crucifixion on Friday. The Passover commemorated Israel's deliverance from Egyptian bondage when the destroying angel passed over homes marked with lamb's blood (Exodus 12). The Passover Seder (order of service) followed prescribed elements: four cups of wine, unleavened bread, bitter herbs, lamb, and liturgical recitations. Jesus transformed this ancient ritual. The bread became His body broken; the cup became His blood shed—establishing a new Passover with Christ as the Lamb of God. First-century Judaism understood covenants were ratified with blood (Genesis 15:9-21; Exodus 24:3-8). The early church continued this practice as the central act of worship. Acts 2:42 records believers "continued steadfastly in... breaking of bread." Throughout church history, debate has surrounded this sacrament, but all Christian traditions recognize its central importance as Christ's own institution.
Reflection Questions
- What does Jesus' act of giving thanks for the cup representing His death teach us about submission to God's will in suffering?
- How does the fact that 'they all drank of it' challenge practices that restrict the cup to clergy or limit who may participate in communion?
- In what ways does the Lord's Supper serve as both a remembrance of Christ's past work and a proclamation of ongoing spiritual realities?
- How should understanding the cup as representing the new covenant in Christ's blood shape our approach to communion and our daily walk?
- What is the relationship between the Passover lamb's blood on the doorposts and Christ's blood in the cup, and what does this tell us about redemption?
Original Language Analysis
Greek · 12 wordsκαὶ1 of 12
“And”
G2532and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ποτήριον4 of 12
“the cup”
G4221a drinking-vessel; by extension, the contents thereof, i.e., a cupful (draught); figuratively, a lot or fate
εὐχαριστήσας5 of 12
“and when he had given thanks”
G2168to be grateful, i.e., (actively) to express gratitude (towards); specially, to say grace at a meal
ἔδωκεν6 of 12
“he gave”
G1325to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)
αὐτοῦ7 of 12
“it”
G846the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
καὶ8 of 12
“And”
G2532and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐξ10 of 12
“of”
G1537a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
αὐτοῦ11 of 12
“it”
G846the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
Study Guide
Historical Context
This verse is found in the book of Mark. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Theological Significance
Mark 14:23 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 Mark 14:23 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge