King James Version

What Does Mark 14:24 Mean?

Mark 14:24 in the King James Version says “And he said unto them, This is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many.” — study this verse from Mark chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And he said unto them, This is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many.”

Mark 14:24 · KJV

Context

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.

26

And when they had sung an hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives. hymn: or, psalm

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
At the Last Supper, Jesus said: 'This is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many' (Τοῦτό ἐστιν τὸ αἷμά μου τῆς διαθήκης τὸ ἐκχυννόμενον ὑπὲρ πολλῶν). The cup represents Christ's blood establishing 'new testament/covenant' (diathēkē, διαθήκη). This echoes Exodus 24:8, where Moses sprinkled blood saying, 'Behold the blood of the covenant.' Jesus' blood ratifies the new covenant prophesied in Jeremiah 31:31-34. The phrase 'shed for many' (ekchynnomenon hyper pollōn, ἐκχυννόμενον ὑπὲρ πολλῶν) indicates substitutionary atonement—His blood poured out on behalf of others. 'Many' doesn't mean few but multitude (Romans 5:15, 19). Christ's blood cleanses from sin (1 John 1:7), purchases the church (Acts 20:28), and mediates the new covenant (Hebrews 9:11-28; 12:24). Communion celebrates this covenant until Christ returns.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The Last Supper occurred on Passover eve (or Passover itself, depending on Gospel chronology). Jesus transformed Passover symbolism: bread and wine became His body and blood. The 'new covenant' fulfilled Jeremiah 31:31-34's prophecy of forgiveness and heart transformation. Old covenant used animal blood (Exodus 24:8; Leviticus 17:11); new covenant uses Christ's blood (Hebrews 9:11-14). Early church celebrated communion/Eucharist regularly (Acts 2:42; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26). Debates arose over real presence versus symbolic memorial. Roman Catholicism teaches transubstantiation (bread/wine become literal body/blood); Luther taught consubstantiation (Christ present with bread/wine); Reformed view emphasizes spiritual presence and commemoration. All agree it's covenant meal celebrating Christ's atoning death.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Jesus' blood establishing the 'new covenant' fulfill and supersede the old covenant sealed with animal blood?
  2. What does the phrase 'shed for many' teach about the extent and sufficiency of Christ's atonement?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 16 words
καὶ1 of 16

“And”

G2532

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

εἶπεν2 of 16

“he said”

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

αὐτοῖς3 of 16

“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

Τοῦτό4 of 16

“This”

G5124

that thing

ἐστιν5 of 16

“is”

G2076

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

τὸ6 of 16

“which”

G3588

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

αἷμά7 of 16

“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

μου8 of 16

“my”

G3450

of me

τὸ9 of 16

“which”

G3588

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

τὸ10 of 16

“which”

G3588

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

καινῆς11 of 16

“of the new”

G2537

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

διαθήκης12 of 16

“testament”

G1242

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

τὸ13 of 16

“which”

G3588

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

περὶ14 of 16

“for”

G4012

properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas

πολλῶν15 of 16

“many”

G4183

(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely

ἐκχυνόμενον16 of 16

“is shed”

G1632

to pour forth; figuratively, to bestow

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 14:24 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 14:24 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Zechariah 9:11Exodus 24:8Revelation 7:9-17Hebrews 9:15-231 Corinthians 10:16Revelation 5:8-10

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